French Guiana

Cities

Cayenne and the administrative capital of French Guiana Kourou and the city which hosts the space center and Arianespace Saint-Laurent, located on the Maroni river, which forms the natural border between Suriname and French Guyana. Saint-Georges (French Guyana) | Saint-Georges, on the Oyapock river, which is the natural border between Brazil and French Guyana.

More Destinations

• Kourou#Go next|Îles du salut (Devil's Island) — the ruins of the infamous offshore penal colony

French Guiana Halal Travel Guide

First settled by the French in 1604, French Guiana was the site of notorious penal settlements (collectively known as Devil's Island) until 1951. The European Space Agency launches its communication satellites from Kourou. It is the only portion of mainland South America still governed by an overseas nation.

How is the Climate in French Guiana

Tropical; hot, humid; little seasonal temperature variation.

How is the Landscape of French Guiana

Low-lying coastal plains rising to hills and small mountains, mostly an unsettled wilderness. It also consists of hill plateaus and the Tumuc-humac mountains.

Travel to French Guiana

Plateformerochambeau - Boarding platform at Cayenne Airport

Concerning immigration, French Guiana has different laws. French Guiana is not part of the Schengen Area and your passport or ID-card is checked upon arrival even if you're arriving from mainland or Caribbean France. The department is however covered by the directive for Freedom of Movement so EU-citizens have the right to stay indefinitely. For some neighboring countries (e.g. Brazil, Suriname) it is easier to go to Paris than it is to reach Cayenne.

In addition, holding a yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory regardless of citizenship or where you've recently been. Be prepared to show this certificate before boarding a plane to French Guiana or at the border if you are arriving overland.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from French Guiana

Félix Eboué Airport (IATA Flight Code: CAY) just outside Cayenne is the only international airport and the main point of entry to the territory. Air France and HTTPS://WWWW.Wircaraibes.com Air Caraibes each have a daily flight from Paris Orly Airport, so it's relatively easy to get in from Europe. Air France and Air Guyane Express also has flight to two major French outposts in the Caribbean, namely Martinique and Guadeloupe and thit is probably the best way to get in from North America and the Caribbean. Suriname Airways connects to Paramaribo and Belém (in Brazil) with connections to other parts of South America. In addition there are a couple of seasonal charter Flights from Miami Airport and various Brazilian cities. From other parts of the world, expect a complicated journey with three or four transfers.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in French Guiana

From Brazil and Suriname, getting into French Guiana overland includes a 15 minutes crossing by boat across Oyapoque (from Brazil) or Le Maroni (from Suriname). It's not expensive, unless you want to take a vehicle across, but you have to negotiate.

French Guiana's main seaport is the port of Dégrad des Cannes, located on the estuary of the Mahury River, in the commune of Remire-Montjoly, a south-eastern suburb of Cayenne. However these days, Freighter travel|freighter travel is the only possibility to get into French Guyana from further away by boat.

By car

Pont SGO - Looking across the unused bridge across Oyapock

From Brazil you can take a private barge across the Oiapoque River. Its owner can be contacted in Street Georges or in Oiapoque. From Suriname and there is a ferry to cross the Maroni River.

Oyapock River Bridge

The Oyapock River Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge. It spans the Oyapock River to link the cities of Oiapoque in Brazil and Saint-Georges de l'Oyapock in French Guiana. The two towers rise to a height of 83 meters, it's 378 meters long and it has two lanes of 3.50 m wide. The vertical clearance under the bridge is 15 meters. Construction was completed in August 2011, it didn't open to traffic until March 2017. The bridge is scheduled to be fully operational in September 2017, when the Brazilian customs checkpoints are expected to be finished.

On the French side, access is through a border checkpoint (FCP) which will present three government control: the Border Police and the Customs and the Directorate for Food, Agriculture and Forestry.

The bridge over the Oyapock is planned to be a toll-free bridge (the booths are control booths, not toll booths), and it's accessible to both vehicles and pedestrians.

Travel on a Bus in French Guiana

From Macapá (Brazil) and Paramaribo (Suriname) you can get to the border by shuttle van, but in both cases you need to cross the river by boat and take another bus after the crossing.

Get Around

Passage écologique - National route 2 between Cayenne and Oyapock

Population and therefore transportation is mostly concentrated along a rather narrow sliver of land along the coast. Heading inland from there can be complicated. There are no passenger railways nor have there ever been serious plans for any.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in French Guiana

3,400 km of French Guiana's waterways are navigable by native craft; 460 km navigable by small oceangoing vessels and coastal and river steamers.

