travel to French Guyana

French Guiana is a territory constituted as an overseas department owned by France, located west of Suriname and north of Brazil. It is nothing less than one more region of France outside of Europe, which is why the same laws of the European Union apply. Its territory comprises mostly part of the Amazon jungle, a highly appreciated natural and tourist resource. The abundance of flora and fauna make French Guiana a highly recommended destination to visit away from the hustle and bustle of people from big cities. The great biodiversity that it offers will transport us to a pure and almost idyllic place, which corresponds to 90% of the country's surface. It stands out for having the largest number of bird species (around 740 species), comparing it with all the birds that live in Europe. A total of 190 species of mammals and 480 species of fish can also be sighted.

We will have the opportunity to tour the Amazon River through its river channels such as the Maroni River and the Kourou River, being able to hire canoe tours suitable for practically all the public. We will also be able to know better the towns that reside in the interior. If you do not want to enter the Amazon jungle, you can visit the Guyana Zoo, with an area of 65 hectares where you can see more than 450 species of animals. French Guiana is a place of protection for many species of plants and animals, such as the leatherback turtles that arrive on Guyanese shores to lay their eggs.

The Salvation’s Islands are a place full of history, which was the place of imprisonment for almost 90,000 prisoners during the 19th century. It is made up of three islands: the Devil's Island, the Royal Island and the Saint-Joseph Island. Currently, it is a destination where it is possible to practice sport fishing, besides contemplating the flora and fauna of the islands.

Its capital Cayenne is an urban centre located on the Atlantic coast, whose streets and buildings of Creole origin are worth visiting. In the capital there are many cultures and ethnic groups: Creoles, French, Amerindians, Chinese, Haitians, Brazilians ... It is highly recommended to visit their markets, where we can find very varied and exotic products. The Carnival of Cayenne, celebrated between the beginning of January and February and March, is a celebration to enjoy traditional costumes also called “touloulous”. In the city of Kourou, we can take a guided tour of the Guyana Space Centre, where satellites and space rockets are launched once a month.

 

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Travelers traveling to French Guiana must present their passport, except for:

  • Citizens with a French identity document.
  • Travelers in possession of a "Laissez-Passer".
  • Travelers with identity documents from EU member countries, Monaco, Switzerland and Andorra.
  • Travelers in possession of a "Seaman Book", provided that the nature of the trip is of a working nature.
  • Travelers in possession of the "Titre de Voyage".

Travelers must also have a visa, except citizens of France. Transit without a visa is allowed as long as the traveller continues his trip to a third country, without leaving the airport.

Tourists have to be in possession of round-trip tickets, except for the citizens of France.

 

EMBASIES AND CONSULATES: https://www.embassypages.com/frenchguiana

PRINCIPAL AIRPORTS OF FRENCH GUYANA

  • Cayenne-Rochambeau Airport, in Cayenne (Codex CAY)
  • Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni Airport, in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni (Codex LDX)
  • Maripasoula Airport, in Maripasoula (Codex MPY)
  • Saint-Georges-de-l’Oyapock Airport, in Saint-Georges-de-l’Oyapock (Codex OYP)
  • Saül Airport, in Saül (Codex XAU)
  • Grand-Santi Airport, in Grand-Santi (Codex GSI)

practical information

useful information before leaving

Language


French

Religion


Catholic
Muslim
Judaism
Protestant
Evangelist

Political regime


Presidential republic

Currency


Euro

Warnings


No warnings

Documentation


Passport Required documentation
Entry Visa Required documentation
Round-trip ticket Required documentation

Vaccines


Are not necessary

recommendations

Recommendations before traveling to French Guyana

SECURITY

When making excursions through the Amazon forest you should hire tourist guides who know the area very well.

It is unlikely to face any animal species. In this case, avoid touching the animal since it could cause a bite or injury if it were threatened.

HEALTH

Drink bottled mineral water, avoiding consuming it directly from the tap.

Hire a health insurance in case of illness or injury.

Make use of a mosquito repellent and high factor sunscreen.

Dress in light and comfortable clothing.

Stay well hydrated to perform physical activities such as excursions more satisfactorily.

Cases of the Zika virus have been reported in the region. Normally, the symptoms are very mild, but if you are pregnant, avoid traveling to areas with a high risk of virus proliferation.

CLIMATE AND TEMPERATURES

Temperatures in French Guiana are quite stable, ranging between 78 and 91ºF. Its climate is very humid, tropical and hot, highlighting the months from April to July as the rainiest. The driest period of the year takes place from August to December.

BUSINESS HOURS

Shops usually open their doors from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., and from 2:00 p.m. until almost 6:00 p.m.

TIPS

The custom of the tip is identical to that of France. The tip is usually included in the account, which is 10% of the total amount. The considerable thing would be to leave a 15% tip in case they did not charge it.

The official coin is the euro. Therefore, credit cards commonly used in Europe are accepted.

ELECTRICITY

The electrical voltage is 220 volts and with a frequency of 50 Hz. The types of plugs used are type C, D and E. See if you need an adapter. We emphasize that the power cuts are usually ordinary.

TELEPHONES OF INTEREST

The phone code is +594.

TIME ZONE

UTC-3.


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