Getting to French Guiana by Land or Sea

By Land

Borders

French Guiana shares a border with Brazil (730 km) and Suriname (510 km).

From Neighboring Countries

The Maroni and Oyapock rivers have long served as borders to the west with Suriname and to the east with Brazil (the south is not accessible). However, there are no roads crossing these borders, except for a bridge completed in 2011 that connects Saint-Georges to Oiapoque in Brazil. At least in theory, because it remains closed for a variety of more or less official reasons and may stay that way for a long time according to some. In short, to travel from French Guiana to its neighbors, you must cross the rivers by pirogue.

To/From Suriname

There is a regular daytime pirogue service between Saint-Laurent and Albina (Suriname) for 5 € per trip. Note that a visa is required to enter Suriname. Less formally, crossings of the Maroni are also possible in other places upstream.

To/From Brazil

The crossing between French Guiana and Brazil at Saint-Georges takes about fifteen minutes by pirogue, which depart when full. Count between 5 € and 10 € for the trip, depending on whether it is during the day or at night. Once on the Brazilian side, filling out the country’s entry form is mandatory. As with the Maroni, less formal crossings are also possible upstream.

By Sea

Ferries

There are no ferry lines connecting French Guiana to other places.

Cargo

There are a few cargo options traveling from mainland France to the port of Cayenne. Count roughly 1,200 € to 1,500 € for the crossing.