Guadeloupe

Recommended Vaccinations For Guadeloupe

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Rabies Vaccine

Rabies may be present in bats. Vaccination may be considered for travellers who might come in contact with bats.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Recommended Medications For Guadeloupe

There are no recommendations for Guadeloupe at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Guadeloupe

For Most Travellers

Dengue Fever

Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.

Hepatitis B

There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Guadeloupe.

Hepatitis A

There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Guadeloupe through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

For Some Travellers

African Tick Bite Fever

This disease may occur in the country.

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Rabies

Rabies may be present in bats.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Guadeloupe, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Schistosomiasis

There is a low risk of schistosomiasis in Guadeloupe. This disease is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Safety & Security in Guadeloupe

Personal Safety

Guadeloupe ranks among the safer Caribbean destinations for travelers. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching represents the primary concern, particularly in crowded tourist areas and on beaches. Thieves occasionally operate on motorcycles to grab valuables. The risk of criminal activity increases at night, especially in the old town center of Pointe-a-Pitre, which serves as a cruise ship port. You should avoid deserted beaches and isolated areas after dark. Despite growing concerns over gang-related violence among residents, violent crime against tourists remains rare. Credit card and ATM fraud occurs, so you need to monitor your cards carefully when others handle them. Use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside banks. The territory maintains responsive and helpful police services, though emergency response times can be slower in remote areas.

Extreme Violence

Violent crime against tourists is rare in Guadeloupe. While the territory reported 40% of road fatalities in 2023 were car occupants and has dealt with gang-related violence concerns among local populations, these issues predominantly affect residents rather than visitors. The murder rate historically stood at 8.2 per 100,000, higher than Paris but lower than many Caribbean destinations. Recent years have seen concerns about gang activity, but this phenomenon mostly affects local communities. Attacks on tourists remain uncommon. You face minimal risk of violent assault, armed robbery, or carjacking compared to other Caribbean destinations. The U.S. Department of State maintains a Level 1 advisory for Guadeloupe, meaning exercise normal precautions. However, you should remain vigilant in crowded areas and avoid isolated locations after dark to minimize any potential risk.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations and labor strikes occur periodically in Guadeloupe and can disrupt services. Protests related to cost of living, vaccination mandates, and economic inequality have taken place in recent years, with significant unrest in 2021-2022 and September 2024. These demonstrations sometimes involve roadblocks, clashes with police, and can turn violent, though they typically focus on local socioeconomic issues rather than targeting tourists. The protests in September 2024 led to curfews in certain areas including Pointe-a-Pitre and several other municipalities. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent and lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. You should avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place and monitor local news to stay informed about any ongoing protests. The territory experiences occasional water shortages, and local authorities may impose water rationing measures. These infrastructure challenges sometimes spark civil unrest. You need to stay informed through local media and follow guidance from local authorities during periods of social tension.

Areas To Avoid

The old town center of Pointe-a-Pitre poses the highest risk for tourists, particularly at night. This cruise port area experiences increased criminal activity after dark, and you should avoid it during evening hours. Les Abymes at night also warrants caution, though tourists rarely have reason to visit this area after dark. Isolated beaches and rural areas become less safe after sunset. The northern coast beaches of Basse-Terre, particularly Plage de Cluny, are dangerous for swimming due to rough currents and large waves, and several drowning deaths have occurred there. You should avoid swimming in these areas regardless of your experience level. Tourist areas like Saint-Francois, Sainte-Anne, Deshaies, and Gosier are generally safe and well-suited for visitors. Rural routes during nighttime, including la route de la traversee, should be avoided. Isolated areas throughout the territory become riskier after dark, so you need to stick to populated, well-lit areas during evening hours.