Last Updated: April 15,2024

This product is released in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Paramaribo, Suriname. There is no U.S. Embassy or Consulate located in French Guiana.

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication indicates that travelers should exercise normal precautions when traveling to French Guiana. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

Crime Environment

Although French Guiana does not have official ratings for crime from the U.S. Department of State, it should be considered similar to Paramaribo, which the U.S. Department of State has assessed as being a HIGH-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for French Guiana. The crime emergency line in French Guiana is 112. Review the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Crime: General Threat

There is moderate risk from crime in Cayenne. The risk from crime is higher in the border city of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni. French Guiana is an overseas department of France, but does not have the same level of law enforcement infrastructure as mainland France. Petty street crime occurs throughout the major cities.

Most of the territory in French Guiana consists of the Amazon rainforest, with most of the population living in the coastal cities. However, not all crime occurs in the cities. Criminal issues involving illegal migration and trafficking occur along the borders with Brazil and Suriname. Criminals have used small arms in the commission of violent crimes around small-scale/illegal mining operations in the interior.

The criminals operating in the interior attempt to go unnoticed in order to continue illegal activities. No attacks or confrontation with tourists have been reported. Strongly consider using a well-established tour company.

Crime: Areas of Concern

Due to its harsh conditions and isolation, avoid the interior of French Guiana unless traveling with a well-established tour guide or resort.

In Cayenne, avoid the Chinatown neighborhood both day and night, as well as Avenue de la Liberté after dark. The open market in this neighborhood is typically safe during daytime. Avoid the neighborhoods of Mango, Pascaline, Eaux-lisette, Brutus, and Mirza, as well as the suburb areas of Mont-Lucas, Petit Lucas, and Cabassou.

In Kourou, the L'anse, Eldo, and Saramaca Village neighborhoods are high-crime areas. At night, avoid the beach areas.

In St. Laurent, avoid the Balte area along the riverbank and Chinatown.

The coastal area between Cayenne and Kourou known as Macouria has several small towns. In Tonate, avoid the Frangipaniers and Sainte-Agathe neighborhoods at night. Avoid the town of Soula at night.

Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, and Taking Credit.

Kidnapping Threat

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for French Guiana. There is minimal risk from kidnapping in Cayenne. Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.

Drug Crime

French Guiana is a minor transit zone for cocaine, primarily en route to Europe. A small amount of domestically-grown marijuana is available for local consumption. Reports of drug trafficking have increased in recent years.

French Guiana authorities enforce drug possession laws strictly. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in French Guiana are severe; convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Consult with the CIA World Factbook’s section on Illicit Drugs for country-specific information.

Terrorism Environment

Although French Guiana does not have official ratings for crime from the U.S. Department of State, it should be considered similar to Paramaribo, which the U.S. Department of State has assessed as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for French Guiana. Review the latest State Department Country Report on Terrorism for French Guiana.

Terrorism: General Threat

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in French Guiana, attacks are not beyond the realm of possibility. There is currently no indication of any terrorist attack plans in French Guiana.

All travelers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks. These could take place in public areas; terrorists tend to target sites expatriates and foreign travelers frequent. The Guiana Space Center located near Kourou is a possible target for terrorists. French Guiana's geographical isolation plays a key part in making it a difficult target for attacks.

Political Violence and Civil Unrest Environment

Although French Guiana does not have official ratings for crime from the U.S. Department of State, it should be considered similar to Paramaribo, which the U.S. Department of State has assessed as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for French Guiana. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.

Elections/Political Stability

French Guiana is an overseas department of France, and is administered by the French Guiana Assembly led by Gabriel Serville.

There is minimal risk from civil unrest in Cayenne. Demonstrations and strikes affecting transportation, including airports and roads, may occur. Reconfirm any domestic and/or international flight reservations if you are traveling during one of these events.

U.S. citizens should be aware that demonstrations and large events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational. Avoid areas of demonstrations and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gathering.

Protest & Demonstration Activity

Widespread social unrest in 2017 highlighted the high levels of economic inequality and poor infrastructure of French Guiana compared to other French overseas departments and mainland France. These protests included roadblocks at the borders and violence in Cayenne and Kourou. There was a shortage of fresh food in many markets and a temporary cessation of flights. The protests lasted a month and ended when the French government agreed to an emergency financial relief package.

Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.

Law Enforcement Concerns: Security Agencies

As a French overseas department, French Guiana’s policing structure mimics that of France: the police are the main law enforcement agency in the capital. Officers wear dark blue uniforms with a bright blue stripe across the back, and dark blue caps. Vehicles are white with a blue stripe and clear markings of “Police Municipale.”

