French Guiana is an overseas department of France. Demonstrations and strikes impacting transportation, including airports and roads, may occur. Reconfirm any domestic and/or international flight reservations if you are traveling during one of these events.
When traveling or living in French Guiana, you should:
- Be aware of your local security situation and take appropriate steps to keep yourself safe.
- Monitor media and local information sources before planning travel and any sort of activities.
- Address specific safety concerns to French law enforcement authorities who have responsibility for the safety and security of all residents and visitors.
U.S. citizens should be aware that demonstrations and large events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational. Avoid areas of demonstrations and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gathering.
Crime: Petty street crime occurs throughout the major cities. Violent crime occurs, but is rare.
- Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
- Don’t display large amounts of money in public.
- Avoid isolated areas, including the beach, after dark.
- Drive with your windows closed and doors locked.
- Avoid placing valuables in plain sight.
If you plan to travel into the interior, use a well-established tour company.
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.
Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should first contact the local police.
The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in French Guiana is 112, but you are unlikely to find an English speaker answering your call. You should also contact the U.S. Embassy in Suriname, which provides consular services for U.S. citizens in French Guiana, at (597) 556-700 ext. 2129 or (597) 710-1112 during evenings and weekends.
Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.
See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.
We can:
- help you find appropriate medical care
- assist you in reporting a crime to the police
- contact relatives or friends with your written consent
- explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
- provide a list of local attorneys
- provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
- provide information on victim’s assistance programs in France
- provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
- help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
- replace a stolen or lost passport
Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities outside of major cities may not consistently occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
