Online immigration form to be introduced at all ports by end of February

To align with the digital era, authorities are moving to introduce online embarkation/disembarkation (ED) forms for all of the country’s ports by the end of February.

Already, the service, which is mandatory for any individual entering or exiting Guyana, is offered at the country’s main port – the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA),

“As we speak currently, the implementation is ongoing and I foresee maybe before the end of the month all of our ports of entry would be fully equipped with the system where persons can fill out their ED form online,” Deputy Chief Immigration Officer, Stephen Telford, disclosed during an interview on Radio Eve Leary on Monday.

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An immigration form is needed when travelling as it provides essential information about the traveler to immigration authorities such as where passenger is coming from, length of their stay and what items they are carrying in their possession.

It allows verification of identity, the tracking of travel movements and ensures compliance with immigration laws.

Passengers entering and leaving Guyana are given the paper-based forms to fill out during their flights. Upon completion, it is handed to immigration authorities at the port of their destination.

According to Telford, the online forms works in line with the E-gates which were established at CJIA.

Together, he said this allows for the smooth processing of passengers.

According to Telford, access to the internet would not hamper the online since all the airports have Wi-Fi access.

In cases where persons arrive at the airports and did not complete their form, Telford said immigration staff will be present to assist.