The Ministry of Home Affairs of Guyana has announced the official launch of the new Co-operative Republic of Guyana Ten-Year Passport, which will be available to citizens starting today (Monday February 10).
This initiative aligns with President Irfaan Ali’s vision to modernize the country’s public services and enhance the travel experience for Guyanese citizens.
The new passport introduces a range of advanced security features, including an embedded electronic chip, to meet international standards for secure travel documents a release from the Ministry of Home Affairs informed.
This will facilitate smoother border crossings and improve the passport’s authentication process. The new design also features the Guyana theme, which reflects the nation’s unity and cultural diversity.
According to the release, in addition to the security upgrades, citizens can now choose between a five-year or ten-year validity period when applying for a passport. The five-year passport will remain priced at G$6,000, while the ten-year passport will cost G$12,000.
This offers applicants more flexibility, allowing them to choose the option that best fits their needs the release also stated.
To further improve the application process, the government is planning to launch an online application system soon. While manual submissions will still be required for the time being at passport offices across the country, the new system will eventually allow citizens to apply remotely, reducing wait times and streamlining the process.
As part of the enhanced security measures, all passport applicants will be required to undergo biometric enrollment, including fingerprinting, to further safeguard the integrity of the passport issuance process.
Individuals who applied for a passport on or before Friday, February 7, 2025, will receive the previous version while all applications submitted after February 10, 2025, will receive the new e-passport.
The ministry said the process for replacing lost or damaged passports is currently being reviewed. Meantime, the government is considering adjustments to reduce fraudulent claims, such as extended waiting periods for replacements.
The Ministry of Home Affairs encouraged citizens to stay informed and exercise patience during this transition and promised further updates, including details on the online application platform, will be provided in due course.
