GENVISEC
Protecting People and Profit
French Guiana
Overall country Risk Rating:
BBB- Stable state, there is a low HSE risk. Worksite risk is deemed to be low. The number of road traffic accidents is above the european average. The country scores 1.12 on corruption control.(Point estimates range from -2.5 to 2.5. Higher values correspond to better governance outcomes)
Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue.
Crime
Crime levels are low, but serious crime does occur in French Guiana. Avoid isolated areas including beaches, particularly after dark. Do not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery with you. Leave valuables and travel documents in safety deposit boxes and hotel safes.
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Terrorism
There is a low threat from terrorism, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
Entry requirements
Visas
French Guiana is an Overseas Department of France (département d’outre-mer). If your passport describes you as a British Citizen you will not need a visa to enter French Guiana. Other British passport holders should check the current entry requirements on the website of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and if necessary confirm with the nearest French Diplomatic mission.
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.
The French authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.
Yellow fever
Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from all countries. You must produce the relevant Yellow Fever vaccination certificate on arrival.
Health
Contact your GP around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, and useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country-by-country guide of reciprocal health care agreements with the UK, is available from NHS Choices.
Dengue fever has been reported in French Guiana, including three deaths. Take precautions against mosquito bites. Consult a doctor if you experience a sudden and severe fever.
Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in French Guiana. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
You should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but entitles you to medical treatment that may become necessary during your stay on the same terms as French nationals. You will not be covered for medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature.
If you are planning a permanent move to French Guiana, you should consult the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for advice on long-term entitlement as residents to health care provision under the French national system. Enquiries should be made to the DWP Overseas Medical Benefits help-line on 00 44 191 218 1999. Alternatively, information can be obtained direct from the English language service of the Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie (French social security service) on 00 33 8 20 90 42 12 or Center of European and International Liaisons for Social Security (CLEISS) (select English version) on 00 33 1 45 26 33 4.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 15 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Natural disasters
The rainy season in French Guiana, during which tropical storms may occur, takes place between December and July. Monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Centre website. See our Tropical Cyclones page for advice about what to do if you are caught up in a hurricane.
Consular assistance
British Citizens
Consular assistance
There is no resident British diplomatic mission in French Guiana. If you need urgent consular assistance, contact the Honorary British Consul in French Guiana, 16 avenue President Monnerville, BP 211 97324 Cayenne, (tel: 00 594 594 311 034, fax: 00 594 594 304 094). For routine consular assistance, contact the British Embassy in Paris
US Citizens
Use the Surinamese US Embassy.
United States Embassy Suriname
129 Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat
Paramaribo, Suriname
Phone: (597) 472-900
Fax (Admin/Primary): (597) 410-972
Fax (Consular Department): (597) 425-788
Fax (Public Affairs / Media): (597) 425-690
Monday – Friday, 7:30 – 4:00
The Embassy is closed on US and Surinamese Holidays
Canadian Citizens
Use the Guyanan' Canadian High Commision
High Commission of Canada
A: High and Young Streets, Georgetown, Guyana
A: P.O. Box 10880, Georgetown, Guyana
T: (592) 227-2081; 227-2082; 227-2083; 227-2084 or 227-2085
F: (592) 225-8380
Passport Services Available
High Commission of Canada to Guyana
@CanAmbGuyana
Norwegian Citizens
Use the French Embassy in Paris.
28, rue Bayard
75008
Paris
France
Phone
+33-1-5367-0400
Fax
+33-1-5367-0440
Website URL
Swedish Citizens
Use the Swedish Embassy in Paris.
17, rue Barbet de Jouy
75007
Paris
France
Phone
+331-4418-8800
Fax
+331-4418-8840
Website URL
www.swedenabroad.com/fr-FR/Embassies/Paris/