Inoculation regulations can change at short notice. Please take medical advice in the case of doubt.

1
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age coming from all countries, except for transit passengers remaining in the airport.

2
Immunisation against typhoid and polio is sometimes advised.

3
Malaria risk, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, is high throughout the year in the nine municipalities of French Guiana bordering Brazil (Oyapock river valley) and Surinam (Maroni river valley). In the other 13 municipalities, the transmission risk is low or negligible. High level of multi-resistant falciparum reported in areas influenced by Brazilian migration. Atovaquane/proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine or primaquine (in special cases) are recommended.

Food & drink
Mains water is normally heavily chlorinated and, whilst relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Drinking water outside main cities and towns is likely to be contaminated and sterilisation is considered essential. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

Other risks
Hepatitis A is common. Hepatitis B and D are highly endemic. American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) and cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis occcur. Brucellosis is common.
There is a slight risk of rabies if in contact with wild animals. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. Mosquitos in the area can transmit dengue fever. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

There are medical facilities in Cayenne, Kourou and St Laurent du Maroni but very few elsewhere. Medical insurance is advisable.