Guadeloupe Health

Vaccinations

  Special Precautions
Diphtheria Sometimes
Hepatitis A Yes
Malaria No
Rabies Sometimes
Tetanus Yes
Typhoid Sometimes
Yellow Fever No*
Inoculation regulations can change at short notice. Please take medical advice in the case of doubt. Where 'Sometimes' appears in the table above, precautions may be required, depending on the season and region visited.

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by travellers over one year of age arriving from an infected or endemic zone within six days.

Food and Drink

Mains water is chlorinated and whilst relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of stay. Drinking water outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilisation is advised. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafoods and fruit are generally considered safe to eat.

Other Risks

Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present; avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. The sap of the manchineel tree is toxic and causes burns to the skin. Travellers should avoid contact with its leaves and fruit, and should not stand under the tree when it is raining. These trees, which look similar to apple trees, are often marked with a red sign on the trunk.

Health Care

Health care is of a good standard, but health insurance is advisable to cover costs as the reciprocal health agreement between the UK and France may not apply in Guadeloupe. There is a University Hospital Centre in Pointe-à-Pitre, on Grande-Terre, and a hospital on Basse-Terre as well as a number of clinics.
Need some holiday inspiration?
Tired of the same holiday destination?
Fresh ideas are just one click away...
Sign up for our newsletter
Be the first to hear about the coolest destinations and the latest travel trends. Plus, competitions, holiday inspiration and amusing facts, delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up for our newsletter
Advertisement

Travel Deals

Advertising features
Travel Partners
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Spot the holiday killer - Protect yourself from malaria. Before you travel, find out if your holiday destination is in a malaria zone.

Quick links