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.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for French Guiana?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in 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?
Canadian Embassy for French Guiana
Do I Need Vaccines for French Guiana?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for French Guiana. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for French Guiana: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- 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. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - 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. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for French Guiana |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for French Guiana |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| 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. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi, is a serious illness transmitted through contaminated food and water. Prevention strategies include vaccination as well as practicing strict hygiene and safe food handling.
- Hepatitis A – Contagious hepatitis A, caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), spreads through contaminated food, water, or close contact. Prevention involves vaccination and practicing good hygiene, particularly when travelling to high-risk areas.
- Yellow Fever – Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, mainly Aedes aegypti and Haemagogus species. Vaccination is a key preventive measure, and the vaccine is highly effective.
- Rabies – Rabies, a deadly viral disease, spreads via bites or scratches from infected animals. Vaccination is the cornerstone of prevention, including post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for suspected exposures and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals with regular animal contact or travellers.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B vaccine is a vital tool in the prevention of this liver infection, recommended for all travellers and essential for healthcare workers and those at higher risk of exposure.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) are viral infections with distinct symptoms. They spread through respiratory droplets and close contact. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent MMR infections, with the MMR vaccine offering protection against all three diseases.
Yellow Fever in French Guiana
Yellow fever is present throughout French Guiana. Travellers are advised to receive the vaccine at least 10 days before arrival in the country. As yellow fever is common in French Guiana, proof of vaccination may be required when entering another country.
Malaria in French Guiana
Malaria transmission is limited to regions bordering Brazil and Suriname, especially in the areas associated with gold mining. Travellers to these regions are advised to take antimalarials to stay protected.
Malaria parasite are resistant to chloroquine in the region. Be sure to consult with a travel health specialist on which antimalarials are best for your itinerary and health situation.
Yellow fever is a risk to travellers 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.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in French Guiana
Prevent Bug Bites in French Guiana
In case of bug bites, cleanse the area, use anti-itch treatments, and resist scratching to prevent infection. Seek medical help for severe reactions or if symptoms of vector-borne diseases emerge post-bite.
Food and Water Safety in French Guiana
Safely enjoying meals abroad involves precautions like washing hands, avoiding street food, and consuming well-cooked dishes. Opt for bottled or canned drinks and stay vigilant about seal integrity. Preventing travellers’ diarrhea means maintaining hand hygiene, avoiding raw foods, and selecting reputable eateries.
Infections To Be Aware of in French Guiana
- Chagas disease (American Trypanosomiasis) – The parasitic Chagas disease spreads via kissing bug bites, and prevention involves insecticide use and insect avoidance.
- Dengue – Aedes mosquitoes spread dengue to millions globally, prevention is the best defense. The disease can strike multiple times due to its four strains, underscoring the need for mosquito bite prevention like netting and repellents.
- Leishmaniasis – Leishmaniasis spreads via sand fly bites but can also be transmitted through other means. Prevention includes using insect repellents, covering up, and staying indoors during sand fly activity.
- Zika – Zika, a mosquito-borne virus, is primarily spread through mosquito bites and can cause serious health issues. Prevention strategies include using mosquito repellent and practicing safe sex.
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to French Guiana?
A tourist visa is not required for stays up to 90 days. A passport which is valid for 3 months beyond the expected date of departure from the country. Stays longer than 90 days require a visa. An airport tax is charged upon departure but may be included in your airfare. Customs officials may ask for proof of an onward/ return ticket.
French Guiana Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to French Guiana? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of French Guiana and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
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 around 30, sometimes going up to 35.
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 Canadian government, French Guiana is usually a safe place for travellers 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.
Travellers 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.
Canadian Embassy for French Guiana
Canada currently has no residential government office in French Guiana. The embassy of Canada in Paris, France fulfills consular responsibilities to those travelling to this country.
Embassy of Canada in France
130, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré,
75008 Paris, France
Tel.: +33 (0)1 44 43 29 02
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for French Guiana
“Visited Passport Health for a third time today ahead of a trip to French Guiana. As always the process was fast, efficient, informative and professional. Easily the best travel clinic I have experienced in Toronto.”
“My experiences at the travel clinic have been excellent. The nurse is very professional and personable. She is also very knowledgeable about French Guiana and puts people at ease. I would highly recommend this facility.”
“Knowledgeable and thorough explanations of risks in French Guiana, friendly staff. Great experience.”
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