Shipping to Guyana: Complete Freight Guide for Importers and Exporters

You ship to Guyana by ocean (FCL, LCL or breakbulk) into the Port of Georgetown or by air into Cheddi Jagan International (GEO); LCL from Miami takes about 9 days, and the Guyana Revenue Authority clears entries on ASYCUDA World, charging CARICOM CET duty plus 14% VAT. Guyana has become the fastest-changing freight market in the region. Offshore oil production in the Stabroek block has pulled in drilling contractors, shore bases, construction firms and the hotels, housing and retail that follow them, and import volumes have grown accordingly. The physical gateway has not grown at the same pace: Georgetown's port sits on the Demerara River, where channel depth limits the size of ships that can call, so cargo arrives on smaller feeder vessels after transshipment or on direct services from Miami. On the paperwork side, Guyana is a CARICOM member applying the Common External Tariff, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) runs customs on ASYCUDA World, VAT is 14%, and a GRA relief that caps the freight value used for duty at pre-pandemic levels runs through December 31, 2026. Shippers who plan for feeder capacity and get import licences and tax identification in place early move cargo into Guyana predictably.

Guyana Shipping at a Glance: Transit Times and Options

Miami to Georgetown is the reference LCL lane into Guyana at about 9 days; FCL from US ports takes 8 to 14 days, air 1 to 3 days and Asia 35 to 50 days.

Transit is port to port. Feeder space into Georgetown tightens during peak project activity, so book early and follow the eight steps below.

How to Ship to Guyana: Step by Step

Shipping to Guyana follows eight steps, and registration with GRA comes before the first booking.

1. Register and check licences. The importer obtains a GRA Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), classifies the goods under the CARICOM Common External Tariff, and secures any import licence from the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce or approval from GA-FDD before shipment.
2. Choose the mode and Incoterm. LCL from Miami covers 1 to 15 CBM, FCL covers larger or heavy loads, breakbulk covers out-of-gauge equipment and air into GEO covers operations-critical parts; ask the supplier to show FOB value and freight separately on the invoice.
3. Book feeder space early. Deliver LCL cargo to a Miami CFS for consolidation to Georgetown, or book FCL or breakbulk space, planned for Demerara draft and berth availability.
4. Prepare the documents. Collect the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, certificate of origin for CARICOM treatment and any licence, concession letter or IMDG/IATA DGR declaration.
5. File the US export record. For US-origin cargo, the exporter or forwarder files Electronic Export Information (EEI) in AES when a Schedule B line exceeds US$2,500 or the goods need an export licence.
6. Transit to Georgetown. The cargo sails about 9 days from Miami for LCL, or relays through a Caribbean or Panama hub onto a feeder from Asia and Europe.
7. File the eSAD in ASYCUDA World. The importer or a GRA-registered broker lodges the electronic Single Administrative Document with supporting documents and any approved concession referenced.
8. Pay duty and VAT, then take delivery. CET duty, 14% VAT and any excise are paid online through ASYCUDA World, selected cargo is examined, and the goods are released at the wharf.

Most of the planning in steps 2 and 3 centers on the US leg, the main origin of Guyana's capital goods.

Shipping From the USA to Guyana

US cargo for Guyana moves through Miami, where the IWF published LCL lane to Georgetown runs about 9 days in transit. The US is the main origin for Guyana's capital goods, spare parts and much of its consumer goods. The lane carries a reference rate of about $1,005 for 5 CBM / 1,500 kg (IWF published LCL rate, September 2026; excludes destination duties, taxes and local charges), quoted FCA Miami CFS to the Georgetown port of discharge.

LCL fits the high-frequency, low-volume orders that Guyana's growth generates: oilfield tools, PPE, electrical components, IT equipment and retail restocks bought from several US suppliers. Consolidating at a Miami CFS turns them into one shipment and one customs entry. If shared container space is new to your team, read how LCL container shipping works before your first booking.

Full containers from Miami or US Gulf ports pay off from 15 CBM, or for heavy cargo such as steel, cement products and generators. Interworld Freight books containers to Guyana through its Caribbean container shipping service. Heavy-lift and out-of-gauge items (cranes, modules, pressure vessels) move as breakbulk or on flat racks; because of river draft and berth limits, these need vessel and berth planning well before cargo is ready, which our project cargo team handles.

Air freight lands at Cheddi Jagan International (GEO) at Timehri, south of Georgetown. Air freight to Guyana is the standard route for parts that keep rigs, vessels and plants running, where a few days of downtime cost more than the airfreight. Cargo from outside the Americas takes a longer, relayed route.

Shipping From China, Asia and Europe to Guyana

Asian cargo reaches Guyana in 35 to 50 days port to port, always by transshipment, because mainline vessels cannot enter the Demerara channel. Containers are relayed at a Caribbean or Panama hub and carried to Georgetown on a feeder. The hub you transship through affects both transit and reliability; our overview of Caribbean transshipment hubs explains how the main regional hubs compare.

