Guyana President Mohamed Irfaan Ali is calling for faster digital visa processing across the Caribbean. He says lengthy procedures make travel, business and international partnerships more difficult.

Speaking Wednesday at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), Ali highlighted challenges Caribbean travelers face when applying for European visas.

Some applicants must travel to another country, such as Trinidad and Tobago or Suriname, to complete their applications. They may also wait extended periods for appointments before traveling.

Ali questioned why visa procedures remain so complicated when technology can speed up identity verification.

“The modern world can’t be that complicated. You can get the bio-metrics of anybody … in a couple of seconds,” he said.

The Guyana president also discussed how visa requirements affect Caribbean officials invited to international conferences. He argued that complicated procedures make it harder to build partnerships and maintain relationships.

Ali compared Caribbean visa processes with those in Gulf states. He said electronic visas are easier to obtain there, while frequent air connections support travel between countries.

He believes Guyana and other Caribbean countries could benefit from a more integrated tourism industry. Visitors could travel between several destinations instead of treating each island or country as a separate market.

The president also pointed to expanding connections across Latin America. He said the region is developing wider networks that support movement between countries.

For Guyana and the wider Caribbean, better connectivity must extend beyond flights and transportation infrastructure. Ali believes simpler travel documents and faster visa processing should also form part of regional development.

He described improved connectivity and easier travel as important investments for attracting more visitors. These changes could also strengthen business opportunities and cooperation among Caribbean countries.

His comments highlight the potential role of digital technology in reducing travel barriers. However, the region’s ability to improve visa processing will depend on how countries address existing procedures and implement more efficient systems.