Visa & Entry

Although French Guiana is an overseas department of France and part of the EU, it is not in the Schengen Zone. Most foreign visitors need a French visa that explicitly states it is valid for French Guiana—standard Schengen visas may not be accepted. Please confirm with your country’s French embassy or consulate before departure. A yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) is usually required for entry, so get vaccinated at least ten days before travel. If entering overland via Macapá (Brazil) or Paramaribo (Suriname), you’ll also need the relevant visa and border formalities for those countries.

Best Time to Visit

• August to November (Dry Season): Less rainfall makes road travel and rainforest trips more comfortable.
• December to July (Rainy Season): Hot and rainy, with the best turtle nesting season from April to July—ideal for leatherback turtle watching.
• All Year: Rocket launch schedules are published by the European Space Agency, so you can plan your trip around launch dates.

Budget Reference (Per Person)

Etiquette & Taboos

• The common language for greetings is French. It’s basic etiquette to greet shop staff or people you meet.
• When entering rainforests or Indigenous communities, respect local customs and ask before taking photos.
• Do not use white light, touch, or block the path of sea turtles when observing them.
• Service charges are usually included in restaurant bills. Keep noise levels down in public places.

Safety & Health

Cayenne and Kourou are generally safe, but avoid walking alone in remote areas at night. Mosquitoes are common in rainforests and wetlands, with risks of dengue fever and malaria. Take mosquito protection measures and consult a travel clinic. Medical resources are limited, so consider travel insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation. The local currency is the euro—you don’t need to exchange money.