{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1711392622,"date":"2024-03-25 14:50:22"}},"data":{"country-iso":"GF","advisory-state":0,"has-advisory-warning":0,"has-regional-advisory":0,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"Editorial change","eng":{"name":"French Guiana","url-slug":"french-guiana","geo-group":"Americas","flag":null,"friendly-date":"March 25, 2024 13:58 EDT","advisory-text":"Exercise normal security precautions","recent-updates":"Health - editorial update","advisories":"
Take normal security precautions<\/a> in French Guiana<\/p><\/div>","security":" Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs regularly, particularly in urban areas.<\/p> Thefts commonly occur:<\/p> While in French Guiana:<\/p> Violent crime occurs occasionally.<\/p> Violent incidents commonly include burglaries of private homes, during which acts of violence are committed against the occupants.<\/p> Credit card, debit card, and ATM fraud can occur.<\/p> When using credit or debit cards at an ATM or with a card reader:<\/p> Overseas fraud<\/a><\/p> Outdoor activities, such as jungle expeditions and other adventure sports can be dangerous if unprepared. Trails are not always marked and weather conditions can change rapidly, even in the summer.<\/p> Some gold miners operating in the Amazon rainforest also carry out illegal activities. You could find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time.<\/p> You may need a permit to access certain parts of the Amazon rainforest.<\/p> If you intend to participate in adventure tourism activities:<\/p> French Guiana<\/a> - Tourism Committee of French Guiana<\/p> Coastal waters can be dangerous.<\/p> Tidal changes and strong winds can cause hazardous currents and riptides.<\/p> Some beaches are unsupervised.<\/p> The rivers of French Guiana are, along with air travel, the only way to access the interior of the territory.<\/p> If you plan to navigate the river network:<\/p> Water safety abroad<\/a><\/p> The telecommunications network is not always reliable.<\/p> Cellular service might be intermittent, especially outside of cities. It is non-existent in certain regions of the Amazon rainforest.<\/p> Demonstrations may occur.<\/p> Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.<\/p> Mass gatherings (large-scale events)<\/a><\/p> Road safety is overall very good throughout the territory. <\/p> Major roads are paved and well maintained.<\/p> Driving in remote areas could be dangerous due to:<\/p> Motorcyclists have little regard for traffic regulations. They could be reckless and drive at excessive speeds.<\/p> If you choose to drive in French Guiana:<\/p> Public taxis and vans are relatively safe.<\/p> A bus service serves the communes of:<\/p> Taxis and shared taxis are available in coastal areas.<\/p> Shared taxis don’t follow a set schedule. They leave for their destination when the van is full. In addition to shared taxis operated by private companies, the government provides a public shared taxi service, the TIG. Every TIG vehicle carries an identifying “TIG” sticker.<\/p> A ferry service operates on the Maroni river, allowing passengers to cross the river border with Suriname.<\/p> Pirogues or dugout canoes equipped with outboard motors are the essential mode of public transportation along French Guiana’s river network. They are registered and security standards are generally respected.<\/p> Fares vary depending on the distance travelled.<\/p> Ensure to have life jackets available for all passengers.<\/p> We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.<\/p> Information about foreign domestic airlines<\/a><\/p>","entry-exit":" French Guiana is an overseas department of France. However, it is not part of the Schengen area.<\/p> Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.<\/p> We have obtained the information on this page from the French authorities. It can, however, change at any time.<\/p> Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada<\/a>.<\/p> Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.<\/p> Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.<\/p> Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave French Guiana.<\/span><\/p> Different entry rules may apply.<\/p> Official travel<\/a><\/p> While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.<\/p> Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.<\/p> Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days Customs officials may ask you to show them:<\/p> French Guiana is reinforcing its screening measures at Félix-Éboué international airport to combat drug trafficking. Customs officials may:<\/p> Allow enough time for customs screening.<\/p> Learn more about travelling with children<\/a>.<\/p> Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever <\/a>(vaccines section).<\/p>","health":" This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.<\/p> Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div> Be sure that your routine vaccinations<\/a>, as per your province or territory<\/a>, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.<\/p>\n Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. <\/p> There is a risk of hepatitis A<\/a> in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Practise safe food and water precautions<\/a> and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present. <\/p><\/details> Yellow fever<\/a> <\/span>is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p>\n Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>\n Risk<\/strong><\/p>\n Country Entry Requirement*<\/strong><\/p>\n Recommendation<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n About Yellow Fever<\/a> Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada<\/a> Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.<\/p>\n Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.<\/p>\n Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.<\/p><\/details> Hepatitis B<\/a> is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B<\/a> infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.<\/p><\/details> Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) <\/a><\/span>is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.<\/span><\/p>\n It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally. <\/span><\/p>\n Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry\/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19. <\/span><\/p><\/details> The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza<\/a> (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot<\/a> at least 2 weeks before travelling. <\/p>\n The flu occurs worldwide. <\/p>\n The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.<\/p>\n The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.<\/p><\/details> Malaria<\/a> is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes. Antimalarial medication may be recommended<\/a> depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving. In this destination, rabies<\/a> may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. <\/p>\n If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. <\/p>\n Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. <\/p><\/details> Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.<\/p>\n <\/p> Typhoid<\/a> <\/span>is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.<\/p>\n Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination. <\/p><\/details> Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:<\/p>\n To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention<\/a> page.<\/p>\n Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.<\/p> There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The risk may vary between regions of a country. Chikungunya<\/a> is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.<\/p>\n Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.