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Guyanese, Bajans to travel passport free with e-ID cards
(Kaieteur News) – President Irfaan Ali announced Tuesday that citizens of Guyana and Barbados will be able to travel between the two countries using only their digital identification cards from July 1, marking a major milestone in regional integration and digital modernisation within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
The president was addressing members of the media and other invitees during a press conference.
President Irfaan Ali and Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley display their e-ID cards.
Sitting alongside Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley, President Ali revealed that the Barbadian leader was the first person to use the digital ID system to travel from Barbados to Guyana.
“As from July 1, you can forget your passport at home and travel with your digital ID card to Barbados, and the same from Barbados to Guyana.”
He said the delay until July is intended to give airlines additional time to fully adapt to the new travel system, even though the technology is already operational.
The president described the initiative as a “major step forward in regional digital integration, border modernisation and the advancement of CARICOM cooperation,” noting that the agreement followed consultations among government officials, CARICOM IMPACS and regional stakeholders.
The digital ID cards will not only facilitate travel but are expected to support wider integration of government services. According to the president, healthcare systems in both countries are also expected to become integrated through the cards.
“God forbids that you get sick in one of the countries; eventually the card, when used in a medical facility, will be able to pull up all your medical records and allow doctor in that jurisdiction to have access to your medical records,” He explained.
He said Guyana and Barbados are now advancing discussions aimed at digitally linking their financial systems to create new opportunities for commerce, business and citizens in both countries.
He said the arrangement reflects broader CARICOM goals of improving the free movement of people while modernising governance systems through digital innovation.
Prime Minister Mottley, in her remarks, described the initiative as a historic breakthrough that benefits ordinary citizens rather than governments or private sector interests alone.
“Even if a person does not have a passport but has a digital ID card, they can now travel between the two countries,” she said.
Mottley noted that the system was developed in less than six weeks through collaboration among multiple ministries, regional security bodies and technology teams from both countries.
“We’ve only just begun,” she declared, expressing hope that the initiative could eventually expand across the wider Caribbean region.
The Barbadian leader also reflected on the longstanding ties between Guyana and Barbados, highlighting decades of cooperation in areas including education, manufacturing and labour movement.
She said both countries are now seeking to “reignite that spirit of cooperation” while building a legacy of deeper Caribbean integration for future generations.
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