French Guiana is an overseas region of France. Due to direct control by France and its important geographical position France invests in the region making it one of the most well developed in South America. There are 3 space agencies operating in the region further boosting the development of the area. French Guiana also boasts some fine beaches and resorts which are mainly located in Cayenne.

Traveling info

All visitors traveling to French Guiana must have a valid passport and a return ticket with the exception of French citizens who may enter the region with a valid national identity card. Certain nationals may enter French Guiana without the requirement of obtaining a visa and are allowed for a tourist stay of up to 90 days provided that a return ticket is presented. Those who want to apply for a tourist visa must do so at a French embassy or consulate. Tourists who choose to drive must have their domestic driving permit. An international driving permit is not required but recommended.

Traveling hazards

Driving in French Guiana is generally safe. Roads are some of the best in South America, these are well paved and well maintained. Roads leading to remote areas may not be paved but are mostly improved dirt roads. Traffic is quite dense however traffic accidents do not occur as often as elsewhere in South America. Public transportation in forms of taxis and minibusses is generally safe.

Environmental hazards

Majority of the region is covered in Amazon forest. Areas with less human activity are inhabited by two largest species of cats in South America. Jaguars and cougars inhabit the same territory. These animals usually avoid humans however deadly encounters have been recorded. Rivers, marshes and murky waters of French Guiana are inhabited by black caimans which are large species of crocodiles known to attack humans. Because it is an apex predator in its habitat it won’t hesitate to strike. There are several species of venomous creatures inhabiting French Guiana. Among these is the poison dart frog. This creature does not directly attack humans however venom covering its skin is capable of killing 20 men. Most deaths occur by touching this small amphibian. There are several species of snakes in French Guiana, among these are the coral snake, Bushmaster or the South American rattlesnake. These and several species of pitvipers including fer-de-lance are capable of killing a grown adult by injecting venom through their fangs. Coastal waters of the country are generally safe, shark attacks are almost unheard of however river estuaries may be crocodile infested.
French Guiana is generally free of natural disasters which is one of the reasons it was chosen by three different space agencies. There are no earthquakes or volcanoes however during the rainy season floods may occur.

Health hazards

All travelers over 1 year of age are required to be vaccinated against yellow fever. Proof of vaccination is also required upon entry. There are several other vaccinations which are not required but highly recommended. These are the routine vaccines, typhoid, hepatitis A and B and rabies vaccine. There is a risk of contracting malaria through mosquito bites. Unfortunately, there is no approved vaccination against it however there is medicine on prescription. Visitors should also use mosquito repellents. Although the road infrastructure is very well developed, other sectors such as the healthcare sector lack funding. Although the facilities provide services often these are understaffed and waiting times can be very long. Private clinics provide better quality service and have much shorter waiting times. Most clinics and hospitals, however, are located only along the coast. There are very few facilities in rural areas.
In case of an emergency dial 112.

Crime

Crime is one of the major concerns in French Guiana. The region scores highest in terms of crime out of all the French overseas provinces. Although violent crime rarely affects tourists, instances of armed robbery have been reported. To avoid crime it is best to stay low key. Targets are usually picked based on their wealth. Wearing flashy jewelry and being indiscreet with money highly increases the chances of becoming a victim. It is best to wear money belts which are a good way of preventing pickpockets and allow to keep money out of visibility. Like anywhere else it gets more dangerous the darker it is outside. If deciding to explore the nightlife of Cayenne it is best to stick to popular tourist areas and to avoid secluded places. Law in French Guiana states that possession, cultivation or distribution is illegal and punishable by fines or jail time.

Summary

There is a great variety of attractions in Guyana, one unique experience to the region is definitely visiting the space museum in Kourou which is filled with lots of interactive activities. Remember that planning your trip with Travset.com will give you the quickest information about nearest emergency services and will also help you purchase indispensable travel insurance for the trip of your lifetime. Please feel free to comment and share the experiences of your travels with Travset.com.

Sources

(Visa)
https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/caribbean/french-overseas-possessions/french-guiana/passport-visa/
(Vaccinations)
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/french-guiana