Iles du Salut

French Guiana is an overseas region of France, so its entry rules follow French policy rather than a separate territorial system. Entry requirements vary by passport, so check your specific requirements on the French Guiana page at Yoogo before you travel.

French Guiana uses the euro (EUR), the same as mainland France. Cards are widely accepted in Cayenne and the larger towns, though it is wise to carry some cash for rural areas, markets, and smaller villages.

French Guiana is generally calm, though Cayenne and Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni see some petty crime, so take the usual city precautions. Take extra care near the Brazilian and Surinamese borders, and use registered guides for rainforest and river trips.

A coastal road links the main towns of Cayenne, Kourou, and Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, and hiring a car gives you the most freedom. Shared taxis and buses connect the larger settlements, while river travel by pirogue reaches the forested interior.

The drier months from August to November offer the most comfortable conditions for rainforest trips and beaches. The rainy season runs roughly December to July, with heavy downpours that can make interior travel harder.

French is the official language and is used in administration, shops, and signage. French Guianese Creole is widely spoken day to day, and a few words of French will be warmly received.

Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry, and proof may be requested, so keep your certificate to hand. Malaria and dengue are present in parts of the territory, so speak to a travel clinic about prevention well before you go.

Tipping is not obligatory, as a service charge is normally included in restaurant prices, in line with French custom. Rounding up the bill or leaving a little extra for good service is appreciated but never expected.

Mobile coverage is reliable in Cayenne and the coastal towns, though it thins out across the rainforest interior. A travel eSIM from Airalo is a convenient way to stay connected without swapping your physical SIM.

French Guiana blends French, Creole, Maroon, and Amerindian cultures, so courtesy and a relaxed pace go a long way. Greet people with a polite bonjour, dress modestly when visiting villages, and always ask before photographing people.