Do I need a visa for French Guiana?
Isabella Turner
Updated on February 12, 2026
Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements You may enter French Guiana for up to 90 days for tourist and business purposes without a visa. Immigration officers may request evidence of travel or health insurance upon entry to French Guiana.
Can EU citizens live in French Guiana?
EU citizens have the same rights in French Guiana as they have in France, meaning an EU citizen is authorized to travel to and from French Guiana freely, and can also stay there indefinitely. The rest of the nationalities on the visa-exempt list can stay for 3 to 6 months without a visa.
What currency do they use in French Guiana?
Euro
French Guiana/Currencies
Is French Guiana safe?
Crime levels are low, but serious crime does occur in French Guiana. Avoid isolated areas including beaches, particularly after dark. Do not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery with you. Leave valuables and travel documents in safety deposit boxes and hotel safes.
Is French Guiana a poor country?
OF ALL the voters fuming about neglect by out-of-touch politicians in distant Paris, the people of French Guiana have perhaps the strongest case. It is the second-poorest of France’s five overseas departments (DOMs). The unemployment rate, at over 20%, is more than double that of the mainland. Some 40% live in poverty.
Who can enter French Guiana?
Only travelers who can prove that entry is for urgent family/work reasons will be allowed to enter, and they will be expected to fill in a travel certificate and provide proof. Negative COVID-19 test is required, taken 72 hours before departing to French Guiana. ?Quarantine is required.
Are French Polynesians EU citizens?
Not automatically, because French Polynesia, as an overseas collectivity of France, is classified by the European Union as an ‘overseas country or territory’, meaning that it is not part of the EU, despite its people being French and therefore EU citizens.
Do EU citizens need a visa for French Guiana?
To enter French Guiana, a passport valid for the duration of stay (EU nationals) or at least three months after the period of stay (non-EU nationals) is required by the nationals referred to in the chart above, except nationals of (1) France who are holders of national identity cards.
Are euros used in French Guiana?
French Guiana is an overseas department of France located on the northern Atlantic coast of South America. As part of France, French Guiana forms an outermost region of the EU and therefore belongs to the euro area.
Why is French Guiana not a country?
While Guyana and Suriname gained independence from their colonisers (the UK and the Netherlands respectively), French Guiana never has. It is classed as an overseas territory; its currency is the euro and its official language is French, although many also speak Creole.
What kind of credit cards are issued in France?
French credit cards are issued by your bank. The three most popular brands are Eurocard, Visa or MasterCard. The major difference between credit cards in France and the U.S. is you can generally only use your credit card up to the amount you have available in your bank account, unless you have made specific arrangements with your bank.
Which is the most expensive currency in French Guiana?
The official currency is the Euro. French Guiana is the most expensive among all South American countries. Traveling to French Guiana’s interiors is expensive, so plan your trip. The budget traveler would find it hard to get by with less than US$55 a day.
How do I get a French credit card?
It can be difficult to get a French credit card as the application process is so stringent. If you are not registered for online banking, you can get an application form for a French credit card from your bank. Go to the information desk in your bank and request a card application form. Complete the form and hand back to the banker for processing.
Can you use an international bank card in France?
Thanks to an international bank card ( carte internationale ), you can make payments and withdraw money under the same conditions in the Euro zone than in France, and outside of the zone, within the Visa and Mastercard networks, in exchange for a fee.