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UK Customer Services0330 880 3600
Open Open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 6pm, Saturday 8:30am to 4pm and closed Sundays.
(Calls may be monitored or recorded)
Contact details can be found in your policy documentation
Available 24 hours a day, every day
Other Guides
Region: South America
Full Name: Department of Guiana
Capital City: Cayenne
Language Spoken: N/A
Get travel insurance to French Guiana from Direct Travel Insurance. We offer low cost and high quality travel insurance to French Guiana and most of the world.
4 00 N, 53 00 W
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Bellevue de l'Inini 851 m
total: 1,240.4 km border countries: Brazil 730.4 km, Suriname 510 km
high frequency of heavy showers and severe thunderstorms; flooding
bauxite, timber, gold (widely scattered), petroleum, kaolin, fish, niobium, tantalum, clay
arable land: 0.13% permanent crops: 0.04% other: 99.83% (90% forest, 10% other) (2005)
NA
Tropical. Dry season is August to December; rainy season is December and January and April to July. Hot all year round, with cooler nights. Average temperature is 27°C (85°F). Required clothing Tropical lightweights and rainwear.
time difference: UTC-3
199,509 (July 2006 est.)
total: 28.6 years male: 29.6 years female: 27.4 years (2006 est.)
1.96% (2006 est.)
20.46 births/1,000 population (2006 est.)
4.88 deaths/1,000 population (2006 est.)
4.01 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2006 est.)
total population: 77.27 years male: 73.95 years female: 80.75 years (2006 est.)
2.98 children born/woman (2006 est.)
Meetings are generally formal, but lightweight suits are the norm. English will be understood by practically everyone, although a working knowledge of French may be of assistance. The best time to visit is August to November. Office hours are generally 0800-1300 and 1500-1800 Monday to Friday.
Petty theft, such as pickpocketing and purse-snatching, does occur, but is not as prevalent as in some other Latin American countries. Visitors are advised to safeguard all valuables in hotel safe-deposit boxes and to carry only the cash and credit cards needed on any given day. In October 2005, the French tourism ministry offered to send French police experts to liaise with the local force and boost security. Drug-related crime has jumped dramatically in the last few years.
Since French Guiana was chosen as a site for European space development, a number of business-class hotels have been built but are expensive. Cayenne, Kourou and St Laurent du Maroni all offer excellent accommodation.
Telephone IDD service is available. The country code is 594 and the outgoing international code is 19 (16 for France). Fax facilities are widely available. Telex facilities are available in Cayenne.
is at 220/127 volts AC, 50Hz. Electricity 220/127 volts AC, 50Hz.
C,D,E
There is a fairly good selection of restaurants and hotel dining rooms offering a number of different cuisines. The majority of them are in Cayenne, although French, Continental, Vietnamese, Chinese, Creole and Indonesian restaurants can be found elsewhere. National specialties: ? A local specialty is the bouillon d?aoura, a dish of smoked fish, crab, prawns, vegetables and chicken, served with aoura, the fruit of Savana trees. ? The forest also provides a rich supply of game such as, collard peccary, paca and tapir. These are usually eaten as a fricassee and are accompanied by rice and kidney beans. National drinks: ? Ti' Punch, a traditional aperitif of lime, sugar cane syrup and rum usually accompanied by cod rolls and black pudding. Nightlife There are nightclubs in Cayenne, Kourou and St Laurent du Maroni. Cayenne also has one cinema featuring French-language films. Cinemas can also be found in Kourou and St Laurent.
Passport valid for at least three months beyond applicant's last day of stay required by all except the following: 1. nationals of EU, EEA, Monaco and Switzerland who are holders of national identity cards.
