French Guiana Visa Information for Dallas TX Travelers
French Guiana is one of South America’s most unusual destinations — technically not a country at all but an overseas department of France located on the northeastern coast of South America between Brazil and Suriname. Because it is legally part of France and the European Union, US citizens do not need a visa to visit French Guiana. It is home to the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou where the European Space Agency launches rockets into orbit, the notorious former penal colony of Devil’s Island, and remarkable Amazon biodiversity. AA Passport & Visa in Richardson TX ensures your passport is valid for your French Guiana trip. Open 7 days a week. Walk-ins welcome. Call 972-231-1600.
Visa Requirements For French Guiana (Overseas Territory of France)
There is no visa required for U.S. citizens traveling for business or tourist purposes for a maximum stay of 3 months (a maximum of three months cumulative stay during any six months period in the combined Schengen States). A valid and signed US Passport (valid at least 6 months beyond the date of entry) is required.
For further questions, call us at 972-231-1600 or email at info@aapassports.com
Register your trip on-line with the U.S. Embassy in this country. Millions of Americans travel abroad every year and encounter no difficulties. However, U.S. embassies and consulates assist nearly 200,000 Americans each year who are victims of crime, accident, or illness, or whose family and friends need to contact them in an emergency. When an emergency happens, or if natural disaster, terrorism, or civil unrest strikes during your foreign travel, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate can be your source of assistance and information. By registering your trip, you help the embassy or consulate locate you when you might need them the most. Registration is voluntary and costs nothing, but it should be a big part of your travel planning and security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa to visit French Guiana?
No. US citizens do not need a visa to visit French Guiana. Because French Guiana is an overseas department of France it is legally part of the European Union and French territory. American passport holders can enter visa-free. However French Guiana is NOT part of the Schengen Area so your days there do not count toward your 90-day Schengen allowance for mainland Europe. This is the same situation as Martinique and Guadeloupe — French, EU, but not Schengen. AA Passport & Visa helps with passport renewal. Call 972-231-1600.
Is French Guiana part of the Schengen Area?
No. Despite being an overseas department of France and legally part of the EU, French Guiana is not part of the Schengen Area. This means your days in French Guiana do not count toward your 90-day Schengen allowance for mainland France or other European countries. This is a common source of confusion for travelers. You can spend 90 days in French Guiana and then use your full separate 90-day Schengen allowance to travel through Europe without any conflict.
What is the Guiana Space Centre and can tourists visit?
Yes. The Guiana Space Centre in Kourou also known as Europe’s Spaceport is open to the public for guided tours and rocket launch viewing. It is one of the few places in the world where civilians can watch a rocket launch live. The European Space Agency and Arianespace conduct regular launches from this facility. Visiting the Space Centre is the main draw for most international tourists to French Guiana. Tours must be booked in advance at csg-tourisme.fr. AA Passport & Visa ensures your passport is valid for this unique experience.
What documents do US citizens need to enter French Guiana?
You need a valid US passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your planned return date. No visa stamp or advance authorization is required for US citizens. At French Guiana border control you may be asked for a return or onward flight ticket and proof of accommodation. Note that malaria is present in French Guiana particularly in interior jungle areas and the US CDC recommends malaria prophylaxis for travel to rural regions. AA Passport & Visa helps ensure your passport is current. Call 972-231-1600.
How do I get to French Guiana from Dallas TX?
There are no direct flights from Dallas to French Guiana. Most DFW travelers connect through Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Paris to reach Cayenne Felix Eboue International Airport the main airport in French Guiana’s capital Cayenne. Air France operates the Paris to Cayenne route. Total travel time from Dallas is typically 12 to 18 hours depending on your connection. Make sure your passport is valid for the full duration of your trip. AA Passport & Visa offers expedited passport renewal. Call 972-231-1600.