European cargo, including specialized oilfield and marine equipment, follows the same relay pattern in three to five weeks. A practical alternative for both origins is to land goods in Miami first, combine them with US-sourced items, and send one consolidated shipment to Georgetown. That reduces the number of Guyanese customs entries and lets you hold cargo in Miami until the site is ready. The same feeder constraint applies next door, as our guide to shipping to Suriname shows for Paramaribo.

Which Ports and Airports Handle Cargo in Guyana?

General cargo for Guyana lands at the private wharves of the Port of Georgetown on the Demerara River, and air cargo at Cheddi Jagan International (GEO).

• Port of Georgetown (GYGEO): the principal port, on the east bank of the Demerara River near its mouth, with multiple private wharves operated by companies such as John Fernandes Ltd. for containers and bulk. Channel draft restricts vessel size, and dredging is part of the government's port expansion agenda.
• Shore bases on the Demerara: dedicated oil and gas supply bases, including Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI) on the East Bank, serve offshore operators with port, warehousing and laydown; they handle energy-sector cargo rather than general imports.
• Berbice and Essequibo river ports: serve bauxite, sugar, rice and regional trade, not general container imports.
• Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO), Timehri: the main international air cargo gateway.
• Eugene F. Correia International Airport (OGL), Ogle: smaller airport near Georgetown used for regional and domestic flights.

Guyana shares land borders with Venezuela and Brazil, but imports from the USA, Asia and Europe arrive by sea or air through Georgetown; our guides to shipping to Venezuela and shipping to Brazil cover those neighbouring markets. Whichever gateway the cargo uses, release runs through GRA.

How Does Customs Clearance Work in Guyana?

Imports clear through the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Customs and Trade Administration, on ASYCUDA World, and every importer needs a GRA Taxpayer Identification Number plus, for licensable goods, an import licence from the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, according to the U.S. Commercial Service guide to Guyana customs regulations. ASYCUDA World is the integrated platform that handles manifests, declarations and accounting.

1. Register: the importer obtains a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) from GRA and any import licence required from the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.
2. Declare: the importer or a GRA-registered customs broker completes the electronic Single Administrative Document (eSAD) in ASYCUDA World and uploads supporting documents (invoice, bill of lading, licences, exemption letters). A simplified declaration is available for qualifying low-value shipments.
3. Assess and pay: duty, VAT and excise are calculated in the system; GRA allows online payment of customs duties and taxes through ASYCUDA World.
4. Examine and release: selected cargo is examined, then released to the importer or the wharf for delivery.

Commercial and oil and gas importers use a GRA-registered broker, above all where exemptions or concessions apply. The amount paid in step 3 follows the CET and VAT rules below.

What Are the Customs Duty Rates and Taxes in Guyana?

Guyana charges goods from outside CARICOM Common External Tariff (CET) duty of 5% to 20% (40% on certain agricultural products), then 14% VAT on the CIF value plus duties and other charges, according to the U.S. Commercial Service summary of Guyana import tariffs.

• Import duty: CET rate by HS code on CIF value.
• Value added tax (VAT): 14%, calculated on CIF value plus import duties and any other taxes and charges; zero-rated and exempt items exist.
• Excise tax: on consumables such as alcoholic beverages, tobacco, petroleum products and vehicles, applied to the duty-inclusive import value.
• Environmental tax: about US$0.05 per unit on non-returnable beverage containers.

Freight relief on valuation: for goods in 20ft and 40ft containers from specified countries, GRA reduces the freight charge used to calculate duties and taxes to March 31, 2020 levels whenever actual freight exceeds that benchmark. The relief applies to invoices dated on or after August 1, 2021 and has been extended to December 31, 2026; invoices must show FOB values clearly.

2026 budget measures: from February 16, 2026, GRA applies exemptions under the 2026 budget on imports of security cameras, alarms, outboard engines up to 150 HP, ATVs and specified new, hybrid and double cab vehicles by age and engine size.

Tax concessions through the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) are available for strategic projects and qualifying investments, and oil and gas operators and their contractors import under such concessions when granted. They must be approved and referenced in the declaration. For how Guyana's charges compare with other CARICOM members, see Caribbean import duties and taxes; the same CET base applies when shipping to Trinidad and Tobago, where VAT is 12.5%. GRA assesses all of it from the documents filed with the eSAD.

What Documents Are Required to Ship to Guyana?

A Guyanese entry needs the invoice, transport document, the importer's TIN and any licence, approval or concession letter that applies:

• Commercial invoice (showing FOB value and freight separately)
• Packing list
• Bill of lading or air waybill
• eSAD customs declaration in ASYCUDA World
• Importer's Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
• Import licence or permit where applicable
• Tax exemption or concession letter, where claimed
• Certificate of origin when claiming CARICOM treatment
• Health or Government Analyst Food and Drug Department approvals for regulated food, drugs and cosmetics

The licence and approval lines on that list depend on the commodity.

Restricted Goods and Import Permits in Guyana

Licensable goods need an import licence before shipment, and food, drugs, cosmetics and firearms need prior approval from the relevant agency.

