Guadeloupe travel guide
About Guadeloupe
A butterfly-shaped archipelago in the Caribbean Sea, Guadeloupe is a picture of tropical island idyll – no wonder the French are reluctant to let it go.
Known as Karukera to the original Caraïbe inhabitants, this French overseas region might share the same attributes as other coveted Caribbean destinations – white powdery beaches, vertiginous mountains and dazzling coral reefs – but Guadeloupe’s Franco-Caribbean culture sets the archipelago apart from its neighbours.
Ascribed by Jacques Cousteau as one of the world’s premier diving destinations, Guadeloupe was at the front of the queue when they were giving out natural beauty; from the lofty heights of La Grande Soufrière volcano to the resplendent reefs of the Pigeon Islets, this archipelago is exquisite on the eye.
Comprising eight islands and numerous small islets, Guadeloupe’s varied typography is a big draw for adventure travellers, who come to trek the terrain, ride the waves and cycle through a slice of paradise.
But the archipelago is also a hit with more sedentary travellers, who while away lazy days on sandy shores and quaff rum in ramshackle beach bars to the rousing rhythms of Guadeloupian beguine.
Each island, of course, has its own character, but few travellers have time to visit them all. Most base themselves on one of the two main islands – Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre – which are linked by dense mangrove swamps rich in wildlife.
These two islands are home to Guadeloupe’s main resorts; they are where most of the hotels and evening entertainment can be found; where you can eat at the best restaurants; and fall out of the best bars.
They are also home to the archipelago’s leading historical attractions, including forts, defunct sugar plantations and museums, which, between them, trace the DNA of modern day Guadeloupe and explain how it remains an unlikely member of the European Union.
Key facts
1,705 sq km (658 sq miles).
470,547 (UN estimate 2016).
236.8 per sq km.
Basse-Terre.
Guadeloupe is an Overseas Department of France and as such is an integral part of the French Republic.
President Emmanuel Macron since 2017, represented locally by Prefect Xavier Lefort since 2023.
President of the Departmental Council Guy Losbar since 2021.
Travel Advice
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
- see general advice for women travellers
- read our guide on disability and travel abroad
- see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
- read about safety for solo and independent travel
- see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Guadeloupe’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
Guadeloupe is an Overseas Department of France (‘Département d’Outre-Mer’). The authorities in Guadeloupe set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the French Consulate General in the UK.
Passport validity requirements
Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave Guadeloupe.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Visa requirements
Guadeloupe is an Overseas Department of France and so is part of the EU.
You can visit Guadeloupe without a visa for up to 90 days, for tourism or business. To stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, check the visa application process and timelines on the French visa website.
UK residents of Guadeloupe
Carry your residence document, as well as your passport, when entering or exiting Guadeloupe. If you have applied but not yet received your document, carry your certificate of application. You will have received this as an email.
Vaccine requirements
You must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Guadeloupe guide.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Guadeloupe. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Taking food into Guadeloupe
You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.
Taking money into Guadeloupe
Check what cash and valuables you need to declare to bring them into Guadeloupe.
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Guadeloupe
Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Guadeloupe, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Ongoing Protests
Following recent unrest since September 18, restrictions and curfews may be imposed or amended at short notice. You should remain aware of what is happening around you and avoid areas where protests are taking place. Follow the advice of local authorities. The latest updates can be found here: Préfet of Guadeloupe.
Crime
Protecting yourself and your belongings
Avoid isolated areas, including beaches, after dark.
Do not carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive-looking jewellery or watches on the street. Put valuables and travel documents in a safety deposit box or hotel safe.
Outdoor activities
Swimming safety
See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
Scuba diving
Diving schools may have limited resources and do not always observe safety and maintenance standards. Always:
- check a dive operator’s credentials
- check the conditions on your insurance policy – some policies require dive instructors to have certain qualifications
- make sure safety equipment is available on the boat, particularly oxygen
- ask about safety precautions, including the ability to transfer divers to a hyperbaric chamber
If you have not had any previous diving experience, check what to do if something goes wrong, including how to call for help while at sea.
Transport risks
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in Guadeloupe, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s France guide as French driving rules apply. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.
Check with the local authorities or your car hire company what documents you need. You may need an international driving permit (IDP) as well as your UK driving licence.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Hurricanes
The hurricane season in Guadeloupe normally runs from June to November. Monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organization and the US National Hurricane Center.
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 15 or 18 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for Guadeloupe
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
See what health risks you’ll face in Guadeloupe, including:
- Zika virus
- dengue
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Healthcare in Guadeloupe
General healthcare facilities in Guadeloupe are very good. The standard of health service hospitals and GP practices is equivalent to mainland France. Specialist treatment is also available.
Health insurance cards
To get medically necessary state healthcare in Guadeloupe, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
The NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:
- how to apply for a GHIC
- how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
- who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
- what treatment counts as medically necessary
A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:
- changes to travel and accommodation bookings
- additional standard costs for treatment
- medical repatriation to the UK
- treatment that is ruled non-urgent
- private healthcare
- private clinics
Healthcare for residents
If you plan to live in Guadeloupe, consult the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about long-term entitlement to healthcare under the French national system.
DWP Overseas Medical Benefits helpline: +44 (0)191 218 1999
You can also get English-language information about French social security services online or on +33 (0)820 90 42 12. You can get French-language information online about state services in Guadeloupe.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Emergency services in Guadeloupe
Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
or
Ambulance: 15
Fire: 18
Police: 17
Distress at sea: 196
Contact your travel provider and insurer
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
Support from FCDO
FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
- getting help if you’re a victim of crime
- what to do if you’re in hospital
- if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack
Contacting FCDO
Help abroad
See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
Help in the UK
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
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