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6 ways to enter

French Guiana visas

French Guiana transit visa

Some passengers can transit without a visa. Certain travellers still need an airport transit visa, even when staying inside the airport's international transit area.

Ways to get a French Guiana transit visa

  1. Airport transit without a visa

    Transit without a visa

    Passengers who remain in the international transit area and are not in a category required to hold an airport transit visa for European France qualify.

  2. Airport transit visa

    Visa needed

    Travellers in the same categories required to have an airport transit visa for European France need this visa.

    1. Apply at a French embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
    2. Lodge an application for the required transit visa.

  4. Cruise transit with a qualifying visa or residence permit

    Transit without a visa

    Cruise passengers holding a visa for any French territory, or a residence permit for Andorra, Canada, Japan, Monaco, San Marino or the United States, qualify.

    Stay
    Up to 24 hours.

  5. Cruise transit while staying on board

    Transit without a visa

    Cruise passengers who do not leave the ship qualify.

  6. Crew transit without a visa

    Transit without a visa

    Airline and ship crew members qualify.

Who needs it

The same categories of travellers who need an airport transit visa for European France also need one for airport transit in French Guiana; those categories are not listed here.

Who doesn't

Other passengers staying in the international transit area, airline and ship crew, and qualifying cruise passengers can transit without a visa.

Changing planes

Can you stay airside?
Yes, without a visa if you stay in the transit area
Leaving the airport
If you leave the international transit area, the airport transit exemption no longer applies. You need a visa or an entry exemption that covers your visit.
Transit without a visa
Stay entirely within the airport's international transit area and do not belong to a category required to hold an airport transit visa for European France.

Good to know

  • The airport transit exemption applies only while you remain in the international transit area.
  • The 24-hour cruise exemptions apply only to the qualifying groups listed below.
  • No general airport transit time limit is given.
  • Airline and ship crew members may also transit without a visa.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for French Guiana?

The same categories of travellers who need an airport transit visa for European France also need one for airport transit in French Guiana; those categories are not listed here. Other passengers staying in the international transit area, airline and ship crew, and qualifying cruise passengers can transit without a visa.

What are the ways to get a transit visa for French Guiana?

There are 6 options: Airport transit without a visa (transit without a visa); Airport transit visa (a visa from an embassy); Visa-free cruise visit for listed nationalities (no visa at all); Cruise transit with a qualifying visa or residence permit (transit without a visa); Cruise transit while staying on board (transit without a visa); Crew transit without a visa (transit without a visa).

Who can go to French Guiana without a transit visa?

Nationals of the listed countries travelling by cruise ship qualify for a short visa-free stay.

Can I stay inside the airport in French Guiana without a visa?

Yes, staying in the international transit area is allowed for most travellers. To leave the airport: If you leave the international transit area, the airport transit exemption no longer applies. You need a visa or an entry exemption that covers your visit.

What rules do I have to follow on a French Guiana transit visa?

The airport transit exemption applies only while you remain in the international transit area. The 24-hour cruise exemptions apply only to the qualifying groups listed below.

Does my passport change whether I need a transit visa for French Guiana?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the French Guiana visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a transit visa for French Guiana be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest French Guiana transit visa rules?

On French Guiana's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my transit visa once I am in French Guiana?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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