Guadeloupe

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Guadeloupe is an archipelago of islands in the Caribbean, in the Lesser Antilles. The two main islands are Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, and the population is about 405,000 people. Guadeloupe became a French colony in 1635 and today is a French territory overseas and thus part of the European Union and the euro area.

The head of state is the French President and the head of government is President of its General Council. Guadeloupe sends deputies to the French National Assembly and senators in French Senate.

Tourism is a key component of the economy of Guadeloupe. Some attractions include Ilets Pigeon, a small island and nature reserve and underwater park Cousteau, known for some of the best diving and scuba diving. The National Park of Guadeloupe, Basse-Terre, is recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Travelers can enjoy tropical forests, beaches, and watersports.

Currency	EUR: Euro
Language	French
Capital	Basse-Terre
Recent Alerts	2
Latest Alert	July 02, 2021 - Tropical Storm ELSA en route to Caribbean Islands - Update

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Guadeloupe. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Guadeloupe through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.
Hepatitis B There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Guadeloupe.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Guadeloupe, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Yellow Fever There is no risk of yellow fever transmission. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Dengue Fever Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.
Chikungunya Fever Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.
Rabies Although the UK National Travel Health Network and Centre considers the islands to be free of rabies, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that rabies may be present in bats. Contact with bats may result in exposure to rabies.
Schistosomiasis This disease is present in Guadeloupe and is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.
Zika Fever There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.
African Tick Bite Fever This disease may occur in the country.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Guadeloupe.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Yellow Fever Vaccine A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Rabies Vaccine Although the UK National Travel Health Network and Centre considers the islands to be free of rabies, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that rabies may be present in bats. Persons who may come into contact with bats should consider vaccination against rabies.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Guadeloupe.

None required.

Safety and Security in Guadeloupe

Emergency Numbers

112

Personal Safety

The crime rate is low in this country, and most travellers have no trouble. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, or other theft can occur in any crowded area or tourist destination. Always be alert to your personal safety and security. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Avoid walking alone at night. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never leave your drinks out of your sight.

LGBTI traveller should note that although same-sex relations are legal under French law, local attitudes may be intolerant to same-sex relations and behaviour. Avoid public displays of affection.

Exercise caution when driving. Roads may not be well maintained, and may be narrow and winding. Rural roads may not be well marked or lit.

Exercise extreme caution when participating in outdoor adventure activities as safety standards may not be adequate. Ensure travel and medical insurance are purchased before departing and ensure your insurance policy covers these types of activities.

Due to its location in an active seismic zone, Guadeloupe experiences earthquakes. There is also an active volcano on the south side of Basse-Terre island. Hurricane season is between May to November. Flooding, landslides, major damage to infrastructure and disruption to travel plans may result. Be aware of the evacuation routes. Follow the advice of local authorities.

Political Unrest

Protests or strikes can occur in Guadeloupe, usually due to labour issues and can disrupt transportation and other services. Always avoid public gatherings and demonstrations since even peaceful gatherings can become confrontational and violent.

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Updated: July 02, 2021