French Guiana: Authorities loosen curfew restrictions implemented in response to COVID-19 activity /update 21

Event

Authorities in French Guiana have loosened the curfew restrictions imposed on the territory to stem the spread of COVID-19. Effective Feb. 11, the department-wide curfew that required all persons to remain indoors all day on Sundays has been rescinded. Nevertheless, some other curfews remain in force. The government has divided affected townships into two zones: Zone 1, in which nightly curfew hours are 1900-0500, and Zone 2, in which nightly curfew hours are 2359-0500.

As of Feb. 11, specific affected townships are:

• Zone 1 (1900-0500 curfew): Apatou, Cayenne, Iracoubo, Kourou, Macouria, Mana, Matoury, Montsinery-Tonnegrande, Regina, Remire-Montjoly, Saint-Georges de l'Oyapock, Saint-Laurent du Maroni, and Sinnamary.

• Zone 2 (2359-0500 curfew): Awala-Yalimapo, Camopi, Grand-Santi, Maripasoula, Ouanary, Papaichton, Roura, Saint-Elie, and Saul.

Across all areas, authorities permit restaurants and diners to remain open until 2230 to allow these businesses to close their establishments and diners to make their way home. Other territory-wide requirements remain unchanged. All individuals must wear protective face coverings whenever in public. Gatherings of more than six people in indoor and outdoor public spaces are prohibited.

With regard to international travel, French Guiana's borders remain closed to most non-resident foreign nationals. Despite the border closure, French citizens, diplomats, healthcare workers, airline crews, and non-resident foreign nationals who are in transit to their home countries can enter French Guiana. Travel is only permitted for specific compelling reasons. There are no restrictions on cargo shipments and humanitarian travel.

All travelers entering the territory, including those traveling to and from metropolitan France, Guadeloupe, and Martinique, are required to present a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before departure, as well as a sworn certificate declaring the absence of symptoms. Anyone entering the territory must also complete a 7-day self-isolation period, and perform a PCR test at the end of the self-isolation.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further tighten, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice, depending on local disease activity.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Government of French Guiana
Travel Certification