Is It Safe to Travel to French Guiana in 2026?

French Guiana - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

Last updated: · Source: U.S. Department of State

French Guiana, or Guyane in French, is an overseas department and region of France located on the northern coast of South America in the Guianas and the West Indies. Bordered by Suriname to the west and Brazil to the east and south, French Guiana covers a total area of 84,000 km2 (32,000 sq mi) and a land area of 83,534 km2 (32,253 sq mi).

Is It Safe to Travel to French Guiana in 2026?

French Guiana is currently rated Level 1Exercise Normal Precautions by the U.S. Department of State. Exercise normal precautions when traveling to French Guiana. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and facilitate locating you in an emergency.

Key concerns cited in the advisory:

  • other

Traveler Impact

Solo Travelerslow

Solo travelers may face minor risks such as petty theft in urban areas; remaining vigilant in crowded places is advisable.

Business Travelerslow

Business travelers can expect a stable environment with normal consular services, but should be aware of potential health risks in certain areas, particularly related to malaria.

Familiesmoderate

Families with children should be cautious of health risks, including malaria and other diseases, especially in areas associated with gold mining.

Remote Workerslow

Remote workers can find suitable conditions in urban areas with good connectivity, but should avoid regions with known health risks.

Data on this page comes from the U.S. Department of State, the CDC, the World Bank Worldwide Governance Indicators, and Freedom House. All sources are updated regularly and cross-referenced to provide a composite safety picture for French Guiana.

Safety and Stability Ratings

Threat Severity (0-10 scale)

Overall
Crime
Terrorism
Kidnapping

French Guiana has an overall threat severity of 1.2 out of 10. Crime risk is rated 2.0/10, terrorism risk 0.0/10, and kidnapping risk 0.0/10.

Entry Requirements and Health

Entry Information

Visa

Check embassy for details

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Language

French

Vaccinations

Required:

Yellow Fever
  • Yellow Fever: Vaccine is required for all arriving travelers ≥1 year old.

Recommended:

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
COVID-19
Typhoid

⚠ Malaria Risk: moderate

Recommended medications: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine

Active health notices:

  • watch
    Global Measles: Measles cases are rising in many countries around the world. All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, according to CDC's measles vaccination recommendations for international travel.

Vaccination data sourced from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Consult a travel health professional before your trip.

Common Questions About Traveling to French Guiana

What is the current travel advisory level for French Guiana?
French Guiana is rated Level 1 — Exercise Normal Precautions by the U.S. Department of State as of 2026. Key concerns include other.
Is it safe to travel to French Guiana right now?
French Guiana is generally considered safe for travelers, with a Level 1 advisory. Standard precautions apply.
Do I need a visa to visit French Guiana?
Visa requirements for French Guiana vary by nationality and purpose of travel. Check with the embassy for current entry requirements.
What vaccines do I need for French Guiana?
Required vaccinations for French Guiana: Yellow Fever. Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, COVID-19, Typhoid. Consult a travel health professional at least 4-6 weeks before departure.
Is French Guiana safe for solo travelers?
low
How bad is crime in French Guiana?
French Guiana has a crime severity rating of 2.0 out of 10. Crime rates are relatively low by global standards.

More French Guiana Data

French Guiana Freedom Score

Political rights and civil liberties assessment from Freedom House.

French Guiana Political Stability

Governance indicators including rule of law, corruption control, and regulatory quality.

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Official State Dept. Page →

Read the full advisory on travel.state.gov.

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