Required by all except the following:
(a) nationals of countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to three months; (b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bermuda, Brunei, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, Korea (Rep), Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, San Marino, Singapore, Switzerland, Uruguay and Vatican City for stays of up to three months; (c) Holders of French residence permits. Note (a) Nationals of the EU and EEA, and Monaco do not need a a long-stay visa (trips exceeding three months). (b) 2. Nationals of Canada, Cyprus, Japan, Korea (Rep), Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Singapore, USA and Venezuela should apply for a visa if they are to receive a salary, even if their trip is a short stay. (c) 3. US nationals need a visa if they are crew members, or journalists on assignments, or students enrolled at schools and universities in any of the French Overseas Departments.
All visas, for stays or up to 90 days, regardless of the number of entries permitted, cost US$41 For visas valid for more than 90 days the cost is US$117 Visas must be paid for in local currency. In most circumstances, no fee applies to students, recipients of government fellowships and citizens of the EU and their family members.
Short-stay (up to 30 days). Short-stay (31 to 90 days and single- or multiple-entry): valid for six months, one year or two to five years from date of issue. Long-stay (90 days plus). Transit: valid for single- or multiple-entries of maximum five days per entry, including the day of arrival. Airport Transit Visa: Allows transit through the airport.
French Consulate General (for personal visas), or Consular section at Embassy (for diplomatic or service visas); see Passport/Visa Information for France. All applications must be made in person.
a) Valid passport with blank page to affix the visa. Minors traveling alone must submit notarized parental authorization, signed by both parents, plus one copy. (b) Up to two completed application forms. (c) One passport-size photo on each form. (d) Fee, to be paid in cash or by credit card. (e) Evidence of sufficient funds for stay (two last bank statements, plus copy, or other proof of funds equivalent to US$100 for each day of trip). (f) Letter from employer, or proof of stay in country of residence. (g) Proof of address. (h) Medical insurance. (i) Return ticket and travel documents for remaining journey. (j) Proof of accommodation during stay. (k) Detailed itinerary, including reservations and round-trip airline tickets (only required when visa is issued), plus one copy. (l) Proof of employment (eg last payslip or letter from employer). (m) Proof of valid health/travel insurance with worldwide coverage, plus copy. Business: (a)-(m) and, (n) Business invitation guaranteeing payment of travel expenses, plus one copy.
One day to three weeks, depending on nationality.
No Test Required
None
58 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7JT, UK
Tel: (020) 7073 1000.
Website: www.ambafrance-uk.org
French Consulate General in the UK
21 Cromwell Road, London SW7 2EN, UK
Tel: (020) 7073 1200 (consular section) or 508 940 (visa information service; calls cost ?1 per minute) or (09065) 540 700 (automated telephone appointment booking) or (020) 7073 1295 (visa applications in progress; Mon-Thurs 1500-1700 only) or (09065) 266 654 (24-hour visa application form request service; calls cost ?1.50 per minute).
Visa section: 6A Cromwell Place, London SW7 2EW, UK
Opening hours: Mon-Wed 0845-1500, Thurs-Fri 0845-1200 (general enquiries); Mon-Fri 0845-1130 (visa applications).
Website:www.consulfrance-londres.org
4101 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
Tel: (202) 944 6195.
Website: www.ambafrance-us.org or www.consulfrance-washington.org (consular section).
Most visits to French Guiana are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
Please note that travelers must produce a yellow fever certificate on arrival.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:
Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Since 1 January 1999, the Euro, which was introduced in January 2002, has been the official currency for the French Overseas Departments (D?partements d'Outre-Mer) French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and R?union. For further details, exchange rates and currency restrictions, see France section.
The import and export of local and foreign currency is unrestricted. Amounts over &Euro; 7600 must be declared.
Mon-Fri 0730-1200, 1430-1730.
There is a bureau de change at Rochambeau airport and in Cayenne (Change Cara?bes, Change Minas and Guyane Change). They will exchange money every day except Saturday.
American Express, Carte Bleue, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. ATMs can be found in Cayenne, Ile de Cayenne, Kourou and Saint Laurent du Maroni.
