Sandy beach, Cayenne, French Guiana Long grass in Kaw, French Guiana

Travel Vaccinations for French Guiana

Vaccines To Consider When Visiting French Guiana

A consultation will be completed with one of our specialist travel health nurses to assess your individual travel plans and health background before making recommendations, which can then be administered during the same appointment.

Yellow Fever + Certificate
From £84
Hepatitis A - Adult
From £79
Typhoid vaccine
From £49
Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio
From £49

Vaccines Advised To Some French Guiana Visitors

Rabies IM
From £89
Hepatitis B
From £59
There is a risk of Malaria in French Guiana. London Travel Clinic offers a range of antimalarials to keep you protected

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Kapybara in Kaw, French Guiana

Destination Information for French Guiana

French Guiana, on the Northeast of South America, is an overseas region of France that was first settled in by the French in 1604. It is the only part of mainland South America that is still governed by an overseas country. The landscape of French Guiana is mainly tropical rainforest, separated from neighbouring Brazil and Suriname by the rivers of Oyapock to the East and Maroni to the West. The capital city is Cayenne, which is home to the ruins of the 17th-century Fort Cépérou. Cayenne is a pretty city of colourful houses and street markets, with a plethora of excellent restaurants serving a variety of delicious cuisines.

One of the most famous sites in French Guiana is the notorious penal camp for political prisoners, Devil’s Island, the horrors of which were recreated in Henri Charriere’s book, Papillon. Today, visitors can take a tour of the ruins on the Iles du Salut. Along the coast from the capital is Kourou, the launch site for the European Space Programme.

Most of French Guiana’s towns and settlements are along the coast, with jungle and rainforest further inland. There is plenty of wildlife to see here for visitors interested in the natural attractions of the country, including laying sea turtles on the beach at Remire-Montjoly, as well as colourful parrots and monkeys.

As a French region, the currency of French Guiana is the Euro and prices are similar to those you may find in Europe, so this is not a budget destination! Urban areas have plenty of hotels available, or for an authentic experience, rent a basic hut by the river and explore the country from your rainforest base.

Infections and Outbreaks frequently change from country to country and by attending our clinics you will be given the most up to date clinical and safety advice from our team of specialists. Our advice to you often includes aspects such as:

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Non Vaccinated Diseases

West Nile virus

West Nile virus (WNV) is spread by mosquitoes in many countries. There are usually no symptoms, although some people develop mild flu-like symptoms, nausea and skin rash. The virus is not contagious and should get better without any treatment.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25
Natural Mosquito Repellent - 100ml
£7.75

Zika virus

Zika virus is usually transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes are most active during the day, especially during mid-morning, then late afternoon and dusk through to evening. For most people it's a very mild infection with minor or no symptoms, but is more of a risk to pregnant woman as it could result in certain birth defects.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25
Natural Mosquito Repellent - 100ml
£7.75

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes and it causes fever and severe joint pain. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Joint pain is often debilitating and can vary in duration. The disease shares some clinical signs with Dengue, and can be misdiagnosed in areas where Dengue is common. There is no cure for the disease. Treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems Bed Bug Barrier Bedsheet
£12.99
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25

Leishmaniasis

A parasitic disease transmitted by the bite of an infected sandfly. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (the most common): Causes skin lesions, mainly ulcers on exposed parts of the body, causing scars and serious disability. 90% of cases are in the Americas, the Mediterranean basin, the Middle East and Asia. Visceral Leishmaniasis (the most dangerous): Causes enlarged spleen and liver, anaemia, weight loss and irregular bouts of fever. Highly endemic in the Indian Subcontinent and East Africa. Mucotaneous (the least common): Causes partial or total destruction of the mucous membranes in the nose, mouth and throat. Most cases are found in Peru, Bolivia and Brazil.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25

Trypanosomiasis

Human African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, is a parasitic disease transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected tsetse fly, which is only found in rural Africa. Initial symptoms include severe headache, insomnia, enlarged lymph nodes, anaemia and rash.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25
Natural Mosquito Repellent - 100ml
£7.75

Additional Health Risks Information for French Guiana

As with any country, you should take sensible precautions regarding your personal safety when you’re visiting French Guiana. Avoid going to isolated areas after dark, and don’t openly carry valuables or large amounts of cash. The crime levels here are not high, although it does occur.

French Guiana is affected by the Zika virus, which can cause birth defects. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not travel to French Guiana. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitos, as many of the non-vaccinated diseases are contracted in this way. Wear clothing which covers as much of your body as possible, use a repellent cream or spray, and sleep with a net over you if there is a risk of insects in your sleeping area. To avoid food poisoning or other nasty travel illnesses, drink only bottled water, and be vigilant about food hygiene. Medical care in French Guiana is limited, with no services outside of urban areas.

During the rainy season between December and July there may be a risk of hurricanes or tropical storms causing flooding. Always check the weather conditions before heading out, wear suitable clothing and know how to summon help if necessary.

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