South America
Is French Guiana safe?
L1Exercise normal precautions
Is French Guiana safe?
Calmer than its neighbours for visitors, but crime is far above mainland France, with robberies in Cayenne, Kourou and Saint-Laurent after dark. Illegal gold mining makes remote interior areas dangerous.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2026-07-07.
- Emergency numbers: Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18 · All emergencies 112.
- Solo women: Take usual precautions; avoid isolated beaches and walking alone at night in Cayenne and Saint-Laurent.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Robbery and mugging in parts of Cayenne and Saint-Laurent after dark
- Armed illegal gold miners in remote interior areas
- Dengue, Zika and other mosquito-borne diseases
- Tropical storms and heavy rain from December to July
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
Safety by place in French Guiana
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Cayenne | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is French Guiana safe for tourists?
Calmer than its neighbours for visitors, but crime is far above mainland France, with robberies in Cayenne, Kourou and Saint-Laurent after dark. Illegal gold mining makes remote interior areas dangerous.
Is French Guiana safe for solo female travelers?
Take usual precautions; avoid isolated beaches and walking alone at night in Cayenne and Saint-Laurent.
What is the emergency number in French Guiana?
Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18 · All emergencies 112.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: French Guiana
- France-Visas
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.