Guyana

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Guyana, facilitating international productions of every scale with a full range of services, including location scouting, obtaining permits, full range of logistic support and connecting production teams with local talent and experienced crew.

Ultimate Filming Guide for Guyana

Capital

Georgetown

Main Cities

Georgetown, Linden, New Amsterdam, Corriverton, Bartica, Anna Regina, Mahaica, Rose Hall, Parika

Local Languages

English, Guyanese Creole and indigenous languages

Currency

Guyanese dollar (GYD)

Climate

Tropical

General Visa Requirements:

Film crews may require either a Business or Tourist visa depending on the project. Always check the Guyana Government’s official website or consult with the Embassy/Consulate in your home country.

Required Documents:

Valid passport (at least six months validity)
Completed and signed visa application form
Recent passport-sized photograph
Letter of intent or Terms of Reference from the client (must be provided to Reel Guyana before any fixing work begins)
Should include: overview of project, intended dates of visit, proposed filming locations, and any relevant details
Invitation letter or confirmation from local partner/fixer/company in Guyana (for business visa)
Proof of payment for visa fee
Proof of onward or return ticket
Health insurance certificate (for some nationalities)
Additional for film crews:
Letter explaining purpose and duration of project
List of crew members and equipment
Location permits/approvals (if applicable)

Visa Application Process:

https://eservices.iss.gov.gy/visitor-visa

Processing Time:

3–5 days

Cost:

$40–$60

Accreditation Requirements:

Permits are required to film in Guyana depending on location. Applications and supporting documents must be submitted to the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) or Ministry of Tourism.

Required Documents:

Business or tourist visa
Passport valid at least six months
Completed and signed accreditation form
Company registration/incorporation documents
Detailed project synopsis, script, or treatment
Location list
Equipment list
Liability insurance certificate
Depending on filming areas and activity, permits may also be required from:
Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA)*
Guyana Revenue Authority & Customs/Immigration*
Environmental Protection Agency*
Ministry of Amerindian Affairs (if filming in titled Indigenous communities)
Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (if using drones)

Processing Time:

3–4 weeks

Cost:

$40 - $750

Issuing Organization:

Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA)

Required Documents:

Completed and signed film permit application form
Project synopsis
Full script or treatment
Proposed location list
Shooting schedule
Crew list (names, roles, nationalities)
Equipment list

Processing Time:

3–4 weeks

Cost:

No GTA fee; facilitation costs depend on the fixer/local counterpart

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Location scouting (accessibility, aesthetics, logistics)
Contact with owners/managers
Site visit and negotiation of fees

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Varies by location; only determined once a production synopsis is shared
Interior locations (e.g., Rupununi) require advanced planning due to travel logistics:
Scheduled flights (limited payload)
Chartered flights (payload depends on aircraft type)
Road travel (8–16 hours depending on destination)
A recce (location scout trip) is strongly recommended for interior shoots

Drone Regulations:

Altitude limit: 400 ft (122 m)
Avoid restricted areas (airports, military bases)
Must yield to manned aircraft
Maintain visual line of sight

Drone Importation Regulations:

Drone categories: recreational, commercial, specialized
Max weight: 25 kg (55 lbs) for recreational drones
Frequency: 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz
Lithium-ion batteries subject to transport regulations
Note: Reel Guyana has a licensed and insured drone operator with a Mavic 3 Cine. Previous permit timelines were ~2 months, but the GCAA is revising its process.

Permit Issuance:

Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)

Timing:

6–8 weeks

Cost:

Confirmed by GCAA upon application

Carnet Status:

Guyana is a Carnet country, but customs clearance is usually granted only after a GTA endorsement letter.

Required Documents:

Commercial invoice
Packing list
Bill of lading
Airway bill
ATA Carnet (if applicable)
Client’s letter of intent
GTA endorsement letter
Approved equipment list (with serial numbers and values)

Issuing Organization:

Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA)

Timing:

2–5 days

Cost:

$75–$175

General Overview:

Generally safe for film crews
Locals are welcoming
Guyana has implemented policies to attract productions
GTA provides support; no formal Film Commission at present (fixing handled by private sector professionals)
Permit and logistics processes are relatively new and can be slow