These are accepted in a few places in Cayenne and Kourou. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Euros, US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
| City/Region | City/Area code | Followed by |
|---|---|---|
| French Guiana | 594 | + 6 digits |
Avoid dental treatment in French Guiana as the standards of care and hygiene cannot be guaranteed.
Some international medication is available from the larger pharmacies in the larger towns and cities.
Blood supplies should be considered as unsafe in French Guiana
N/A
Recent medical and dental exams should ensure that the traveler is in good health. Carry appropriate health and accident insurance documents and copies of any important medical records. Bring an adequate supply of all prescription and other medications as well as any necessary personal hygiene items, including a spare pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if necessary. Drink only bottled beverages (including water) or beverages made with boiled water. Do not use ice cubes or eat raw seafood, rare meat or dairy products. Eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination. Avoid roadside stands and street vendors. Swim only in well-maintained, chlorinated pools or ocean water known to be free from pollution. Wear clothing which reduces exposed skin and apply repellents containing DEET to remaining areas. Sleep in well-screened accommodations. Carry anti-diarrheal medication. Reduce problems related to sun exposure by using sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen lotions and lip protection.
AIDS occurs. Blood supply may not be adequately screened and/or single-use, disposable needles and syringes may be unavailable. When possible, travelers should defer medical treatment until reaching a facility where safety can be assured.
Cholera: Although limited in effectiveness, vaccination may be appropriate for persons living and/or working in less than sanitary conditions for more than 3 months where medical facilities are unavailable. Vaccination may also be appropriate for travelers with impaired gastric defenses who are planning an extended visit or being exposed to unsanitary conditions. Vaccination is not advised for pregnant women, infants younger than 6 months old, or persons with a history of severe reaction to the vaccine. Hepatitis A: Consider active immunization with hepatitis A vaccine or passive immunization with immune globulin (IG) for all susceptible travelers. Especially consider choosing active immunization for persons planning to reside for a long period or for persons who take frequent short-term trips to risk areas. The importance of protection against hepatitis A increases as length of stay increases. It is particularly important for persons who will be living in or visiting rural areas, eating or drinking in settings of poor or uncertain sanitation, or who will have close contact with local persons (especially young children) in settings with poor sanitary conditions. Hepatitis B: Vaccination is advised for health care workers, persons anticipating direct contact with blood from or sexual contact with inhabitants, and persons planning extended stays of 6 months or greater (especially those who anticipate using local health care facilities, staying in rural areas, or having intimate contact with the local population). Rabies: Preexposure vaccination should be considered for persons staying longer than 30 days who are expected to be at risk to bites from domestic and/or wild animals (particularly dogs), or for persons engaged in high risk activities such as spelunking or animal handling. Need for vaccination is more important if potential exposure is in rural areas and if adequate postexposure care is not readily available. Typhoid: Vaccination should be considered for persons staying longer than 3 weeks, adventurous eaters, and those who will venture off the usual tourist routes into small cities, villages and rural areas. Importance of vaccination increases as access to reasonable medical care becomes limited. Contraindications depend on vaccine type. Yellow fever: Vaccination is recommended for travelers over 9 months of age going outside of urban areas. Note: All routine vaccines (such as DTP or Td, Hib, MMR, polio, varicella, influenza and pneumococcal) should be kept up-to-date as a matter of good health practice unrelated to travel.
Insect-borne illness: these diseases, including malaria and yellow fever, are an important cause of ill health in rural areas. Dengue fever - occurs Encephalitis - occurs Filariasis (Bancroftian type) - prevalent Leishmaniasis (cutaneous and mucocutaneous) - occurs Trypanosomiasis (Chagas' disease) - occurs Food-borne and water-borne illness: these diseases are common and include amoebiasis, diarrheal diseases, helminthic infections, and viral hepatitis. Brucellosis -common Cholera - occurs Echinococcosis (hydatid disease) - occurs Other hazards: Diseases such as measles and diphtheria are commonly reported. Influenza risk extends throughout the year. Rabies - occurs
Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over one year of age coming from all countries.
No recent disease outbreaks
N/A
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