French Guiana is an overseas department and region of France on the northeastern coast of South America, offering a remarkable fusion of pristine Amazonian rainforest, French European infrastructure, and extraordinary cultural diversity. Home to Europe's primary orbital launch facility, the territory combines space-age technology with some of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems.
French Guiana is generally safe for tourists who stick to established areas. Cayenne city center and tourist areas around Place des Palmistes are calm. Specific neighborhoods in Cayenne have elevated petty crime rates. Natural hazards (malaria, snakes, heat) pose greater risks than crime for jungle travelers. The US State Department issues Level 1 (the lowest level) for French Guiana.
Current safety advisory
Low–moderate (Us State Department Level 1 — Exercise Normal Precautions)
US State Department Level 1 — Exercise Normal Precautions. French Guiana presents a low-risk environment for tourists in coastal urban areas. Primary risks are petty crime in certain Cayenne suburbs and health risks for jungle travel.
Last updated: January 2026
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level
Level 1 — Exercise Normal Precautions
Items
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Take malaria prophylaxis for jungle travel — Take anti-malarial medication (mefloquine, doxycycline, or atovaquone-proguanil/Malarone) if visiting jungle areas or Saül. Consult a travel medicine clinic at least 4 weeks before departure. The coastal cities of Cayenne, Kourou, and Saint-Laurent carry low malaria risk.
Yellow fever vaccination required — A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (ICVP/carnet jaune) is required for entry from most countries and for visiting forested areas. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before arrival. Carry the certificate throughout the trip.
Use DEET repellent consistently throughout the territory — Apply 30–50% DEET insect repellent to all exposed skin — not only in jungle areas. Reapply every 3–4 hours. Dengue, chikungunya, and Zika are present year-round. Wear long sleeves and trousers at dawn and dusk when mosquito activity peaks.
Use official taxis and agree fares before boarding — Unlicensed taxi drivers approach arrivals at Cayenne's Félix Eboué airport and the Saint-Laurent river ferry dock. Use only official taxis from the designated airport stand. Always agree the fare before departing or confirm the meter is running. Typical airport-to-Cayenne-center fare is €25–€35 fixed.
Avoid high-crime neighborhoods after dark — In Cayenne, avoid the neighborhoods of Mango, Pascaline, Eaux-Lisette, Brutus, Mirza, Mont-Lucas, Petit-Lucas, and Cabassou after dark. In Kourou, the L'Anse, Eldo, and Saramaca Village areas carry elevated risk at night. Stick to city centers and well-lit streets.
Register your itinerary before jungle hikes — Before hiking in Saül or trekking in the Parc Amazonien de Guyane, register at the village mairie (town hall) in Saül or with a Parc Amazonien ranger (+594 594 29 65 00). Carry a satellite messenger device (SPOT, Garmin inReach) on multi-day treks — mobile phone coverage does not exist in the interior.
Watch for venomous snakes and river wildlife — The fer-de-lance (Bothrops atrox) and bushmaster (Lachesis muta) live in the jungle understory. Always wear closed-toe shoes on forest trails, watch where you step and put your hands, and never wade into jungle waterways without local guidance. Electric eels, piranhas, caimans, and stingrays inhabit Guianese rivers.
Stay hydrated and avoid midday exertion — French Guiana's equatorial climate means temperatures of 28–34°C with high humidity year-round. Drink at least 2–3 liters of water per day. Carry a water bottle on any excursion. Dehydration and heat exhaustion are real risks during physical activity; rest in the shade during 12:00–15:00.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Unofficial taxis
Unlicensed taxi drivers may approach arrivals at Cayenne airport or the ferry port offering cheaper rides. Use only official airport taxis with meters; verify before boarding.
How to avoid: Use the official taxi stand at airport arrivals. Agree fare or confirm meter use before departure.
Overpriced tours
Some informal operators near tourist sites in Kourou or Saint-Laurent may quote inflated prices for pirogue hire or guided tours.
How to avoid: Get written quotes and compare with established operators. Book Space Center tours directly at the official website.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Items
- Topic
- Yellow Fever
- Advice
- Vaccination required for travellers arriving from endemic countries (most of Africa, parts of South America). Strongly recommended for all visitors planning jungle or interior travel. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination.
- Topic
- Malaria
- Advice
- Take prophylaxis if visiting the jungle interior or Saül. Consult a travel medicine clinic at least 4 weeks before departure. Mefloquine, doxycycline, or atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone) are used. The coast (Cayenne, Kourou) carries low risk.
- Topic
- Insect-borne diseases
- Advice
- Use DEET-based repellent (30–50% DEET) throughout the territory. Wear long sleeves and trousers at dawn and dusk. Sleep under mosquito nets in rural areas and jungle lodges.
- Topic
- Water safety
- Advice
- Tap water is safe to drink in Cayenne, Kourou, and Saint-Laurent. Use bottled or filtered water in jungle lodges, Saül, and remote communities.
- Topic
- Vaccinations
- Advice
- Recommended beyond yellow fever: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Rabies (for jungle travelers), Tetanus/Diphtheria. Check with your travel medicine clinic 6–8 weeks before departure.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Solo travel is common and generally safe in coastal French Guiana. The main concerns are petty crime in certain Cayenne neighborhoods and health risks for jungle travel. Solo hikers in Saül should always register at the village mairie (town hall) before setting out on trails and share their itinerary.
Female travellers
French Guiana is generally safe for female solo travelers in tourist areas. As with any destination, take normal precautions: avoid the listed high-crime neighborhoods after dark, use official taxis, and be aware of your surroundings. French law applies — harassment and assault are criminal offenses. The Cayenne police station (Commissariat de Police) is at 27 Avenue d'Estrées, +594 594 29 74 74.
Families
French Guiana is family-friendly in urban areas. The Space Center and Salvation Islands are excellent for children. Sea turtle watching (guided, at night) is magical for older children but late-night hours may not suit very young children. Mosquito and sun protection is essential for all ages. Medical facilities are available in Cayenne, Kourou, and Saint-Laurent.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are legal in French Guiana, which operates under French law. Public same-sex affection is generally tolerated in urban areas, though French Guiana is socially more conservative than metropolitan France. No specific LGBTQ+ venues exist in the territory. Travelers should use their own judgment in rural areas.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 17
- Fire
- 18
- Medical
- 15 (SAMU)
- General
- 112
- Items