French Guiana

French Guiana is an amazing corner of South America and an overseas department of France. It offers a unique combination of wild Amazonian nature and European culture, providing tourists with a truly special experience. The country's capital, Cayenne, reflects this blend in its architecture and atmosphere, where Creole traditions intertwine with French heritage. For travellers from the UAE, it may be interesting to note that the capital is also home to a small Muslim community and several mosques.

A large part of the territory is covered by dense tropical forests, making French Guiana a paradise for ecotourism and adventure enthusiasts. Here you can explore the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon, go on jungle treks or take boat trips along the rivers. The climate is equatorial, hot and humid all year round. In addition to its natural wonders, the country is known for its spaceport in Kourou, from where the European Ariane rockets are launched.

A trip to French Guiana promises vivid experiences, from encountering untouched nature and a multifaceted culture to possibly even watching a rocket launch. This is a destination for those seeking more than a standard beach holiday, who are ready for discoveries in an exotic, yet European, corner of the world. The town of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni on the border with Suriname also attracts visitors with its history and colonial architecture.

The official currency in French Guiana is the euro (EUR), as the territory is an overseas department of France. Standard euro banknotes in various denominations (e.g., 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 euros) and coins are in circulation. For travellers arriving from the UAE, it is necessary to exchange UAE Dirhams (AED) for euros. This can be done at banks or official exchange offices upon arrival in French Guiana. To avoid unfavourable exchange rates or potential fraud, it is strongly advised not to exchange money with private individuals.

Credit cards, particularly Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in cities such as Cayenne, as well as in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases at local markets, for services in smaller establishments, or when travelling to more remote areas. It is recommended to confirm whether cashless payments are accepted in advance, especially outside of major towns, as ATMs can be unreliable in these locations.

When planning a trip to French Guiana, it is important to clarify the visa requirements in advance. For holders of a UAE passport, a visa is not required for short stays of up to 90 days. As French Guiana is an overseas department of France, its visa policy is largely determined by French regulations, but it is not part of the Schengen Area and has its own specific entry conditions.

To enter French Guiana, you will need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay. It is also recommended to carry proof of return or onward tickets, accommodation bookings, sufficient funds for your stay, and a medical insurance policy. Since visa regulations can change, it is strongly advised to verify the most current information on the official website of the French embassy or consulate in the UAE before travelling.

French Guiana operates on a single time zone. The official time here is UTC-3 (Coordinated Universal Time minus 3 hours). This means the same time is observed across the entire country, including in the capital, Cayenne. For travellers from the UAE, it is useful to know that the UAE is on Gulf Standard Time (UTC+4), making French Guiana 7 hours behind.

Tourists arriving in French Guiana will not need to worry about time changes when travelling within the country. This simplifies the planning of excursions and internal trips, as the time is the same everywhere.

The easiest way to get to French Guiana is by air. The country's main international air hub is Félix Eboué Airport (CAY), located near the capital, Cayenne. For travellers from the UAE, the most common route involves flying

Situated on the northeastern coast of South America, French Guiana offers travellers a unique blend of Creole culture, colonial history, and breathtaking nature. The main towns are concentrated along the coast, each with its own distinct character. The capital, Cayenne, is the primary administrative and cultural hub, attracting visitors with its vibrant architecture and lively markets.

Not far from the capital is Kourou, world-renowned for the Guiana Space Centre, from where "Ariane" rockets are launched. This town also serves as a departure point for excursions to the famous Salvation Islands. In the west of the country, on the border with Suriname, lies Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni – a town with a rich and complex past, where buildings of the former penal colony have been preserved and which today serves as an important transport hub.

For those seeking immersion in the wild, French Guiana offers places like Saül. This small village in the heart of the tropical rainforest is an ideal base for hiking and discovering the unique flora and fauna of the Amazon. Another interesting destination is Roura, which offers opportunities for ecotourism and experiencing local traditions. Every town and village in the country is interesting in its own way and awaits exploration.

French Guiana, an exotic corner on the north-eastern coast of South America, attracts visitors not only with its unique nature but also with a number of interesting attractions. Most of them are concentrated in the capital, Cayenne, and its surroundings, offering travellers an introduction to the history and culture of this region.

One of the main historical attractions is the Fort Cépérou Lighthouse. Located on a hill, it offers not only a chance to connect with the past but also to enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean. It is a place where history meets breathtaking scenery.

The heart of the capital's social life is considered to be Place des Amandiers. It is a lively spot, surrounded by colonial buildings, where locals and tourists enjoy strolling, relaxing in the shade of the trees, and observing the daily life of Cayenne. Various events and fairs are often held here.

