Guadeloupe Travel Guide

Guadeloupe is a French Overseas Department and part of the European Union, but it is not part of the Schengen Area, a distinction that catches out travelers who assume an existing Schengen visa covers the trip. A short stay Schengen visa issued by France or another Schengen country does not grant entry to Guadeloupe, a separate visa specifically for the French overseas departments is required for nationalities that need one. EU and Swiss citizens need no visa at all for tourist stays under 90 days, and other third country nationals who are visa exempt get the standard 90 days within any 180 day period.

Every visitor needs a valid passport covering the entire length of the stay, and travelers whose nationality does require a visa should confirm the specific overseas department visa requirement with a French consulate well ahead of the trip, rather than assuming a mainland France or general Schengen visa will be accepted at the border.