Criminal Penalties in Guyana
While you are traveling in Guyana, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In Guyana you may be taken in for questioning if you don't have your passport with you. It is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings, especially government buildings. Repercussions for driving under the influence result in a fine for the initial offense, a suspension of your license for the second offence and a jail term for succeeding offenses. It's very important to know what's legal and what's not where you are going.
Criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States. You can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.
If you break local laws in Guyana, your U.S. passport won't help you avoid arrest or prosecution. Persons violating Guyanese laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Guyana are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Incarceration time prior to conviction and sentencing does not count toward time served.
If you are arrested in Guyana, Guyanese authorities are required by the Vienna Convention on Consular Notification to notify the U.S. Embassy of your arrest. If you are concerned the Department of State may not be aware of your situation, you should request that police or prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest.
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