Travel on a Bus in French Guiana

There is limited public transportation throughout the territory. Transport Interurbain de la Guyane operates bus routes between major towns.

Minibuses go between major towns but there may only be a few per day. They leave when they are full. Fares are fixed per route; if only going partial distance to Cayenne you may have to pay the full fare. E.g. St. Laurent du Maroni to Kourou you may have to pay the full fare to Cayenne. Fare for St. Laurent to Cayenne is €25.

Best way to travel in French Guiana by a Taxi

It's quite easy to find a taxi, but thit is a expensive way of getting around. The 15 minutes ride from the airport to central Cayenne will cost €35, and to travel one way from Cayenne to Kourou you'll have to fork out €85.

By car

As the public transportation is limited, renting a vehicle is also an option for getting around. Hitchhiking is a good and free alternative. A lot of local residents do it as well.

An asphalted road from Régina to Saint-Georges de l'Oyapock (a town by the Brazilian border) was opened in 2004, completing the road from Cayenne to the Brazilian border. It is now feasible to drive on a fully paved road from Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni on the Surinamese border to Saint-Georges de l'Oyapock on the Brazilian border.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from French Guiana

There aren't really any roads in the inner parts of the nation. If you don't want to travel by boat, HTTPS://WWWW.Wirguyane.com Air Guyane Express has Flights from Cayenne to major inland settlements.

Local Language in French Guiana

French is the official language of France, although Creole is widely spoken. The majority of the population speaks French while few understand English. However, some officials, police, and gendarmes may speak English. Because of the presence of many Brazilians and Dominicans, lots of people understand basic Portuguese and basic Spanish. On the Maroni river, Sranan Tong (Taki-taki) is often used.

What to see in French Guiana

Jardinbotanique - The botanical garden of Cayenne

• Guiana Space centre close to Kourou. There is a free tour twice daily. And for a few euros you can visit a museum. Check the rocket launch schedule for a special experience.
• The capital of Cayenne has some museums and colonial architecture.
• The Îles du salut and Kourou used to form a penal colony, colloquially known as the Devil's Island (although in reality that's the name of just one of the islands). From Kourou you can visit the islands by boat, however the Devil's Island proper isn't open for visitors.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for French Guiana

Cayenne place de l'Esplanade durant le carnaval - Celebrating the carnival on Place de l'Esplanade, Cayenne

• Take a guided tour to the inland rainforest.
• Like in many other Catholic countries and the carnival is celebrated early in the year. In French Guiana the festivities take place between the first Sunday in January and Ash Wednesday. During the carnival people put on masks and traditional dresses and go out dancing along the streets every Sunday in Cayenne, Kourou and St.Laurent. Visitors are also welcome to dress up and participate in the parades. During the carnival the festivities continue through the night in bars and late night restaurants.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in French Guiana

The official currency is the euro just like in mainland France. Most purchases will be more expensive than you expect, as a lot of stuff has to be imported - even milk is flown in from metropolitan France. Things like electronics are really expensive. However the local and objects carved out of wood are great souvenirs and relatively affordable.

For daily purchases and there is a shopping mall outside Cayenne similar to the "hypermarkets" of metropolitan France. Smaller grocery and convenience stores are in the city selling not just food but other small things you might need like insect repellent, toothpaste and other hygiene articles.

GDP per capita is around half that of mainland France and unemployment hovers around 20% which makes the economic situation pretty bad. The local economy largely depends on tourism and the spaceport but Gold mining is another important factor. Sadly Gold mining is often done illegally and in ways harmful to the environment.

Halal Restaurants

Red Beans and Rice - Red beans and rice

A typical local dish includes fish and other seafood or game -food Meat served with Rice, red beans or couac (flour made out of dried cassava) and can be rather fierce, as they often use liberal amounts of spices. What else would you expect from a region whose capital has given name to the cayenne pepper? You can of course always ask the chef to make your dish less spicy. Guyanese specialties include:

• Bouillon d'Awara - broth of awara fruit (Astrocaryum vulgare)
• Colombo - a Creole dish with Beef or chicken
• Red beans - served with game or fish
• Lentils - served with game or fish
• Kalou/Kalalou - a fish dish with spinach and okra
• Pimentade - peppered and lemon seasoned fish in tomato sauce
• Blaf de poisson - fish prepared with court-bouillon
• Roti couniad - fish barbecued with its scale

In some Halal restaurants you may find -food Meat of threatened species (such as cayman and certain turtles) on the menu. Think twice before ordering any of those exotic dishes.

