South America
French Guiana
A French department in the Amazon: euro prices, French healthcare and the Kourou spaceport, but few budget options, sparse public transport and limited English. Most trips combine coastal towns with river journeys.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- CurrencyEURUS$1 ≈ €0.89Details
- English2/5Limited
- PlugsType C, D, E220 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterYes, drinkableMains water in Cayenne, Kourou and other coastal towns meets French standards; treat or buy water in river villages.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalityFrench law protects LGBTQ+ people, but local society is more conservative than mainland France; discretion is common outside Cayenne.Details
- DrivingOn the rightEU licences are valid; other foreign licences are accepted for short stays, ideally with an IDP or French translation.
Where to go in French Guiana
1 place with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CayenneCapital city | 3/5 | $2,480–3,600 | Aug–Nov | — |
When to visit French Guiana
Driest from August to November, with a short dry spell around March. December–July is the rainy season, wettest in May.
Good to know
Entry
- Part of the EU but outside Schengen: a Schengen visa doesn't automatically cover it. Check France-Visas.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all arrivals aged one and over.
- Gendarmerie checkpoints on the coast roads (Iracoubo, Régina) check papers; always carry a passport.
- Overland: ferry from Albina (Suriname) to Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, or the bridge from Oiapoque (Brazil) to Saint-Georges.
Laws visitors break by accident
- French law applies, including a 0.5 g/l drink-driving limit
- Visiting parts of the far south (upper Maroni and Oyapock) requires prefecture permission
Etiquette
- Say 'bonjour' on entering shops, offices and buses
- Ask before photographing people in Amerindian and Maroon villages
- Carnival weekends run from January to Ash Wednesday; book early
Tipping
Service is included in prices; round up or leave a euro or two for good service.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: French Guiana
- France-Visas
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.