French Guiana: Authorities tighten COVID-19 restrictions in certain municipalities effective April 3 /update 25

Event

Authorities in French Guiana have issued orders tightening certain restrictions in a number of locations to stem the spread of COVID-19. Effective April 3, expanded curfew hours running 19:00-0:500 daily will be in effect in Cayenne, Kourou, Macouria, Matoury, and Remire-Montjoly. Additionally, a 23:00-05:00 daily curfew will be in effect in Apatou, Awala-Yalimapo, Camopi, Grand-Santi, Iracoubo, Mana, Maripasoula, Montsinery-Tonnegrande, Regina, Ouanary, Papaichton, Roura, Saint-Elie, Saint-Georges, Saint-Laurent, Sinnamary, and Saul. Moreover, movement into and out of the municipalities of Iracoubo and Regina will be restricted; drivers will only be allowed to pass through checkpoints set up along roads leading to and from the cities if they have a compelling reason for their travel.

Aside from these new measures, existing restrictions are largely unchanged. The department's borders remain closed to most nonresident foreign nationals who do not have a compelling reason for travel, with French citizens, diplomats, healthcare workers, airline crews, and nonresident foreign nationals who are in transit to their home countries being exempt from the general ban. There are no restrictions on cargo shipments and humanitarian travel.

Travelers arriving from the French Antilles must present a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure for French Guiana. Upon arrival, such individuals are advised to self-quarantine for seven days. While this self-isolation period is voluntary, persons who do not adhere to it can be held criminally liable if it is later determined that they have spread COVID-19 to another person after entering the territory. A second PCR test must be taken at the end of the seven-day period.

All individuals must wear protective face coverings whenever in public. Gatherings of more than six people in indoor and outdoor public spaces are prohibited.

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