Direct answer
You can visit French Guiana with planning for health (vaccinations/malaria risk), entry rules depending on your nationality, tropical weather, limited infrastructure outside Cayenne, and respect for Indigenous and creole cultures.
Visa / entry requirements
- EU / EEA / Swiss citizens: no visa for stays under 90 days. Valid passport or national ID may be required for air travel—check your carrier.
- Schengen-area residents: French Guiana is part of France/Schengen; Schengen visa rules apply. Holders of a valid Schengen/France visa can enter.
- Other nationalities: check France/Schengen visa requirements; many need a Schengen short-stay visa. Apply via the French consulate/visa center.
- Passport validity: generally at least 3–6 months beyond intended departure; verify with your embassy/airline.
- Entry checks: flights usually require onward/return ticket and proof of accommodation.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended vaccinations: routine (MMR, tetanus), hepatitis A, typhoid. Yellow fever vaccination is strongly recommended and may be required if arriving from some countries—carry your Yellow Card.
- Malaria: present in large parts of French Guiana (especially inland and river areas). Take anti-malarial prophylaxis as advised by a travel clinic; use insect repellent (DEET/icaridin), long sleeves and permethrin-treated nets/clothing.
- Dengue, chikungunya, Zika: mosquito-borne; same prevention measures. Pregnant travelers should consult a doctor due to Zika risk.
- Medical care: decent care in Cayenne and Kourou; remote areas have limited services—consider travel insurance with medevac coverage.
Best time to visit
- Dry season (August–December): best for travel, less rain, easier jungle trekking and river access.
- Short dry season (July) and long rainy season (January–June): heavy rains and flooding common, boat/road disruptions possible.
- Coastal humidity year-round; pack for heat and sudden showers.
Safety tips
- Urban safety: Cayenne and Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni have petty crime and occasional violent incidents. Avoid displaying valuables, use hotel safes, and stay in well-lit areas at night.
- River/jungle travel: go with experienced guides, inform others of plans, carry communication and first-aid, and be cautious of strong currents and wildlife.
- Indigenous and illegal gold-mining areas: avoid unmarked trails and remote mining camps (often volatile and illegal). Follow local advice and guides.
- Wildlife: respect wildlife distance (caimans, snakes, other jungle fauna). Don’t swim in unmarked river spots.
Local customs & culture
- Diversity: population includes Creole, Hmong, Maroon (descendants of escaped enslaved people), Indigenous groups, Europeans, and Brazilians—be respectful of traditions.
- Language: French is official; many speak Creole (Guianese), some Portuguese, Dutch, and Indigenous languages. Learn basic French greetings; locals appreciate polite effort.
- Social etiquette: greet shopkeepers and people with a polite bonjour/bonsoir; modest dress in villages and places of worship.
- Photography: ask permission before photographing people, especially in Indigenous communities.
Currency & money
- Currency: Euro (EUR). Credit cards widely accepted in Cayenne and tourist hubs; small vendors may be cash-only.
- ATMs: available in main towns; carry cash when traveling to remote locations.
- Tipping: not mandatory; small tips appreciated in restaurants and for guides.
Transportation
- Getting there: main international gateway is Cayenne – Félix Eboué Airport (CAY). Flights from mainland France (Paris via overseas connections) and regional flights from neighbors.
- Domestic/regional flights: Air Guyane and other local carriers serve remote airstrips—useful for inland access.
- Roads: coastal roads are reasonably maintained; interior roads often unpaved and become impassable in rains. 4x4 recommended for remote travel.
- River transport: primary means to reach many communities—book trusted operators and be prepared for long trips.
- Public transport: limited; taxis in towns and shared minibuses (taxi-brousse) for regional travel.
Must-know practical tips
- Guides & permits: visiting many interior sites, nature reserves, and Indigenous lands may require guides or permits—arrange through reputable operators or tourism offices.
- National parks: consult staff at Parc Amazonien de Guyane for trail conditions, guided tours, and safety rules.
- Language help: download offline French phrasebook; maps and GPS can be unreliable in jungle—carry paper directions and coordinates.
- Power & connectivity: Cayenne has reliable power and mobile coverage; expect limited or no coverage inland—bring power bank and offline maps.
- Food & water: tap water in Cayenne is generally treated, but when in doubt use bottled/filtered water. Be cautious with street food if you have a sensitive stomach.
- Respect protected areas: avoid bringing non-biodegradable waste; follow Leave No Trace principles.
Quick checklist
- Passport, visa (if needed), Yellow Card, proof of onward travel
- Travel insurance with medical/evacuation coverage
- Malaria prophylaxis, insect repellent, long-sleeve clothing
- Euros and backup cards, local guide contacts
- Waterproof gear, sturdy shoes, power bank
Further resources
- French consulate/visa website for your country
- Local tourism office (Cayenne) and Parc Amazonien de Guyane websites
- Travel clinic for up-to-date health advice
Safe travels—respect local communities, prepare for tropical conditions, and prioritize health and guided transport for inland exploration.