French Guiana: Authorities to loosen curfew restrictions implemented in response to COVID-19 activity starting Feb. 27 /update 22

Event

Authorities in French Guiana have loosened the curfew restrictions imposed on the territory to stem the spread of COVID-19. Effective Feb. 27, the nightly curfew hours will be reduced in some locations and eliminated in others, with the following in effect:

• Areas to be subject to a nightly 2300-0500 curfew: Apatou, Cayenne, Iracoubo, Kourou, Macouria, Mana, Matoury, Montsinery-Tonnegrande, Regina, Remire-Montjoly, Saint-Georges de l'Oyapock, Saint-Laurent du Maroni, and Sinnamary

• Areas in which the curfew will be eliminated: 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. Additionally, under the new guidelines, bars may reopen as long as they operate under the same health protocols as restaurants. Other territorywide 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