Visitors to Guyana can now obtain a driver’s permit from the arrival hall at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) at Timehri.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce said this measure is to provide tourists with hassle-free access to a driver’s permit, free of cost.
Tourism Minister Manniram Prashad, who unveiled a notice in the arrival hall bearing this information, told an audience which included CJIA CEO Ramesh Ghir, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Indranauth Haralsingh and representatives of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) that although it has been enforced persons still inquire about obtaining driver’s permits at the point of entry.
Prashad said tourists usually obtain a driver’s permit from the GRA and have often complained about the long queues and hassle to obtain the document. The minister said that this would drastically reduce the waiting time which would be a great benefit to travellers, particularly those visiting Guyana for a weekend.
Prashad said a visitor must present his/her driver’s licence from their country of origin; complete an application form; and depending on the class of vehicle that person is allowed to drive in their country, a permit will be issued for a similar licence in Guyana.
The permit is valid for one month and is renewable for up to three months. “We want to make sure that people come to our beautiful country and from the airport, they can rent a car and explore and enjoy our country,” he said.
Prashad also said “As a result of this initiative of issuing driver’s permits free at the airport on arrival, we expect car rentals to mushroom in this area” and he urged persons to take up the challenge. The minister said the service will also be available at the Ogle International Airport, and possibly at Moleson Creek and the Takutu Bridge crossings.
He said that information regarding the issuing of driver’s permits for visitors would be disseminated both locally and internationally including to foreign missions, the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, hotels, resorts, tour operators and other stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industry. Details will also be published on the GTA, CJIA and GRA websites.
