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.
Do I Need Vaccines for French Guiana?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for French Guiana. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for French Guiana: 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.
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - 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 travelers over 1 year of age. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers 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 & Direct Contact | Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| 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 travelers over 1 year of age. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers 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 travelers 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?
No, you do not need a visa to travel to French Guiana. You do need a passport with a blank page for each stamp and three months validity.
French Guiana Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to French Guiana? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of French Guiana and U.S. State Department
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 80’s, sometimes going up to the low 90’s.
French Guiana is typically away from standard hurricane routes.
How Safe is French Guiana?
Avoid mosquitoes and other bugs
Insect-borne disease are a
threat throughout the world.
Keep the bugs away with
Passport Health’s repellent options!
According to the U.S. Department of State, French Guiana is usually a safe place for travelers 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.
Travelers wishing to go deep into French Guiana should only use well-established sources and tour companies.
What Should I Pack for French Guiana?
If you are going to travel to French Guiana, you should pack for a hot and humid climate. Here are some things you should bring:
- Clothes that are lightweight and comfortable.
- Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect you from the sun.
- Bug spray to keep mosquitoes away.
- Shoes that are good for walking and hiking.
- A rain jacket or poncho in case it rains.
- A travel adapter for your electronic devices.
- Any medicine you need and a basic first-aid kit.
- A French phrasebook to help you communicate with locals.
French Guiana is a sunny place, but it can rain suddenly, and mosquitoes are common, so it’s important to be prepared. Pack comfortable clothes and shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, and a rain jacket or poncho. Don’t forget any medicine you need and a basic first-aid kit. If you’re coming from a country with a different type of plug, bring a travel adapter.
It can be helpful to know some French phrases to communicate with locals.
U.S. Embassy for French Guiana
All Americans visiting French Guiana should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
If you are a U.S. citizen, you can contact the nearest embassy in Paramaribo, Suriname for help with emergencies like lost passports, medical issues, or if you are the victim of a crime. They can also give you information about local laws and customs and tips for staying safe while you travel.
U.S. Embassy Paramaribo
165 Kristalstraat
Paramaribo, Suriname
Telephone: (597) 556-700
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: (597) 710-1112
Fax: (597) 551-524
You can find more information on the embassy’s website or by contacting them directly.
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for French Guiana
Overall rating: 5 stars – 4 reviews
★★★★★
“Extremely Detailed“
“The nurse was very detailed in her review about my trip plans to French Guiana. She focused on not only when but where I would be traveling withing the country. Overall, Passport is the best and most comprehensive place to go for any traveling or health-related questions concerning immunizations.”
Submitted by: Martin
★★★★★
“Nice Work!“
“Christina did a nice job advising me in preparation for my upcoming trip to French Guiana.”
Submitted by: James
★★★★★
“Best Customer Service“
“For one that really hates shots, both of the resources I have met with at Passport Health have been so understanding and helpful through this whole process of getting vaccinated prior to my trip to French Guiana. It has made the process bearable!! Thanks so much.”
Submitted by: Marlo
★★★★★
“Incredible“
“I have been using Passport Health for the past 5 years of international travel, but this past experience has been the best ever. The nurse was incredible in giving me the shots I needed, but also the information that was so helpful in preparing me for our trip to French Guiana, and later this Summer to India and Nepal. I can strongly recommend using Passport Health. I look forward to using their passport service for my next trip.”
Submitted by: Daniel
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?
U.S. Embassy for French Guiana
“The nurse was very detailed in her review about my trip plans to French Guiana. She focused on not only when but where I would be traveling withing the country. Overall, Passport is the best and most comprehensive place to go for any traveling or health-related questions concerning immunizations.”
“Christina did a nice job advising me in preparation for my upcoming trip to French Guiana.”
“For one that really hates shots, both of the resources I have met with at Passport Health have been so understanding and helpful through this whole process of getting vaccinated prior to my trip to French Guiana. It has made the process bearable!! Thanks so much.”
“I have been using Passport Health for the past 5 years of international travel, but this past experience has been the best ever. The nurse was incredible in giving me the shots I needed, but also the information that was so helpful in preparing me for our trip to French Guiana, and later this Summer to India and Nepal. I can strongly recommend using Passport Health. I look forward to using their passport service for my next trip.”
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?
U.S. Embassy for French Guiana
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