For those wishing to experience local cuisine in a pleasant setting, the Le Bœuf au Jardin restaurant is an excellent choice. It is famous for its dishes that combine French culinary traditions with exotic local ingredients, offering visitors a gastronomic journey. While this establishment is popular for its local flavours, travellers seeking dedicated halal dining will find several options in Cayenne, including Moroccan and world cuisine restaurants. The local cuisine also features a wide variety of seafood dishes.

With its equatorial climate, French Guiana offers tourists two main seasons to visit. The high season, also known as the dry season, traditionally runs from August to November. During this time, the weather is most favourable, with plenty of sunshine, minimal rainfall, and more comfortable humidity levels. These are ideal conditions for exploring the famous tropical rainforests, visiting the spaceport in Kourou, or relaxing on the coast. Although there may be slightly more tourists and prices for accommodation and services might be marginally higher during this period, the excellent weather conditions make for a particularly pleasant trip.

The low season, or rainy season, predominantly lasts from December to July. This period is characterised by frequent, heavy downpours and high humidity, and travel on some roads, especially further inland, can be difficult. Nevertheless, this period has its own advantages: nature is on full display in all its lush beauty, there are noticeably fewer tourists, and accommodation costs can be more appealing. Occasionally, a brief improvement in the weather with less rain occurs in March, known as the 'little summer of March' (petit été de Mars), but this cannot always be relied upon.

Special events that might influence the timing of your visit to French Guiana are also worth considering. The main event is the famous Carnival, which takes place from January to February or early March. The most vibrant parades and celebrations unfold in Cayenne and Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni. This colourful and lively spectacle attracts many visitors, despite occurring during the rainy season. Additionally, from April to July, you can witness a unique natural phenomenon on the beaches near Awala-Yalimapo: the nesting of leatherback turtles. If your goal is to see these events, plan your trip for the corresponding dates, but be prepared for potential rainfall. Overall, the country's climate is quite uniform, but for trips deep into the Amazon jungle, it is always advisable to check the latest weather conditions.

As an overseas department of France, French Guiana combines European norms of behaviour with vibrant Creole and local traditions. When interacting with local residents, it is customary to greet with a handshake, and making eye contact is important. Using the informal "tu" (you) is possible between people who know each other well; in other situations, it is better to use the respectful "vous". French is the official language, but Creole is widely spoken in daily life. Local people are very hospitable, and if you are invited to a home, a small gift, such as flowers or sweets, would be an appropriate gesture. There are no strict requirements for everyday clothing; however, when visiting religious sites, it is advisable to choose more modest attire that covers the shoulders and knees.

At the dining table in French Guiana, European rules of etiquette are followed. You should not start eating until your hosts or the eldest at the table have begun their meal. One of the main celebrations is the Carnival, which takes place before Lent and is distinguished by its colourful processions, music, and dancing. It is celebrated particularly vibrantly in Cayenne. French national holidays, such as Bastille Day on 14th July, are also widely celebrated. To show respect for the local culture, try to be polite, do not raise your voice in public places, and always ask for permission before photographing people. Openness and friendliness will help you to better understand and enjoy the unique atmosphere of French Guiana.

French Guiana offers tourists a unique blend of natural adventures and Creole culture. The main focus here is on outdoor activities related to exploring the Amazon. Visitors can go hiking through tropical rainforests, explore rivers by kayak or canoe, and observe exotic animals and birds. Although there are few traditional beach resorts, the opportunities for ecotourism and immersion in the wild are truly limitless.

Cultural entertainment is mainly concentrated in cities such as the capital, Cayenne. Here you can visit local museums and learn about the region's history, including its colonial past and the space programme in Kourou. In the evening, the atmosphere comes alive in restaurants and cafés, where you can try local cuisine and enjoy Caribbean rhythms. While halal-certified restaurants are not widespread, some establishments in Cayenne, such as Le Marrakech, offer Moroccan dishes and other halal options. Nightlife is not overly boisterous but offers a relaxed atmosphere for unwinding after a busy day.

As for shopping, popular souvenirs from French Guiana include local artisan crafts, spices, and space-themed memorabilia. The main shopping areas are in Cayenne. For a family holiday, excursions to nature reserves are highly recommended to see the diverse flora and fauna, as are visits to cultural centres that introduce local traditions in an accessible way.

Planning a trip? That's wonderful! To ensure the financial aspects of your journey don't come as a surprise, it's important to remember that currency exchange rates are constantly changing. Therefore, we strongly advise you to monitor the latest rates just before you fly and throughout your trip. You can use the data provided below for this purpose; we monitor exchange rates 24/7 and strive to provide the most up-to-date information.