Travel Vaccines and Advice for Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe is part of the Caribbean in the Lesser Antilles chain. The territory is a small collection of islands which include several notable mountains and volcanoes. Each of these summits rise above 4,000 feet.
Most of the population of the islands is Creole. Local creole language is spoken along with the traditional official language of French.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Guadeloupe?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Guadeloupe
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Guadeloupe?
What Is the Climate Like in Guadeloupe?
How Safe Is Guadeloupe?
Experience the Amazing Marie Galante Island
What Should I Pack for Guadeloupe?
U.S. Embassy for Guadeloupe
Do I Need Vaccines for Guadeloupe?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Guadeloupe. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Guadeloupe: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, chikungunya, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Chikungunya –
Mosquito –
Few cases reported since 2016. Increased risk for those who may be in more rural areas. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Guadeloupe |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Chikungunya | Mosquito | Few cases reported since 2016. Increased risk for those who may be in more rural areas. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Guadeloupe |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi, is a serious illness transmitted through contaminated food and water. Prevention strategies include vaccination as well as practicing strict hygiene and safe food handling.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, typically spread through ingestion of contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms include fatigue, stomach pain, and jaundice. The hepatitis A vaccine provides effective prevention against the virus. It is administered in a series of shots, usually starting in childhood, and is recommended for travel to areas with high infection rates.
- Chikungunya – Chikungunya, transmitted through mosquito bites, can be prevented by avoiding mosquito-infested areas and use of repellents. Vaccination is considered the best form of protection.
- Rabies – Rabies is a deadly viral illness transmitted mainly through animal bites. Vaccination is pivotal, with pre-exposure and post-exposure options available to protect against this potentially fatal disease.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B vaccine is a vital tool in the prevention of this liver infection, recommended for all travelers and essential for healthcare workers and those at higher risk of exposure.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are infectious diseases that can easily spread. Vaccination remains the primary defense against these threats. The MMR vaccine, with its two-dose regimen, is a reliable way to bolster immunity and reduce the risk of infection and outbreaks.
Travelers’ diarrhea is a common issue not preventable by vaccine. Be sure to bring a travelers’ diarrhea kit with you to avoid this sometimes embarrassing ailment.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Guadeloupe
Prevent Bug Bites in Guadeloupe
Guard against bug bites by wearing appropriate clothing and applying repellents with DEET, picaridin, or OLE. When bitten, clean the area, resist scratching, and relieve itching with over-the-counter solutions. In severe cases, promptly seek medical assistance.
Food and Water Safety in Guadeloupe
Abroad, make wise food choices by familiarizing yourself with local cuisine and favoring established restaurants. Frequent hand-washing is crucial, and it’s advisable to steer clear of street food, opting for thoroughly cooked options.
Infections To Be Aware of in Guadeloupe
- African Tick-Bite Fever – Prevent African Tick-Bite Fever (ATBF) by wearing protective clothing, applying insect repellent, and regularly inspecting for ticks. For added defense, discuss options with healthcare experts before planning trips to endemic areas.
- Dengue – Dengue fever, a viral infection spread by mosquitoes, is characterized by symptoms like high fever and rash. Prevention involves protective measures against mosquito bites and eliminating breeding sites. For those affected, seeking prompt medical care, staying hydrated, and using specific pain relievers under guidance is essential for recovery.
- Zika – Zika virus, transmitted mainly by Aedes mosquitoes, can have serious consequences, especially for pregnant women and their babies. To prevent Zika, individuals should protect themselves from mosquito bites, practice safe sex, and eliminate breeding sites.
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Guadeloupe?
You do not need a visa to travel to Guadeloupe for stays under 90 days. Proof of onward or return travel may be required.
You will need a passport valid six months past your entry date with a blank page in it for an entry stamp.
Guadeloupe Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Guadeloupe? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Guadeloupe and U.S. State Department
While passports are not always required for cruises in this region, it is best to be prepared. Make sure you have a passport with you for your trip.
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
What Is the Climate Like in Guadeloupe?
