Moderate riskAmericas · South AmericaFrench Guiana Travel Health Guide
Moderate risk
French Guiana carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in certain areas of French Guiana, particularly gold mining areas near Brazil and Suriname borders. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Overall risk
Moderate risk
Malaria
Present
Best time to visit
Year-round
Recommended vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Make sure all routine vaccinations are current before travel, including chickenpox, tetanus, flu, MMR, polio, and shingles vaccines.
COVID-19
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations before travel.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travelers to French Guiana age 1 year and older. Infants 6-11 months should also get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all unvaccinated travelers to French Guiana regardless of age.
Measles
Measles vaccination (MMR) is essential for all travelers due to rising cases worldwide. Infants 6-11 months need an early dose.
Polio
Polio vaccination is critical as poliovirus has been identified in French Guiana. Adults may need a booster dose, and unvaccinated travelers need the complete series.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccination is recommended for most travelers, especially if staying with locals or visiting rural areas.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccination is both recommended for protection and required for entry into French Guiana for travelers 1 year and older.
Rabies
Rabies vaccination may be needed depending on your activities and access to medical care. Rabid dogs are uncommon, but rabies is present in bats.
Disease risks
Malaria
Malaria risk exists in certain areas of French Guiana, particularly gold mining areas near Brazil and Suriname borders. No risk in Cayenne City or coastal areas west of Kourou. Prophylaxis recommended for risk areas.
Traveler's Diarrhea
All areas except Cayenne; high risk in rural and mining areas.
Malaria risk
Malaria is present in this destination. Prophylaxis medication is recommended.
Malaria risk exists in certain areas of French Guiana, particularly gold mining areas near Brazil and Suriname borders. No risk in Cayenne City or coastal areas west of Kourou. Prophylaxis recommended for risk areas.
Emergency numbers
Police
17
Medical / Ambulance
15
Fire
18
U.S. Embassy
+33-1-43-12-22-22
More country guides
ArgentinaLow riskArgentina carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
BoliviaModerate riskBolivia carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in areas below 2,500m elevation. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Chikungunya, Hepatitis A. Required for entry (applies below 2300m)
BrazilHigh riskBrazil carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in certain areas of Brazil. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
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Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.