Saudi Arabia opens E-Visa, Visa-on-Arrival access to Guyanese passport holders

…comes as a result of intensified bilateral relations, discussions between 2 nations – Govt

Travel to Saudi Arabia has now been made easier for Guyanese passport holders, who no longer need to have a visa beforehand.
Previously, Guyanese were required to go through an embassy or agent to obtain a visa before travelling to the Middle Eastern country or have a valid United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), or Schengen visa in order to qualify for a visa on arrival or electronic visa (e-visa).
But through strengthened bilateral relations between Guyana and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Guyanese will now benefit from the e-visa or visa on arrival without needing any prerequisites, according to the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry on Saturday.
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said this development is a consequence of the intensified bilateral relations and discussions between the two nations.
This is further coupled with the two countries’ mutual interest in expanding and advancing cooperation in trade, economic partnerships, investments, tourism, etc, as well as the strengthening of their bilateral relations centered on people-to-people contact.
As a result of this new development, Guyana is now the only country in South America whose passport holders can enter Saudi Arabia with a visa on arrival or an electronic (e-) visa, devoid of needing a US, UK, or Schengen visa in their passport.
“That requirement is no longer needed,” Takuba Lodge said in the statement. “Consequently, this makes travelling from Guyana to Saudi Arabia much easier-whether you’re travelling for Umrah, tourism, visiting family or friends, or simply visiting Saudi Arabia for any other purpose.”
Citizens travelling to the Middle Eastern country only need their Guyanese passports and the required visa fee/payment, for which they could apply for the e-visa or obtain the visa on arrival.
According to the Foreign Ministry, this recent development is very symbolic and bodes well for the further fostering, promotion and consolidation of our bilateral relationship.
It went on to say that the Guyana Government is determined and has been making concerted efforts to enhance features on Guyana’s Machine-Readable Passports, consistent with satisfying global standards and requirements and will continue in these endeavours.
Over the years, the Guyana Government has been in talks with a number of bilateral partners, including Canada and India. Additionally, some countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have also introduced visa-free travel for Guyanese passport holders. Guyana’s passport currently allows for visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to nearly 90 countries and territories around the world.
The latest Henley and Partners Passport Index, released in July 2026, ranked the Guyanese passport higher than some of its major Caribbean neighbours. The index puts Guyana’s passport at 55th globally-a one-spot drop from last year’s ranking of 54th with access to some 91 countries.
But even though the country dropped one spot down from last year, the Guyana passport still ranked higher than some of its Caribbean neighbours that are major tourist destinations, including Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.
But even with this 55th ranking and visa-free access to 88 countries, the Henley Index highlighted that Guyana still does not have visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen area. The Schengen area, consisting of 29 European countries, includes Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and others, allowing for seamless travel across the region. For years, the Guyana Government has been pushing for visa-free travel to Schengen countries.
Back in November 2022, the UK’s Government lifted the visa requirement for Guyanese passport holders. President Dr Irfaan Ali subsequently disclosed that at least five European countries have agreed to support Guyana’s bid for visa-free travel to the Schengen area, but no further progress has been reported.
Nevertheless, the opening of the French Embassy in Georgetown in September last year paved the way for the submission and processing of Schengen visa applications in Guyana, something that had long been pushed for. Previously, Guyanese wanting to obtain a Schengen visa would need to travel to neighbouring Suriname to complete the application process.
Back in May, French Ambassador to Guyana, Olivier Plançon, said his office is working to enhance the visa application and issuance process in the country.
“Please also be mindful of the fact that the Schengen visa is a gateway to no less than 27 countries, and our visa policy has to be coordinated with all of them. That being said, we are constantly striving to streamline the visa issuance process and we are well aware that improvements are needed and expected,” Plançon noted.
The French Ambassador had previously explained that while the long-term goal is visa-free travel between the two countries and the wider European Union (EU), the number of Schengen visas issued has doubled since the opening of the embassy here last year, moving from about 150 to now some 350.