The gendarmerie is a military group with law enforcement duties. It is the main law enforcement agency outside of the capital. Gendarmes wear dark blue uniform pants and light blue uniform shirts. Vehicles are blue with a white stripe and clear markings of “Gendarmerie.” The gendarmerie is also responsible for the protection of the Kourou Space Center and guarding against illegal immigration.

Citizens of French Guiana can serve as both police and gendarmerie, but the vast majority of law enforcement officers come from France on a temporary assignment. Essentially all of the gendarmerie consists of officers from France. There is no animosity towards the officers from mainland France. Small towns have police departments staffed by local residents.

Police Response

The ability of local police to assist victims of crime is limited due to lack of response vehicles, radios, and other essential equipment.

Law Enforcement Concerns: Emergency Contact/Information

The emergency line in French Guiana is 112. Telephone operators and officers are not likely to speak English.

Transportation Security

Road Safety

French Guiana has fewer than 500 total miles of paved roads. Primary roads are in generally fair condition, especially the main N1 highway that connects the major urban centers. Roads become increasingly difficult to drive as you go south and more inland. Emergency call boxes are available at regular intervals on the main highways. Lane markings and sign placements are not always clear. Remote roads are prone to flooding, especially during the rainy season. Sidewalks are not common. Animals and people often frequent the same road and make driving hazardous at night. Regular service stations are not common outside of major cities.

You need a valid driver’s license and an international driving permit to drive in French Guiana. Traffic policing is limited outside major cities, so be vigilant for other drivers’ behavior. If using a rental car, you must have a copy of the vehicle registration and insurance.

French Guiana has strict laws regarding driving under the influence; a 0.05% blood alcohol concentration is the legal limit. Driving under the influence could result in immediate jailing.

For detailed, country-specific road and vehicle safety information, read the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety.

Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Public Transportation Safety

Car rental services are available in most major cities in French Guiana. Taxis are available in Cayenne; most have meters. A public bus service operates in the urban centers, although service is sporadic and remains unreliable. Taxis and buses are relatively safe. Travelers should be mindful of their possessions and not travel alone.

Aviation Concerns

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of France’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of France’s air carrier operations.

There are four airports with paved runways in French Guiana. Cayenne’s Félix Eboué Airport (CAY) is the primary point of entry into French Guiana. There have been no reports of items stolen from checked baggage. Maintain awareness of belongings and retrieve checked bags as soon as possible. Travelers should not accept luggage that does not belong to them as these may contain drugs. Plan to arrival early at the airport, as anti-drug checks are very lengthy and all passengers must comply.

Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights; and consider the European Union Air Safety List.

Maritime Security

The phone number for rescue at sea is 196 in French Guiana.

Personal Identity & Human Rights Concerns

French Guiana is an overseas territory of France, so its legal code reflects the same wide-ranging laws and protections regarding personal identity.

Safety Concerns for Women Travelers

The Solo Female Travel Safety Index combines the experiences of solo female travelers with other reliable indices to award a single rating indicating the relative security female travelers might experience in a given country. The qualitative portion of the index examines risk of scam, theft, and harassment, as well as the country’s perceived attitude towards women. As of the date of this report’s publication, French Guiana has a score of 1.0 on a scale of 1.0 (safest) to 4.0 (least safe). All solo female travelers are able to share their solo travel experiences by signing up with the Solo Female Travelers portal; the organization draws qualitative data from women traveling solo, depending on active participation and honest information.

Consider composite scores given to French Guiana by the UN Development Program (UNDP) in its Gender Development Index, measuring the difference between average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development, and Gender Inequality Index, measuring inequality in achievement in reproductive health, empowerment, and the labor market. For more information on gender statistics in French Guiana, see the World Bank's Gender Data Portal.

Review the State Department’s webpage for female travelers.

Safety Concerns for LGBTI+ Travelers

French law applies in French Guiana, meaning same-sex marriage and adoption are legal, the LGBTI+ community has legal protections from discrimination, and individuals have the legal right to change gender. Nevertheless, there are media reports that anti-LGBTI+ incidents such as assault are increasing, and acceptance is not universal. There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI+ events in French Guiana.

Review OSAC’s report, Supporting LGBT+ Employee Security Abroad, and the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI travelers.

Safety Concerns for Travelers with Disabilities

The law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities, however the law is not enforced. In French Guiana’s main cities, there are access ramps and parking spaces, but no accommodations for the blind. Accessibility is limited in public transportation, communication/information, and general infrastructure. Outside the main cities, there are no facilities or infrastructure to support accessibility for the disabled.

Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Safety Concerns for Travelers Based on Race, Religion, & Ethnicity

French Guiana has historically been host to many refugees from Suriname, Haiti, and Brazil, as well as Hmong peoples from Asia. Many of the Surinamese who live in French Guiana are of the same ethnic groups and religions as the local population. There have been no recent reports of violence between refugees and the local population.

Civil servants in French Guiana are predominantly white, despite only one in seven French Guianese having European ancestry.

Review the latest U.S Department of State Report on International Religious Freedom for country-specific information.

Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith-based travelers.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

There is little anti-U.S. sentiment in French Guiana. Anti-French sentiment is most prevalent due to some discontent with local economic, social, and political conditions.

Concerns involving the Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption &/or Transparency

There are no serious concerns regarding rule of law or arbitrary detention in French Guiana.

Communication Issues

There are strong protections for freedom of speech and press in French Guiana.

Health Concerns

The general emergency number in French Guiana is 112. For direct services, reach EMS by dialing 15; police 17; and fire 18. Healthcare is limited in French Guiana due to understaffing and a lack of technical facilities. There is only one full-service hospital in French Guiana (the Centre Hospitalier Andrée Rosemon), in Cayenne, which also has the only intensive care and trauma unit. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. Not all medical facilities in French Guiana are air conditioned.

Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services. A medical evacuation (medevac) can be very expensive.

Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on health insurance overseas.

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for French Guiana. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.

See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the State Department’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.

Vaccinations

Strongly consider COVID-19 vaccination prior to all travel.

The southern part of French Guiana is rampant with infectious and noninfectious diseases. There is an elevated risk of Zika virus, Dengue fever, Malaria, and Yellow Fever. You must carry proof of vaccination for Yellow Fever, or written proof from a doctor that Yellow Fever vaccination is not medically recommended for you, to enter French Guiana.

Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.

Issues Traveling with Medications

Prescription and over-the-counter medicines are available in pharmacies in larger cities, but U.S. brands may not be available. Carry adequate supplies of any needed prescription medicines, along with copies of prescriptions, the generic name of the drugs, and a supply of preferred over-the-counter medications.

Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.

Water Quality

The tap water in French Guiana is considered potable. Do not drink from rivers or streams.

Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?

Environmental Hazards

French Guiana is a tropical country; severe rainstorms can occur during the rainy season between December and July, with a peak of rain in May. Hurricanes rarely hit French Guiana directly, but the rainy season brings torrential rains and flooding.

Illegal gold mining has impacted the jungle and rivers. The use of mercury in gold mining has led to the wide-spreading poisoning of fish and other animals. Avoid eating fish caught from rivers in the interior.

Jungle expeditions in French Guiana are dangerous due to their remote locations. If you plan to travel into the interior, use a well-established tour company and drink bottled water.

Cybersecurity Concerns

French Guiana is not a major location for cybersecurity incidents. However, exercise caution when using public Wi-Fi, especially with personally identifiable information or confidential business.

Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.

Counterintelligence Issues

There are no serious counterintelligence issues in French Guiana.

Other Security Concerns

Landmines

This country has no known issues with landmines.

Import/Export Restrictions

French authorities enforce strict regulations concerning firearms, artifacts, medications, business equipment, and sales samples.

A country-specific listing of items goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.

Photography

The use of drones and drone footage in French Guiana is highly regulated. It is against the law in French Guiana to operate drones over public spaces in urban areas, and near airports, military bases, prisons, nuclear plants, and large gatherings such as outdoor concerts and parades. The privacy of individuals captured in drone footage is paramount. Violators can be arrested and subject to fines of up to 75,000 euros and/or one year imprisonment. Review the information sheet provided by the French government concerning hobbyist drone flights.

Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.

ID Requirements

International visitors should carry their passports or copies of their passports and relevant visas.

Critical Infrastructure Concerns

Fire alarms and fire suppression systems are not common in French Guiana.

Telecommunications and the electric grid are each the responsibility of a French parastatal agency. A French-owned gravity dam providing hydroelectric power along the Sinnamary River in the north is currently the only major power generation facility. A project in Mana is looking to add capacity for 10,000 households with a large new renewable energy facility, slated to come online in 2024.

OSAC Country Chapters

There is no OSAC Country Chapter in French Guiana.

Contact OSAC’s Americas team with any questions.

Embassy Contact Information

There is no U.S. Embassy in French Guiana. The nearest Embassy is in neighboring Suriname, at Kristalstraat 165, Paramaribo. Tel: +597 556-700; After-hours Emergencies: +597 710-1112

French Guiana Country Security Report