• Import licences: issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce for licensable goods.
• Food, drugs and cosmetics: regulated products need approval from the Ministry of Health and the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) where they fall under its control.
• Firearms and ammunition: require approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Commissioner of Police.
• Used vehicles: subject to GRA rules on age and condition, which have changed over time; used vehicles shipped from February 1, 2025 also need a pre-shipment inspection certificate. Confirm current eligibility before purchase.
• Oil and gas cargo: Guyana's Local Content Act (2021) sets requirements for Guyanese participation in services supplied to the petroleum sector; operators and contractors confirm how it applies to their logistics contracts.
• Dangerous goods: chemicals, drilling additives, batteries and gas cylinders must be classified and documented to IMDG or IATA DGR rules; feeder carriers into Georgetown set their own acceptance limits, so confirm before booking.

With permits in place, the mode decision comes down to volume, weight and urgency.

LCL, FCL or Air Freight: What Is the Cheapest Way to Ship to Guyana?

LCL from Miami is the cheapest way to ship 1 to 15 CBM to Guyana, FCL wins above 15 CBM, air for operations-critical parts and breakbulk for out-of-gauge cargo.

• Under 1 CBM or operations-critical: air to GEO.
• 1 to 15 CBM: LCL from Miami, about 9 days. Consolidate multiple vendors into one weekly shipment.
• 15 CBM and up, or heavy cargo: 20ft FCL; 40ft for light, bulky goods above 30 CBM.
• Out-of-gauge or very heavy: breakbulk or flat rack, planned with Demerara draft and berth availability.

Key Industries Shipping Freight to Guyana

Oil and gas is the driver of freight to Guyana. ExxonMobil Guyana operates the Stabroek block, where national production passed 900,000 barrels per day after the Yellowtail development started in August 2025. The fifth production vessel, the Errea Wittu FPSO for the Uaru development (about 250,000 barrels per day of capacity), arrived in Guyana in August 2026, with first oil targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026. Each development brings drilling, subsea and marine cargo, plus a permanent flow of spares and consumables through the shore bases.

Beyond that core, construction (roads, housing, hotels, the gas-to-energy program), retail, automotive and food distribution are importing more than ever, while Guyana continues to export gold, bauxite, rice, sugar and timber. For operators and service companies, the next step is building a resilient supply chain for equipment and critical spares, which our follow-up on the oil and gas supply chain for shipping equipment and spares to Guyana covers in detail.

Choosing a Freight Forwarder for Guyana

The right forwarder for Guyana combines a dependable Miami consolidation, early feeder bookings, correct dangerous goods documentation and coordination with a GRA-registered broker so the eSAD, licences and concessions are ready when the vessel docks. Interworld Freight was founded in Miami in 1992 and runs ocean FCL and LCL, air freight, project cargo and customs coordination from its Miami hub, with warehousing to stage and consolidate orders and coverage on every major trade lane into Georgetown. Quotes are answered within one business day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does shipping from Miami to Guyana take?

LCL from Miami to Georgetown takes about 9 days in transit on the IWF published lane. Full containers from US ports take 8 to 14 days, and air freight to Cheddi Jagan International (GEO) 1 to 3 days.

What is the cheapest way to ship to Guyana?

For commercial cargo of 1 to 15 CBM, LCL consolidation from Miami is the cheapest option: the IWF published rate is about $1,005 for 5 CBM / 1,500 kg (September 2026), quoted FCA Miami CFS to the Georgetown port of discharge and excluding Guyanese duties, VAT and local charges. Combining several suppliers into one shipment also means one customs entry.

How much does it cost to ship a 20ft container to Guyana?

A 20ft rate to Georgetown is quoted per shipment, because it depends on origin, feeder space, terminal handling and wharf charges. Feeder capacity tightens during peak project activity, so early booking protects both price and schedule. Duties and VAT are paid on top, though GRA's freight relief limits the freight value used in that calculation through December 31, 2026.

What are the customs duty rates in Guyana?

Guyana applies the CARICOM CET at 5% to 20% on goods from outside CARICOM, with 40% on certain agricultural products. VAT of 14% is then charged on the CIF value plus duties, and excise applies to alcohol, tobacco, petroleum products and vehicles.

What documents are needed for customs clearance in Guyana?

You need the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, the eSAD declaration in ASYCUDA World and the importer's GRA Taxpayer Identification Number. Add an import licence, concession letter, certificate of origin or GA-FDD approval where the goods require them.

Can you import food into Guyana?

Yes, with prior approval from the Ministry of Health and the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department for regulated products, alongside the import licence where one applies. Plan approvals before the cargo sails, because food held at the wharf accrues storage.

What are the new import rules in Guyana?

From February 16, 2026, GRA applies 2026 budget exemptions on items such as security cameras, alarms, outboard engines up to 150 HP and specified vehicles. The freight relief on customs valuation runs to December 31, 2026, and used vehicles shipped since February 1, 2025 need a pre-shipment inspection certificate.

Can oil and gas equipment be imported duty-free?

Only under an approved tax concession or exemption. Operators and contractors import under these concessions; they must be granted before arrival and referenced on the declaration; otherwise CET duty, VAT and any excise apply.

Photo: Demerara Harbour Bridge, Guyana. Dan Lundberg, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.