Guyana’s tourism drive has hit a stumbling block with a Level Three U.S. travel advisory urging American citizens to “reconsider travel” to the country, but Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues says the government is actively pressing U.S. officials to have the classification reviewed.
Rodrigues confirmed on Monday that the issue is high on the government’s agenda, with direct discussions already held with U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot. The Minister revealed that the ambassador has pledged to work with Guyana in addressing the concerns that triggered the advisory, which was issued on May 12, 2025.
“We had a very good conversation. She has pledged that she will work with Guyana to address some of the concerns that may have caused this travel advisory,” Rodrigues told the News Room on the sidelines of an event at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
Currently, Guyana’s Level Three ranking poses a significant hurdle for the country’s fast-growing tourism industry and wider investment climate. The advisory cited violent crime, including armed robbery and murder, while pointing to limitations in law enforcement resources. It also warned visitors to avoid travelling at night, exercise caution at ATMs and banks, and refrain from displaying valuables.
But Rodrigues argued that the advisory does not reflect Guyana’s current security landscape. She said crime has decreased, citing statistics that government intends to formally present to U.S. officials. The Minister has also engaged the U.S. Embassy’s Department of Commerce and is working closely with Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond and the Guyana Police Force to strengthen security assurances.
“Statistics show that serious crime has decreased in Guyana. We just want the opportunity to present that data so that we can have our threat level lowered,” she said, noting that Guyana is “due for a review in a month’s time.”
The government’s push comes at a time when tourism is playing an increasingly central role in national development and economic diversification. Rodrigues pointed to Guyana’s eco-tourism appeal and highlighted new initiatives such as the Georgetown Revival Plan, which seeks to expand the capital’s cultural and heritage offerings.
“People who come to Guyana for leisure or business, if for some reason they cannot go into our Rupununi, our savannahs and experience our Kaieteur Falls, then they can still experience what we have to offer in the tourism and hospitality sector in Georgetown,” she explained.
Despite the travel advisory, Rodrigues said Guyana continues to record increased visitor arrivals each year. The Ministry is now rolling out new strategies to not only showcase Guyana’s unique hospitality but also guarantee visitors feel safe during their stay.
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