Health Information for Travelers to
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Overview of Guadeloupe
Photo credit: J Armand
Better developed Grand Terre enjoys exceptional beach towns and plenty of fun nightlife along its shores. Basse Terre is more wild, home to Parc National de la Guadeloupe and topped by the spectacular La Soufriere volcano.
First discovered by Columbus in 1493, the islands were known to the local Caribs as Karukera: 'the islands of beautiful waters'. In the 20th century, Guadeloupe became an overseas department of France, enjoying French protection and economic support. Guadeloupe is less well known than Antigua, its neighbour to the north and so enjoys a somewhat laid-back atmosphere and less developed infrastructure by comparison.
The beaches are quite magnificent and remain the main draw card for the steady stream of tourists, the majority of whom are French. Unusually for a tropical island, there are many other attractions such as tropical forests, towering waterfalls and a hard-hitting museum of slavery. The diving is also excellent, particularly on the 15 mile (25km) long coral wall of Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin, just off the coast of Grand Terre.
Getting around the islands is a breeze, with a decent public bus network and plenty of bicycle rental spots presenting better options than expensive taxis.
Key Facts
- Language:
- French is the official language of Guadeloupe.
- Passport/Visa:
All foreign passengers to Guadeloupe must hold a return or onward ticket, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Guadeloupe, if arriving in the country within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
As part of France and the European Union, the official currency of Guadeloupe is the Euro (EUR).
- Electricity:
- Electrical current in Guadeloupe is 230 volts, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs are most commonly in use.
Travel to Guadeloupe
Climate in Guadeloupe
The weather in Guadeloupe is generally lovely year-round, with average temperatures ranging between 67°F (19°C) and 88°F (31°C) throughout the year. The only possible drawback is the potential for hurricanes and tropical storms: the rainy season runs from June to November, with hurricanes possible between June and September, and most likely in September. The best time to visit is from December to May, when it is warm and dry.
Health Notes when travelling to Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe has good medical facilities, although not all doctors speak English. A vaccination is recommended for hepatitis A and yellow fever vaccinations are required for those arriving from infected areas. Guadeloupe was a Zika virus high-risk area, though there is currently no evidence of ongoing transmission. Pregnant women should avoid visiting the island, and other travellers should take extra care to protect themselves against mosquitos.
Customs in Guadeloupe
Guadeloupean society is famously welcoming and friendly, with a high emphasis placed on convivial social interactions between men and women. Social mores and etiquette in Guadeloupe reflect its colonial history, with it still subject to French Law. However, gender roles are perhaps more traditional than in European societies.
Duty Free in Guadeloupe
Visitors to Guadeloupe over the age of 17 may import up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100cigarillos or 250g of tobacco, and one litre of spirits up to 22 percent or four litres of wine.
Communication in Guadeloupe
The international dialling code for Guadeloupe is +590.
Passport/Visa Note
All foreign passengers to Guadeloupe must hold a return or onward ticket, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Guadeloupe, if arriving in the country within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay in Guadeloupe. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay in Guadeloupe. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay in Guadeloupe. No visa is required for British passports endorsed British Citizen, and no visa is required for British passports carrying any other endorsement for touristic stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their intended stay in Guadeloupe. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their intended stay in Guadeloupe. No visa is required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their intended stay in Guadeloupe. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their intended stay in Guadeloupe. A schengen visa is required.
Tourist Offices
Guadeloupe Tourist Office, Pointe-à-Pitre: +59 (590) 82 0930 or info@lesilesdeguadeloupe.com
Guadeloupe Embassies
- In the United States:
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Guadeloupe Embassy, Washington, United States: +1 202 944 6000
- In Canada:
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Guadeloupe Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 1795
- In the United Kingdom:
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Guadeloupe Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 207 073 1000
- In Australia:
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Guadeloupe Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6216 0100
- In Ireland:
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Guadeloupe Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 277 5000
- In New Zealand:
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Guadeloupe Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 384 2555
- In South Africa:
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Guadeloupe Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 425 1600
Foreign Embassies in Guadeloupe
- Canadian Embassy
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Canada Mission, Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for Guadeloupe): +246 629 3550
- British Embassy
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United Kingdom Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Guadeloupe): +33 144 513100
- Australian Embassy
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Australia Mission, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (adelso responsible for Guadeloupe): +1 868 822 5450
Travel Advisories
Currency
As part of France and the European Union, the official currency of Guadeloupe is the Euro (EUR).
