Travel Vaccines and Advice for French Guiana
French Guiana is a territory of France and part of the European Union. It is surrounded by Brazil on the South and East, Suriname on the West, and the Atlantic Ocean on the Northeast.
The territory’s population is made of Creole, with minorities being French, Haitians and other groups.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for French Guiana?
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to French Guiana?
What is the Climate Like in French Guiana?
How Safe is French Guiana?
What Should I Pack for French Guiana?
Canadian Embassy for French Guiana
Do I Need Vaccines for French Guiana?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for French Guiana. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for French Guiana: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required for all travellers over 1 year of age. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for French Guiana |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required for all travellers over 1 year of age. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for French Guiana |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Yellow fever is a risk to travellers to French Guiana. Make sure you’ve been vaccinated.
Malaria, dengue and Zika are also present. Be sure to bring and use mosquito netting and repellent. Antimalarials may also be recommended based on your itinerary.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to French Guiana?
A tourist visa is not required for stays up to 90 days. A passport which is valid for 3 months beyond the expected date of departure from the country. Stays longer than 90 days require a visa. An airport tax is charged upon departure but may be included in your airfare. Customs officials may ask for proof of an onward/ return ticket.
French Guiana Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to French Guiana? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of French Guiana and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in French Guiana?
French Guiana has a warm and wet tropical climate with even temperatures year round. The trade winds help stabilize the coastal weather.
The dry season is from June to November and the wet season is from December to May. The northwest has consistent rainfall while the rest of French Guiana follows dry and rainy season patterns. The Marawijne River regularly floods surrounding areas with all the rainfall it gets.
The coolest month for French Guiana is January. September is both the driest and warmest month with May being the wettest. Cayenne, the capital city, has average daily highs of the mid 20’s Celsius, sometimes going up to the low 30’s.
French Guiana is typically away from standard hurricane routes.
How Safe is French Guiana?
According to the Canadian Government, French Guiana is usually a safe place for travellers as it is quite remote. Here are some helpful tips to keep you safe while there.
Avoid flaunting wealth and take necessary precautions in French Guiana. Petty street crime can be common in the major cities especially.
Travellers wishing to go deep into French Guiana should only use well-established sources and tour companies.
What Should I Pack for French Guiana?
Think ahead on what to pack by perusing these suggestions:
- Clothing – French Guiana can often be hot and humid due to its tropical climate. Be sure to pack accordingly for the time of year and the activities you wish to do. Consider items such as sunscreen, water-protective gear, and bathing suits.
- Health Kit – It is always useful to have important first aid kit items while travelling. Consider bringing a traveller’s diarrhea kit as well.
- Insect Repellent – French Guiana has a variety of mosquito-borne diseases. Be sure to bring repellent with you for added protection.
Canadian Embassy for French Guiana
Canada currently has no residential government office in French Guiana. The embassy of Canada in Paris, France fulfills consular responsibilities to those travelling to this country.
Embassy of Canada in France
130, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré,
75008 Paris, France
Tel.: +33 (0)1 44 43 29 02
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for French Guiana
“Visited Passport Health for a third time today ahead of a trip to French Guiana. As always the process was fast, efficient, informative and professional. Easily the best travel clinic I have experienced in Toronto.”
“My experiences at the travel clinic have been excellent. The nurse is very professional and personable. She is also very knowledgeable about French Guiana and puts people at ease. I would highly recommend this facility.”
“Knowledgeable and thorough explanations of risks in French Guiana, friendly staff. Great experience.”
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