Here’s a comprehensive guide to the immigration rules and visa requirements for Guadeloupe—an overseas department of France—based on the most current information (mid‑2025):
Visa & Entry Requirements
Short‑Stay Visits (≤ 90 days)
- Guadeloupe is not part of the Schengen Area, so a Schengen visa is not valid.
- Short‑stay visa-free access (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) applies to nationals of:
- EU/EFTA member states and Switzerland,
- And certain non‑EU countries like the US, UK, Canada, Japan, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, South Korea, etc.
- Visa-exempt travelers must still present valid ID or passport, proof of accommodation, sufficient financial means, return flight, and travel insurance.
- DOES count toward the 90/180 day Schengen limit: Time spent in Guadeloupe does count toward your overall 90 days in France and its overseas departments.
Long‑Stay Visits (> 90 days)
- Non‑EU nationals require a long‑stay visa (VLS‑TS), specific to overseas French territories.
- A Schengen long‑stay visa does not entitle entry to Guadeloupe.
- Visa applications must specify Guadeloupe (not metropolitan France) and are processed via French embassies/consulates. Processing may take 2–4 weeks.
Working or Residing
EU / EFTA / Swiss Citizens
- No visa needed to live or work in Guadeloupe.
- Staying longer than 3 months: Recommended to register at the town hall and apply for a residence certificate.
Non‑EU Nationals
- Must obtain both a long‑stay visa and a work permit before entering Guadeloupe.
- Work permit application is employer-driven and submitted to local authorities (DIRECCTE or prefecture).
- Processing typically takes 2–4 months.
After Arrival
- Visa must be validated with OFII (French Immigration and Integration Office).
- Family members (spouse or children under 18) may apply for family reunification visas/residence permits after the main visa holder has resided for ~18 months and meets income and housing criteria.
Path to Long‑Term Residency & Citizenship
- After five years of continuous legal residence in Guadeloupe (or any French territory), one may qualify for a 10‑year renewable residence permit (carte de résident longue durée UE).
- Criteria include: visa compliance, no serious criminal record, integration into French society, and language knowledge.
Summary Table
| Visitor Category | Visa Requirement | Work Permit Needed | Long-Term Stay / Residency |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU / EFTA / Swiss citizens | No (entry with passport or ID) | No | Register locally if staying >3 months |
| Visa-exempt non‑EU nationals | No (up to 90 days) | Yes, to work | Must apply for long‑term visa & permit |
| Non-exempt nationals (most others) | Yes, long-stay VLS‑TS specific to Guadeloupe | Yes | Inclusion in long-term residency path |
| Family of visa-holder | Visa via family reunification route | No (if permit allows) | Permitted after main holder’s stay |
