French Guiana

On the north coast of South America, French Guiana is part of the French Republic and visitors to this region can experience a world of foreign cultures, sights and cuisine. The capital city of French Guiana is Cayenne, a very picturesque holiday destination, and the Center Spatial Guyanais (space centre) in the city of Kourou is another popular attraction. French Guiana was originally inhabited by indigenous Americans and settled by the French in the 17th century. Today it is administered by a French representative based in Cayenne. As part of the European Union, the currency used in French Guiana is the Euro, and the main industries are fishing, gold mining and timber, while eco-tourism is a growing enterprise. The French Guiana population of 221,500 is made up of various ethnicities, the majority being Guianese Creole, Maroon, Amerindian and French. Most people in French Guiana inhabit the coastal areas, which are more developed. While French is the official language, Creole is widely spoken. The main religion is Roman Catholic but the Maroons and Amerindians have their own religions.

Money

The French Guiana currency is the Euro (EUR).

Passport Visa

All visitors to French Guiana must hold an onward or return ticket and valid travel documentation for their next destination; as well as sufficient funds to cover their stay in the country, or a lodging certificate. Schengen Visas are also valid for French Guiana, provided they are endorsed "also valid for French Guiana." A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter French Guiana. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in French Guiana. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
• British citizens must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay in French Guiana. Passport exemptions apply to holders of National Identity Cards issued to nationals of the UK. A visa is not required for passports endorsed British Citizen. No visa is required for stays of up to three months for holders of passports endorsed British National (overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and British Subject (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom).
• Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in French Guiana. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
• Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in French Guiana. No visa is required for a stay of up to one month, provided the visitor is holding a 'normal' Australian passport.
• South Africans require a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay, and a visa, to enter French Guiana.
• Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in French Guiana. No visa is required for nationals of Ireland. Passport exemptions apply to holders of a National Identity Card issued to nationals of Ireland.
• New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in French Guiana. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

Health

A yellow fever vaccination is necessary when visiting French Guiana.

Embassy Consulates

Foreign Embassies