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Shipping to Guyana from Canada: 2026 Logistics & Rates Guide

Written by Timothy Byrnes | November 29, 2017

Guyana is currently one of the fastest-growing economies in the Western Hemisphere. Driven by a massive offshore oil boom and sustainable forestry, the trade lane between Canada and Guyana is busier than ever.

Whether you are shipping urgent machinery parts to the oil fields off the coast or sending a care package to family in Georgetown, navigating the logistics landscape requires local knowledge. This guide covers the essential 2026 shipping benchmarks, from Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO) clearance to the 16% VAT requirements.

🚚 Logistics Snapshot: Canada to Guyana

Primary Hubs: Shipments typically route through Miami or Port of Spain before arriving in Georgetown. But shipments are now being routed to avoid Miami and US duty and restrictions
Key Challenge: Strict customs inspection by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) means paperwork must be flawless.
Transit Times: Express air takes 2-4 days; Ocean freight can take 4-8 weeks depending on consolidation schedules and routings.

2026 Shipping Options: Canada to Guyana

Choosing the right carrier depends heavily on what you are sending. While Canada Post is excellent for personal letters, commercial mining equipment requires specialized freight forwarding.

Service Level Best For... Est. Transit Time Tracking
Canada Post (Surface) Small gifts, letters, personal items under 2kg. 4 - 8 Weeks Limited
Jet Worldwide Air Commercial shipments and heavier packages 3 - 7 Business Days Full Tracking
Ocean Freight (LCL) Large personal effects (barrels) or heavy inventory. 30 - 45 Days Port-to-Port
Courier (FedEx/DHL) General commercial goods. 2 - 5 Business Days Full Tracking

*Note: Transit times are estimates. Delays often occur at Georgetown customs entry points.

Cost-Saving Tips for Guyana

  • Use "Jet Economy": Economy air options with savings versus express global carriers.
  • Alternatives to Miami: Many logistics providers are seeking an alternative to avoid difficult US import and duty issues. Hub to consolidate shipments from Canada and ship direct to GEO. 
  • Proper Packing: Volumetric weight is a major factor. Minimize empty space in your boxes to avoid paying for "air."

Get A Shipping Quote to Guyana

Supporting Guyana's Oil, Gas, and Mining Sectors

The economic landscape in Guyana is shifting rapidly. With major operations in the Stabroek Block and bauxite mining in Linden, the demand for reliable logistics is critical.

⛏️ Mining & Forestry

We handle heavy machinery parts and hydraulic components essential for operations in the interior. Our team understands the urgency of "down machinery" situations.

🛢️ Oil & Energy

From sample logistics to urgent equipment repair returns, we provide express links between Calgary/Houston and Georgetown.

Customs, VAT, and Duties in Guyana

Guyana utilizes the ASYCUDA World system for customs processing. Compliance is strict, and errors on your commercial invoice can lead to long delays.

  • Value Added Tax (VAT): A standard rate of 16% applies to most imports. This is calculated on the CIF value (Cost of goods + Insurance + Freight).
  • Environmental Levy: Be aware of the environmental levy (often $10 GYD per unit) applicable to non-returnable beverage containers and tires.
  • Documentation: Ensure your Commercial Invoice clearly states the "Country of Origin" and provides a detailed description of each item. Vague terms like "Samples" or "Parts" will be flagged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Jet Worldwide ship barrels to Guyana?

No. We specialize in parcels, pallets, and air freight. For personal effects in barrels, we recommend using a specialized ocean consolidator who focuses on the Caribbean barrel trade.

Is there a duty-free limit for personal items?

Generally, personal items with a low value (often under USD 100) may enter with minimal duties, but the decision ultimately rests with the customs officer at the point of entry. 16% VAT may still apply.

Can I ship food to Guyana?

Non-perishable food is permitted but subject to strict inspection by the Food and Drug Department. Perishable items require special "Cold Chain" logistics. Contact our team to ship dry ice shipments.

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