Pointe-a-Pitre International Airport (PTP)
The Pointe-à-Pitre Le Raizet (Guadeloupe Pôle Caraïbes) International Airport
http://www.guadeloupe.aeroport.fr
Location: Grande-Terre Pointe-a-Pitre International Airport is located on the island of Grande-Terre, just two miles (3km) north of the city Pointe-a-Pitre.
Time: Local time is GMT -4
Transfer between terminals: The terminals are within easy walking distance of each other.
Getting to the city: Renting a vehicle is highly recommended, as public transport is very unreliable. Reputable hotels in the area may offer shuttle transfers. Cabs are also available from the airport.
Car rental: Car rental companies are represented at the airport include ADA, Avis, Budget, Thrifty, Europcar, Hertz, Rent a Car and Sixt.
Airport Taxis: There are taxis available at the airport, however it is well known that cabs in Guadeloupe are notoriously pricey and are therefore recommended only when there is no other option.
Facilities: The airport is quite well-equipped with bars and restaurants, snack stands, a small grocery store, a craft store, a newspaper stand, currency exchange, a medical centre, a post office and a pharmacy. There is also a duty-free store. Meeting rooms and business facilities are also available at a cost.
Parking: Both short and long-term parking options, as well as a valet service, are available. Rates depend on the time of day, and can be by cash or card.
Overview of the Attractions in Guadeloupe
Public Holidays in Guadeloupe
| 2020 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Mon. January 1 | Mon. January 1 |
| Epiphany | Sat. January 6 | Sat. January 6 |
| Ash Wednesday | Mon. February 26 | Sat. February 17 |
| Easter Monday | Sat. April 13 | Fri. April 5 |
| Labour Day | Wed. May 1 | Wed. May 1 |
| Victory Day | Wed. May 8 | Wed. May 8 |
| Abolition Day | Mon. May 27 | Mon. May 27 |
| Ascension Day | Tue. May 21 | Mon. May 13 |
| Whit Monday | Sat. June 1 | Fri. May 24 |
| Bastille Day | Sun. July 14 | Sun. July 14 |
| Schoelcher Day | Sun. July 21 | Sun. July 21 |
| Assumption | Thu. August 15 | Thu. August 15 |
| All Saints' Day | Fri. November 1 | Fri. November 1 |
| Armistice Day | Mon. November 11 | Mon. November 11 |
| Christmas Day | Wed. December 25 | Wed. December 25 |
| Carnival Monday | Sat. February 24 | Thu. February 15 |
| Mardi Gras (Shrove Tuesday) | Sun. February 25 | Fri. February 16 |
News about Guadeloupe
- The Tiny French Caribbean Islands You've Probably Never Heard Of
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Seen from above, the French Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe look like the emerald wings of a butterfly. Located within the lower crescent of the Caribbean archipelago between the islands of Montserrat and Dominica, these twin islands and a smaller cluster of satellite islets don't just offer intrepid travelers spectacular white sand beaches.
- Air France adds Caribbean Route from Atlanta
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Air France will add a new route from the United States to the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. Air France will launch the service on Nov. 21, operating two flights a week on 170-seat Airbus A320 jets
- Skip Paris and Practice Your French While Island-Hopping Through Guadeloupe
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Guadeloupe sits on the eastern edge of the Lesser Antilles, the archipelago that sprawls from north to south where the Caribbean meets the Atlantic. It is an overseas department of France and as such, has all the rights and obligations of being part of the EU—the euro is used here, its citizens carry French passports, and the lingua franca is, of course, French
- Guadeloupe - An island where rocks have faces
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Petroglyphs found throughout Guadeloupe’s rainforest provide a window into the island’s ancient indigenous peoples population
- A Return to Guadeloupe: Tropical Life, French-Style
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A food traveler went back to the Caribbean island amid growing recognition for its cuisine. That wasn’t the only draw
- Death in Paradise: Guadeloupe, the real-life St Marie
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James Henderson explores the island locations of BBC One's tropical detective series "Death in Paradise"
