Cayenne Entry Requirements

Children must have their own passport (no longer allowed to be included on parent's passport). Minors under 18 traveling without both parents must carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s), along with copies of the parents' identification documents. This is strictly enforced. If the child has a different surname from the accompanying adult, bring a birth certificate to prove relationship. For children traveling alone or with non-parental guardians, additional documentation may be required including detailed contact information for parents and the person meeting the child in French Guiana.

Pets must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit chip. Rabies vaccination is mandatory and must be current (administered at least 21 days before travel but not expired). An EU Pet Passport is accepted from EU countries; non-EU travelers need an official veterinary certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Dogs and cats from certain countries require rabies antibody titration tests at least 3 months before travel. Pets must enter through approved points of entry. Certain breeds of dogs may be restricted or prohibited. Contact the French agricultural service (Direction de l'Alimentation, de l'Agriculture et de la Forêt) in advance for specific requirements. Airlines have their own pet travel policies that must also be followed.

Tourist visits are limited to 90 days within any 180-day period for visa-exempt nationalities. For stays longer than 90 days, you must apply for a long-stay visa (visa de long séjour) before traveling, which can serve as a residence permit. Applications are made at the French embassy/consulate in your country of residence and require extensive documentation including proof of financial means, health insurance, accommodation, and purpose of stay (work, study, family reunification, etc.). EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can stay indefinitely but should register with local authorities if staying over 3 months. Working in French Guiana requires a work permit, which must be obtained before arrival. Student visas require acceptance from a recognized educational institution. Overstaying your authorized period can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans.

Business visitors entering for meetings, conferences, or negotiations can usually enter on a tourist visa/visa exemption for stays under 90 days, but cannot engage in paid employment. Bring an invitation letter from the French Guiana business, conference registration, or proof of business purpose. If you will be working or receiving payment, a work permit is required. Business equipment and samples may require temporary import documentation (ATA Carnet). Professional equipment should be declared at customs.

If you hold citizenship of both French Guiana/France/EU and another country, you must enter and exit using your French/EU passport. Dual nationals of countries requiring visas for French Guiana should use their visa-exempt passport if applicable. Some countries do not recognize dual nationality - check requirements carefully.

Cruise passengers making brief port calls may have simplified entry procedures and may not need visas for shore excursions, depending on nationality and whether they remain with organized ship tours. However, this varies by nationality and cruise line. Confirm requirements with your cruise operator well in advance. Your passport will typically be held by the ship during port calls. If you plan to leave the ship independently or stay in French Guiana after the cruise, normal entry requirements apply.