Guadeloupe has a warm, tropical climate with consistent temperatures and Northeast trade winds year-round. Average temperatures for coastal areas range are in the 70’s. Temperatures for inland regions are in the mid-to-high 70’s.
Humidity can become quite high in Guadeloupe. The territory has a wet season from June through November and a dry season from December to May. Rain and storms can happen at any time but they generally pass quickly.
Hurricane season is from June to November. Though it is uncommon for hurricanes to reach the islands – it happens roughly once or twice every decade.
How Safe Is Guadeloupe?
While Guadeloupe is a relatively safe travel destination, there are some thing to be aware of.
Don’t leave valuables unattended and watch yourself against petty street crime. Take extra precautions at beaches and other public areas.
Carefully consider your safety before enjoying a water sport or similar activity. Make sure you only used licensed rental or tour groups or bring your own gear for some activities.
Stay aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid traveling alone, especially at night.
Experience the Amazing Marie Galante Island
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
Marie Galante is a small island about 15 miles away from the Guadeloupe. It was named after the flagship Marigalante by Columbus in 1493 on his second voyage to the Antilles.
It is an excellent spot for travelers who want a little of everything.
The island has beautiful, relaxing white-sand beaches with picnic sites and coral reefs. You can feel free to enjoy snorkeling and swimming.
For culture and architecture, the island offers sites like the Notre Dame de Marie Galante church. Built in 1827, the building has a sky-blue ceiling and a detailed marble alter. Other notable stops include the Château Murat and the Habitation Roussel. Ruins of sugar factories and windmills can also be seen all over.
Marie Galante enjoys a celebrated history of one of Guadeloupe’s main exports: rum. The island has three currently working distilleries famous for the drink. If you wish to try it, it packs quite a strong punch at about 59% proof.
What Should I Pack for Guadeloupe?
If you’re planning a trip to Guadeloupe, an island in the Caribbean, you’ll want to pack some important things. Here’s a list:
- Lightweight clothes made of cotton or linen because it’s hot and humid there.
- Swimwear so you can enjoy the beautiful beaches.
- Sun protection like sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the strong sun.
- Insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites.
- Comfortable shoes for exploring the island.
- Lightweight rain gear in case it rains.
- Electrical adapters for your electronics because Guadeloupe uses European-style outlets.
- A French language guidebook or translation app because French is spoken there.
- Cash for smaller purchases.
Remember to pack light and comfortable clothes, sun protection, insect repellent, and comfortable shoes. You might also want to bring a French language guidebook or translation app to communicate better.
U.S. Embassy for Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe does not have an embassy on the island. For help and information, contact the U.S. embassy on Barbados:
The embassy in Barbados can help Americans who are visiting Guadeloupe with things like emergencies, passports, visas, and finding medical care or legal help. They also have information on their website to help Americans who need non-emergency assistance.
U.S. Embassy Bridgetown
Wildey Business Park
St. Michael BB 14006
Barbados, W.I.
Phone: (246) 227-4000
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Guadeloupe
Overall rating: 5 stars – 2 reviews
★★★★★
“Friendly, informative and great at shots!“
“I visited Passport Health in Bethesda for a business trip to Guadeloupe. My nurse was great! She was very friendly and was excellent when giving me my shots. She was very knowledgeable and her instructions were clear. I would recommend this clinic to anyone in the area needing travel health services.”
Submitted by: Kayleigh
★★★★★
“All my questions were answered!“
“We’re on our way to the Guadeloupe with our 13 month old son for the first time. So we are very concerned about our travel with him and we had specific questions about food, water and medical care etc. All are questions were answered with extensive details and resources were provided specifically for our needs.”
Submitted by: Norm
“I visited Passport Health in Bethesda for a business trip to Guadeloupe. My nurse was great! She was very friendly and was excellent when giving me my shots. She was very knowledgeable and her instructions were clear. I would recommend this clinic to anyone in the area needing travel health services.”
“We’re on our way to the Guadeloupe with our 13 month old son for the first time. So we are very concerned about our travel with him and we had specific questions about food, water and medical care etc. All are questions were answered with extensive details and resources were provided specifically for our needs.”
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