Which vaccines do you need for French Guiana?
Information checked against: TravelHealthPro · CDC Travelers’ Health · WHO where relevant. Last checked: 7 October 2026. Entry requirements can change at short notice. Always verify current rules before departure.
1. Routine vaccinations
Everyone should be up to date with routine vaccines for their age — including measles (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-polio. Bring your records so missing doses can be caught up.
2. Recommended for most travellers
- Hepatitis ASpread through contaminated food and water; advised for previously unvaccinated travellers.
- TetanusCheck your course is complete; a booster may be advised if your last dose was over 10 years ago and care may be limited.
- TyphoidLinked to food and water hygiene; particularly relevant for longer stays, visiting family or rural travel.
- Yellow feverFor travel to risk areas; suitability depends on age and health. Certificate rules are covered separately below.
3. Recommended for some travellers, based on risk
- ChikungunyaVaccine may be considered for some travellers during outbreaks or long stays; bite avoidance is key.
- DengueVaccine suitability depends on previous dengue infection and other factors; bite avoidance is key.
- Hepatitis BFor longer stays, possible medical or dental treatment, sexual exposure or close contact with local people.
- RabiesFor likely animal contact, remote travel, longer stays or limited access to urgent rabies treatment.
- Tuberculosis (BCG)For some children and adults planning long stays with close local contact.
Entry requirements and certificates
A yellow fever certificate is required from all travellers aged 1 year and over entering French Guiana, whatever country they arrive from.
Entry rules can change at short notice; confirm them close to departure.
Yellow fever in French Guiana
Transmission risk
Yellow fever transmission occurs throughout French Guiana.
Vaccine recommendation
Yellow fever vaccine is recommended for some travellers to French Guiana, depending on the areas visited. Suitability depends on age and health, so it needs a clinician’s assessment.
Certificate
A yellow fever certificate is required from all travellers aged 1 year and over entering French Guiana, whatever country they arrive from.
Malaria in French Guiana
- Risk
Risk of malaria in French Guiana, particularly along major rivers and parts of Saül, Maripasoula, Camopi and Régina (see map). Antimalarials are recommended for visitors to these areas.
Antimalarial tablets are usually advised — a clinician chooses if and which, based on you and your route. - Very low risk
Low or very low risk in other parts of French Guiana and no risk in the city of Cayenne or on Devil's Island [Ile du Diable] (see map).
Awareness of risk and mosquito bite avoidance; tablets usually not needed.
This is not a prescription. Discuss malaria prevention with a travel-health clinician. If you develop a fever during or up to a year after visiting a risk area, seek medical help urgently and mention your travel.
Other travel health risks
- Biting insects or ticks
- Influenza
- Outdoor air quality
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Zika virus
What travellers to French Guiana should consider
Malaria is a significant consideration in French Guiana. Tell your clinician where you will sleep each night, because prevention is matched to specific areas rather than the whole country.
Yellow fever transmission occurs across French Guiana, which is a separate question from any entry certificate rule.
Rabies vaccination is usually discussed for travellers with likely animal contact, adventurous or remote trips, or limited access to urgent care.
Day-biting mosquitoes can spread infections such as dengue, so bite avoidance is worthwhile throughout the trip.
French Guiana has its own guidance page because its health risks differ from the wider country.
Tell us about your trip
Book travel-health consultationTravelling to French Guiana?
Your exact vaccination needs depend on your previous vaccines, itinerary, trip length and individual health circumstances. Book a travel-health consultation at Spinola Clinic in Malta. Vaccine availability and prices should be confirmed with the clinic.
Book travel-health consultationSources and review
Information checked against official sources on 7 October 2026. Next scheduled check: 7 October 2027.
Travel Vaccine Malta is independent and not affiliated with these organisations. Guidance is summarised in our own words.