Less hassle, more business opportunities expected with drivers’ permit change 

Guyana is hoping to attract more tourists and removing the need for a drivers’ permit is seen as a strategic move that will augur significant benefits for the country’s rising tourism sector, according to President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) Harrinand Persaud.

On Thursday, it was announced that drivers’ permit was no longer needed for foreigners seeking to drive in Guyana once the individual possesses a valid driver’s licence issued by a competent authority in the traveller’s country of residence.

Persaud said this announcement came as a surprise, but it was welcomed nevertheless. 

In fact, he related that THAG had engaged local tourism authorities on this matter due to numerous complaints from travellers. The need to apply for a permit from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), he said, was seen as a hassle. 

“… it’s very frustrating that you come into the country and then you have to go line up, try to go into GRA, before you get to rent a car,” Persaud told the News Room on Friday. 

He pointed out that when tourists visit other countries, they can rent a vehicle right at the airport to drive around at their convenience. 

But with the new regulations, he believes that car rental companies will be better positioned to offer these services at Guyana’s two major airports. He also believes that an upswing in the car rental business can be expected. 

“We see this as a very positive move, it is a step in the right direction (and) we didn’t even see it coming but obviously, it’s very exciting,” the THAG President highlighted. 

Meanwhile, Director (ag.) of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Kamrul Baksh explained that foreigners who possess licences from their country of residence would have undergone the same level of rigour to get those licences. 

And so with the requirement removed, he believes that many more people will find travelling around Guyana much easier.