Exploring the Wonders of French Guiana: A Unique Destination
Nestled between the Brazilian Amazon and the Atlantic Ocean, French Guiana is a lush land of glorious sunshine and intriguing cultures. Popular stops in this remote French territory include the picturesque capital, Cayenne, and the Center Spatial Guyanais (Space Centre) in the city of Kourou.
Dense rainforests cover much of the small territory, making it a fantastic eco-tourism destination. Nature lovers will certainly appreciate seeing leatherback turtles lay eggs at Awala-Yalimpopo, spotting exotic birds on the Kaw savannah and watching capuchin monkeys lying along the Sentier Molokoi de Cacao trail. The lovely Salvation Islands (Îles du Salut) lie just off the coast and make for wonderful excursions.
Regarding its history, French Guiana was originally inhabited by indigenous Americans and settled by the French in the 17th century. Today, a French representative in Cayenne administers the region. French Guiana uses the Euro currency, as it is part of the European Union, and its main industries are fishing, timber, and gold mining. Various ethnicities make up the small population, with the majority being Guianese Creole, Maroon, French and Amerindian. French is the official language, though Creole is widely spoken; Roman Catholicism is the main faith.
Key Facts
- Language:
- The official language is French, and Guianese Creole is widely spoken.
- Passport/Visa:
All visitors to French Guiana must hold an onward or return ticket and valid travel documentation for their next destination. They must also have sufficient funds to cover their stay in the country, or a lodging certificate. Schengen Visas are valid for French Guiana, provided they are endorsed ‘also valid for French Guiana’, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter the territory. It is highly recommended that visitors’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after their intended dates of departure, as immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
French Guiana uses the Euro (EUR).
- Electricity:
- The electric current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two or three-prong plugs are used.
Health Notes when travelling to French Guiana
A yellow fever vaccination is necessary when visiting French Guiana.
Customs in French Guiana
Local customs in French Guiana reflect its colonial history. European values permeate the country and western travellers, if they ignore the heat, should feel very much at home.
Duty Free in French Guiana
Visitors to French Guiana who arrive from within the EU may import the following without incurring duty: 800 cigarettes, 10 litres of spirits, and 90 litres of wine. Travellers from outside the EU may bring in 200 cigarettes, one litre of spirits and four litres of wine.
Communication in French Guiana
The international access code for French Guiana is +594. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom).
Passport/Visa Note
All visitors to French Guiana must hold an onward or return ticket and valid travel documentation for their next destination. They must also have sufficient funds to cover their stay in the country, or a lodging certificate. Schengen Visas are valid for French Guiana, provided they are endorsed ‘also valid for French Guiana’, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter the territory. It is highly recommended that visitors’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after their intended dates of departure, as immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in French Guiana. No visa is required for stays up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in French Guiana. No visa is required for stays for a maximum stay of 90 days.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay in French Guiana. A visa is not required for passports endorsed British Citizen. No visa is required 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) for 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in French Guiana. No visa is required for stays up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
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.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in French Guiana. No visa is required for 90 days.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South Africans require a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay, and a Schengen visa, to enter French Guiana.
Tourist Offices
French Guiana Tourist Office in Cayenne, +33 594 39 6883 or [email protected]
French Guiana Embassies
- In the United States:
French Guiana Embassy, Washington, United States: +1 202 944 6000 or [email protected]
- In Canada:
French Guiana Embassy, Ontario, Canada: +1 613 789 1795.
- In the United Kingdom:
French Guiana Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 207 073 1000.
- In Australia:
French Guiana Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 621 160100
- In Ireland:
French Guiana Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 277 5000.
- In New Zealand:
French Guiana Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 384 2555.
- In South Africa:
French Guiana Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 425 1600.
Foreign Embassies in French Guiana
- Canadian Embassy
Canada Embassy, Georgetown, Guyana (also responsible for French Guinea): +592 227 2081.
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Paris (also responsible for French Guinea): +33 1 4451 3100
- Australian Embassy
Australia Mission, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for French Guinea): +1 868 822 5450.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