<\/p><\/details> Zika virus<\/a> is a risk in this country. <\/p>\n Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.<\/p>\n During your trip:<\/p>\n If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. <\/p>\n For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.<\/a><\/p><\/details> American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease)<\/a> <\/span>is a risk in this country. It is caused by a parasite spread by infected triatomine bugs. The infection can be inactive for decades, but humans can eventually develop complications causing disability and even death.<\/p>\n Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from triatomine bugs, which are active at night, by using mosquito nets if staying in poorly-constructed housing. There is no vaccine available for Chagas disease.<\/p><\/details> Some infections, such as rabies<\/a> and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.<\/p>\n Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.<\/p>\n Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.<\/p>\n <\/p> Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette<\/a>, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu<\/a> and other illnesses by:<\/p>\n Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)<\/a>, HIV<\/a>, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority<\/a> pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine. <\/p> HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)<\/a> <\/span>is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). <\/p>\n High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.<\/p><\/details> Access to high quality healthcare is limited. Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country.<\/p> There are public and private health care providers, including hospitals and clinics, in French Guiana. Most hospitals and clinics are in coastal areas. The interior of the department has fewer medical facilities.<\/p> Ambulances are not always available or reliable. If you are hurt or injured, a taxi or a private vehicle could be more efficient for getting to the hospital.<\/p> Clinics may require an up-front payment before admitting patients.<\/p> Medical evacuation is very expensive. You will likely need medical evacuation in case of serious illness or injury.<\/p> Not all doctors speak or understand English.<\/p> Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.<\/p> Travel health and safety<\/a><\/p> Certain prescription medications may not be available in French Guiana.<\/p> If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in French Guiana.<\/p> The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.<\/p>\n Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a <\/span>travel health kit<\/a>, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.<\/p>","laws-culture":" You must abide by local laws.<\/p> Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad<\/a>.<\/p> French Guiana is an overseas department of France.<\/p> Canada and France are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in France to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and France authorities.<\/p> This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.<\/p> Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.<\/p> Drugs, alcohol and travel<\/a><\/p> French law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not widely socially accepted.<\/p><\/p> Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics<\/a><\/p> Dual citizenship is legally recognized in France.<\/p> If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of France, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry\/exit requirements<\/a>.<\/p> Travellers with dual citizenship<\/a><\/p> The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and France.<\/p> If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in French Guiana, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Guianese court.<\/p> If you are in this situation:<\/p> If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.<\/p> Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.<\/p> If you wish to marry in French Guiana, you should consult local authorities at the city hall to obtain the necessary information.<\/p> The Embassy of France in Canada can also provide you with the requested documents.<\/i><\/b><\/p> Disputes related to property acquisition or other investments are costly and take time to resolve.<\/p> If you plan on buying property, or making other investments in French Guiana:<\/p> You can drive with your Canadian license for up to 3 months.<\/p> You should carry an international driving permit.<\/p> The legal driving age in France and its territories is 18. However, many rental car companies require drivers to be at least 25 years of age and have two years of driving experience.<\/p> The \"priority to the right\" system is in effect in French Guiana. Drivers must give way to vehicles approaching from the right at intersections except when otherwise indicated by road signs, usually on main roads.<\/p> This is often a surprise to foreign drivers and results in accidents.<\/p>Crime<\/h3>
Petty Crime<\/h4>
Violent crime<\/h4>
Fraud<\/h3>
Adventure tourism<\/h3>
Water activities<\/h3>
Swimming<\/h4>
Boating<\/h4>
Telecommunications<\/h3>
Demonstrations<\/h3>
Road safety<\/h3>
Road conditions<\/h4>
Driving habits<\/h4>
Public transportation<\/h3>
Buses<\/h4>
Taxis<\/h4>
Ferry<\/h4>
Pirogues<\/h4>
Air travel<\/h3>
Passport<\/h3>
Regular Canadian passport<\/h4>
Passport for official travel<\/h4>
Passport with “X” gender identifier<\/h4>
Other travel documents<\/h4>
Useful links<\/h4>
Visas<\/h3>
Residence visa: required
Work visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required<\/p>Other entry requirements<\/h3>
Drug screening<\/h3>
Children and travel<\/h3>
Yellow fever<\/h3>
Relevant Travel Health Notices<\/h3>
Routine vaccines<\/h3>\n
Pre-travel vaccines and medications<\/h3>\n
Hepatitis A<\/summary>
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements <\/summary>
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* It is important to note that country entry requirements<\/a> may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office<\/a> of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.<\/p><\/details>Measles <\/summary>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
COVID-19<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
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Malaria <\/summary>
There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and\/or during a certain time of year in this destination. <\/strong><\/p>\n
Protect yourself from mosquito bites<\/a> at all times:
• Cover your skin and use an approved<\/a> insect repellent on uncovered skin.
• Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and\/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows.
• Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.
• Wear permethrin-treated clothing.
If you develop symptoms<\/a> similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. <\/p><\/details>Rabies <\/summary>
Safe food and water precautions<\/h3>\n
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Typhoid <\/summary>
Insect bite prevention<\/h3>\n
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Chikungunya<\/summary>
Dengue <\/summary>
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Zika virus <\/summary>
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American trypanosomiasis<\/summary>
Animal precautions<\/h3>\n
Person-to-person infections<\/h3>\n
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HIV <\/summary>
Medical services and facilities<\/h3>
Medication<\/h3>
Keep in Mind...<\/h3>\n
Transfer to a Canadian prison<\/h3>
Drugs<\/h3>
2SLGBTQI+ travellers<\/h3>
Dual citizenship<\/h3>
International Child Abduction<\/h3>
Useful links<\/h4>
Marriages<\/h3>
Useful links<\/h4>
Investments<\/h3>
Driving<\/h3>
Priority to the right<\/h4>
Useful links<\/h4>