Tafia is a local hard drink that is widely drunk and used for medical purposes. One can drink it with lime juice or with salt and it's used in a drink called Planter, excellent. Rum and ti-punch are also common.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to French Guiana

French Guiana - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to French Guiana, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for French Guiana. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in French Guiana and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to French Guiana. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to French Guiana. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in French Guiana: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in French Guiana.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in French Guiana: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in French Guiana, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in French Guiana.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in French Guiana, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in French Guiana, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within French Guiana and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in French Guiana, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in French Guiana, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of French Guiana without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for French Guiana is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring French Guiana.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group French Guiana is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in French Guiana, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group French Guiana Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in French Guiana

eHalal Group French Guiana is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in French Guiana. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in French Guiana.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in French Guiana ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

Carbet - A carbet

Hotels are rather expensive in French Guiana, at many hotels you'll need to spend well over €100 for a night. For cheaper lodging there are also a couple of hostels that however don't have web pages.

The cheapest lodging is also the most adventurous one. For a few euros you can sleep in a hammock in a traditional carbet, a shelter without walls. Thit is the only type of lodging available in the rainforest.

Study in French Guiana

There are two of higher education institutions in the departement; L'Université des Antilles et de la Guyane (UAG)] and Le Pôle Universitaire Guyanais (PUG)].

How to work legally in French Guiana

Ariane 5ES liftoff from ELA-3 - Guiana Space Centre is a major employer in the department

For European people coming from an EU country, working in French Guiana is allowed without problem. If you're from outside the EU, you will probably need a work permit - check with the French Embassy in your country. Do not forget though that the unemployment rate is high. But if you work in the health sector (doctor, nurse), it will be much easier. French proficiency is crucial.

Voluntary service: Volontariat Civil à l'Aide Technique (VCAT)] . Conditions: you must be French or from another EU-member state or a country belonging to the European Economic Area. You must be over 18 and under 28 years old (inclusive). You must not have had your civic rights revoked by a court or have been convicted of certain offences.

Stay Safe

It is advisable to pay extreme attention not to lose your passport: there are very few consulates in French Guiana as such services are provided by consulates in Paris, so you will be required to go to Paris in case you need your passport to be reissued if you are not an EU citizen.

Some parts of the department are patrolled by the French Foreign Legion, including the Kourou space centre and areas where illegal Gold mining have occurred.

Medical Issues in French Guiana

Guyane fr savane-roche virginie - Rainforest in French Guiana]

Vaccination against yellow fever is necessary; without a yellow fever vaccination certificate you are not allowed into French Guiana. Also two other tropical mosquito-borne diseases, namely malaria and dengue fever are endemic to the region. In other words, do protect yourself from mosquitoes and ticks - long sleeved clothing and insect repellent are recommended. The risk is smaller in the cities and towns. Swimming in still-standing water is not a good idea as it often contains parasites. Thit is less of a problem in rivers. However water in nature is not safe for drinking.

Poisonous snakes and spiders also pose a risk, and you should definitely wear boots in the rainforest and not "explore" hollow trees where these creatures often lurk. Remember that it can take very long to get to a hospital if you get bitten.

Other health risks include cholera, typhoid fever and rabies.

Healthcare is almost up to the same standards as in mainland France, although slightly more expensive. There are hospitals in Cayenne and Kourou. Concerning tropical diseases they are better equipped and more experienced than mainland hospitals.

Local Customs in French Guiana

The Creole culture is deeply rooted in French Guyana, but the population is still proud of being French. Hence insinuating they aren't really French is likely to cause offense. For example mainland France should be referred to as metropolitan/mainland France ("métropole"), not "France". The local residents are happy to answer any questions about their culture, history and religion. However slavery is a sensitive subject that should be avoided.

Telecommunications in French Guiana

For cheaper local calls and calls to mainland France it's advisable to buy a local prepaid SIM card. The Alizé cards by France Telecom offer 13 hours of communication for €15.

There are three GSM operators: Orange Caraïbe, Digicel and Only.

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