–Foreign Secretary says; highlights rising demand for citizenship, residency amid unprecedented economic growth

FOREIGN Secretary Robert Persaud has announced that the Guyanese passport is now being recognised globally as a “golden passport,” a symbol of Guyana’s growing international stature and economic potential.
During his remarks at a job fair hosted in Toronto, Canada, over the weekend, Persaud addressed members of the Guyanese diaspora, highlighting the increased global demand for Guyanese citizenship and residency.
The event was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s Diaspora Unit and was attended by senior officials and stakeholders.

“There was a time when people used to hide this [Guyanese] passport away. Now, this passport is considered a “golden passport” across the world,” Persaud said.

He attributed this transformation to Guyana’s rapid economic development, particularly in the oil and gas sector, as well as ongoing investments in infrastructure and industrial expansion.
These changes, he said, have not only inspired national pride, but have also attracted the attention of foreigners looking to make Guyana their new home.
Persaud related: “Not only are Guyanese proud to hold onto their passports, but we are also seeing non-Guyanese seeking to become citizens or residents of Guyana. That tells you what is happening in the country.”
The Foreign Secretary’s comments come as the government intensifies efforts to engage the diaspora and attract skilled professionals and investors to support Guyana’s development goals.
Some 104 individuals became citizens of Guyana in 2024. According to the 2025 Henley Passport Index, the Guyanese passport ranks 55th globally, granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 91 countries and territories. This marks a steady improvement from previous years when it ranked 59th in 2024 and 62nd in 2023.

The Henley Passport Index is a respected global ranking of passports based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), complemented by in-depth research from Henley and Partners.
Guyanese passport holders currently enjoy visa-free access to a diverse array of destinations, including the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Ireland, Singapore, Russia, Brazil, and Qatar.

Within the Caribbean, travel is permitted without a visa to all Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states such as The Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, and St. Lucia, as well as other Caribbean countries such as the Dominican Republic.
However, visas are still required for entry into countries such as the United States of America, Canada, Japan, Australia, and all member states of the European Union.

To strengthen the integrity of its travel documents, the Government of Guyana in February, introduced a redesigned passport with enhanced security features, including an embedded electronic chip.
This upgrade aligns Guyana with global standards for secure travel documents and is expected to improve international processing times and traveller authentication.