Installment 2021-2
On January 26, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires all air travelers entering the United States (including US citizens and Legal Permanent Residents) to submit a COVID- test. 19 negative, taken within three calendar days of leaving or be prepared to show recovery documentation (recent positive viral test and letter from your healthcare provider or public health officer stating that you have been cleared to travel) . Airlines must deny boarding passengers who do not provide documentation of a negative test or recovery. For more information, see CDC’s FAQ page at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html
Q: I am a US citizen. Can the US Embassy help me in the event of an emergency outside the United States?
A: The US Embassy in Georgetown is able to provide emergency services to US citizens in cases of death, arrest, crime victimization, and emergency financial assistance. U.S. citizens with emergencies can reach the Embassy during business hours (7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday) at 592-225-4900 Ext 4222. Out of business hours, citizens can the US with life-threatening emergencies contact + 592-623-1992. When outside Guyana, US citizens can contact + 1-301-985-8667 Ext 4222 or 011-592-623-1992.
For information on what the Embassy can and cannot do in the event of an emergency, visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies/what-state-dept- can- cant-do-emergency.html
Q: What emergency services does the US Embassy provide to US citizens?
A: We can assist you in an emergency in the following ways:
• Replace your lost or stolen passport
• Link you to information about medical and legal aid in Guyana (eg attorneys, doctors, hospitals, air ambulance services)
• Address urgent needs arising from the crime
• Explain financial aid options to return to the United States if you are orphaned in Guyana
• Contact family, friends, or employers with your written consent, in accordance with the Privacy Act 1974
• Conduct a welfare / placement check on a US citizen in Guyana
Appointments for US citizen services can be made through our website which can be found here: https://evisaforms.state.gov//Instructions/ACSSchedulingSystem.asp.
We ask anyone who has a confirmed appointment to wear face cover and comply with social distance requirements when visiting the consular department.
Q: Can the US Embassy warn me in the event of a natural disaster or other large-scale crisis?
A: The US Embassy in Guyana strongly encourages US citizens to register with the Smart Passenger Registration Program (STEP): https://step.state.gov.
The Smart Passenger Registration Program (STEP) is a free service to allow US citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to register their trip with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. Benefits of STEP enlistment include:
· Receive important information from the Embassy on security conditions in your country of destination, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans.
· Help the US Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether it’s a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency.
· Help family and friends contact you in an emergency.
Q: Are there any steps I can take to better prepare for upcoming travel?
A: The US State Department maintains a comprehensive Passenger Checklist that will allow travelers to prepare for upcoming travel. The Checklist contains content and links regarding passenger insurance, travel to high-risk areas, required documentation, and other considerations. The Checklist can be found at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-checklist.html
The US State Department also provides guidance on the steps that US citizens can take to be prepared in the event of a crisis abroad. The guide includes advice on ways to keep up to date with conditions at the intended destination, ways to be prepared for emergencies, opportunities to be in contact with emergency contacts, and steps to stay safe when abroad. This guide can be found at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies/what-can-you-do-crisis-abroad.html
“Ask the Consul” is a monthly column from the US Embassy that answers questions about US immigration law and visa issues. Detailed information on visas and travel can be found at https://gy.usembassy.gov/, https://ais.usvisa-info.com/ and https://travel.state.gov/. Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare their own documents and avoid third party advice. US consular rules change frequently, and government advisers outside the US often provide inadequate or inaccurate information. Contact our Visa Information Service Center at toll-free numbers: 1-877-246-6788 or 703-988-5765 if you have general visa questions.