COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in French Guiana (16 November Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter French Guiana.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• No, with exceptions

• Citizens from France and the French Antilles are allowed to enter. Family members, professionals, and healthcare workers can travel to French Guiana but must have a medical certificate to submit to the transportation company before boarding.

• International students enrolled in higher educational institutions in French Guiana can enter, with some restrictions.

Is transit allowed through the country?

• Yes

• Transit through French Guiana is permitted for foreign nationals, but travellers must not leave the international area of the airport. An international travel certificate must be submitted before boarding, to the immigration department after arrival, or when transiting through French Guiana.

Is a test required on arrival?

• Yes

• Any person entering French Guiana will be subject to medical testing, including citizens and residents.

• Travellers must repeat a COVID-19 PCR test after 7 days of arrival.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• Eligible travellers, including international students, must submit a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate issued 72 hours before arriving in French Guiana.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes

• Any person entering French Guiana will be subject to institutional quarantine for 14 days.

• International students may be subject to 7-days of quarantine.

Entry form required?

• Yes

• Travellers are required to complete a self-declaration form saying they do not have any symptoms of COVID-19 and have not been in contact with a COVID-19 case in the prior 14 days.

• Travellers must have a valid International Travel Certificate (ITC) issued before departure from their point of origin via the online platform at https://www.interieur.gouv.fr or from the French Consular Office.

• International students must complete a specific travel certificate, regardless of their nationality, which can be found here.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• International flights are restricted, except for select flights such as humanitarian or repatriation.

Border restrictions

• Moderate

• The borders of the country are closed, except for travellers from France and the French Antilles, citizens, and residents.

Curfew restrictions

• Significant

• A nationwide curfew/travel ban has been imposed in the country from midnight to 5:00 (Mondays to Sundays), except for in Awala-Yalimapo, Roura, Papaichton, Ouanary, Saint-Elie, Iracoubo, Regina, Montsinery, and Saul which currently do not have any restrictions.

• A nationwide “State of Emergency” is in place.

Social distancing restrictions

• Moderate

• Gatherings are restricted to six people in indoor and outdoor public spaces. Gatherings or meetings of more than 6 people will require a prefectural authorization, except for funerals, professional meetings, guided tours by authorized professionals, and passenger transport services.

• Distance of at least one meter must be maintained between chairs and seats in all public venues with seated audiences.

• Vulnerable individuals are required to quarantine.

Internal travel restrictions

• Moderate

• Movement is restricted in the town of Saint-Georges, located close to the border with Brazil. The Saint-Georges de l’Oyapock bridge is currently closed.

• Local public transportation (buses/taxis) is operating. River transportation companies must apply for authorization from the prefect to be approved to provide services. Health and safety protocols must be followed.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Shops are allowed to open. All shops are subject to strict compliance with the social distancing measures. The sale of takeaway alcohol is banned after 20:00 until 8:00 throughout the territory, except for regions that are not under curfew.

• All business establishments open to the public are no longer required to apply for prefectural authorization, except for discos and dance halls.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants may open. A maximum of six people per table is allowed, whether coming together or having made bookings together. Details of the customers are to be registered to allow for contact tracing in case of an emergency. The information must be destroyed after 15 days.

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes

• Bars may open. A maximum of six people per table is allowed, whether coming together or having made bookings together. Details of the customers are to be registered to allow for contact tracing in case of an emergency. The information must be destroyed after 15 days.

• Cafes may open for outdoor services provided curfew hours are respected. Dance halls and discos remain closed.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• Yes

• Beaches are open.

Events allowed?

• Yes

• All sports activities, including team and individual sports, are currently permitted. The use of a changing room is also permitted.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• A face mask is mandatory for all people in public places. There are exceptions to the rule, such as during intense physical activities or while consuming food.

Other

• The Kourou Space Centre resumed operations.

• The consumption of alcohol is banned in public roads and places throughout the territory, except for regions that are not under curfew.

Advice

The COVID-19 epidemic is changing constantly worldwide. This information is subject to change as the situation evolves. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Some countries are beginning to remove some restrictions gradually. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country’s embassy for information on your specific travel plans.