BY AIR: Guadeloupe’s national airline is
Air Caraïbes (TX).
Air Caraïbes operates an impressive fleet of modern aircraft. Air Caraïbes
currently flies 3 Airbus A330 widebody aircraft, 2 Embraer ERJ145 jets, 3
ATR72 and 42 turboprops, 7 Dornier 228 twin-turboprop.
Air France operates at least one flight a day Pointe-à-Pitre from
Paris CDG or ORL airports. Other airlines serving Guadeloupe include
Air Canada (seasonal), American Airlines with flights from
continental USA
Approximate flight times: From Guadeloupe to London is 12 hours 40 minutes (including a stopover time of 1 hour in Paris), to Los Angeles is 9 hours and to New York is 6
hours, San Juan PR to Guadeloupe is about an hour.
International airports: Pointe-à-Pitre (PTP) (Le Raizet) (website: www.guadeloupe.aeroport.fr), 3km (2 miles) from Pointe-à-Pitre. Buses and taxis to the city are available. The airport has two international terminals: Guadeloupe Pôle Caraibes and le Raizet. Airport facilities include banks/bureaux de change, ATM, duty-free shops, restaurants/bars and tourist information.
Departure tax: None.
SEA: Guadeloupe is a point of call for the following international cruise operators: Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Cunard, Royal Olympic, and Princess Cruises. Many ships ply between Guadeloupe and Martinique, and also connect with Miami and San Juan (Puerto Rico). Ferries and catamarans sail regularly from Pointe-à-Pitre to Dominica, Martinique and St Lucia.
GUADELOUPE TRAVEL
INFO - INTERNAL
AIR: Air Caraïbe, Air Guadeloupe, Air Martinique, Air St Barth, Air St. Martin and LIAT connect Guadeloupe with the smaller islands in the group. Air France also offers a limited inter-island service. There are domestic airports on the islands of St Martin, Marie-Galante, La Désirade and St Barthélemy.
Domestic airports: St Martin (SFG) (Espérance) is 4km (3 miles) from Marigot. Buses and taxis are available. The airport is served by Air Caraïbes. Facilities include a bar. St Barthélemy (SBH) is 2km (1 mile) from Gustavia. Taxis are available.
SEA: Regular ferry services ply around the islands.
ROAD: There is a good public bus service, taxi services and many car and van rental companies. Buses depart from Pointe à Pitre and Basse Terre to all towns and villages. Documentation: National driving licence is sufficient, but at least one year’s driving experience is required. An International Driving Permit is advised.
GUADELOUPE PASSPORT AND
VISA REQUIREMENTS
PASSPORTS: Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all.
VISAS: Required by all except the following:
nationals of countries referred to in the chart above for a stay of up to three
months
nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR) (red passport holders only), Hungary, Iceland, Korea (Rep), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Macau (SAR), Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Switzerland, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela for stays of up to three
months
transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.
Types of visa and cost: Short-stay (single-entry): (one to 30 days) £15.72; (31-90 days) £18.87. Short-stay (double-entry): £22.01. Transit: £6.29.
Validity: Short-stay visas (up to 30 days) are valid for two months. Short stay visas (31-90 days and double-entry) are valid for a maximum of six months from date of issue. Transit visas are valid for single or multiple entries of maximum five days per entry, including the day of arrival.
Application to: French Consulate General (for personal visas), or consular section at Embassy (for diplomatic or service visas); see Contact Addresses section for France. All applications must be made in person.
Application requirements: (a) Valid passport. (b) Two completed application forms. (c) Two passport-sized photos. (d) Fee to be paid in cash only. (e) Evidence of sufficient funds for stay. (f) Letter from employer, or proof of stay in country of residence. (g) Proof of address. (h) Medical insurance. (i) Return ticket. (j) Proof of accommodation during stay.
Working days required: One day to three weeks depending on nationality.
Temporary residence: If intending to work or stay for longer than three months nationals should contact the Long Stay visa section of the Consulate General or Embassy (tel: (020) 7073 1248).
