Objectives - The objectives of this study were 1) to estimate the relative importance of health determinants among all factors influencing migration to French Guiana; 2) to compare the health status of populations living in French Guiana based on their migration status; 3) to describe and estimate commuting for medical care to the Saint-Laurent du Maroni (SLM) Hospital. Methods - An initial population-based survey was conducted on a random sample of 1,027 residents of Cayenne and SLM aged 18 years or older. Logistic regression models were used to compare three health indicators (perceived health, chronic diseases, functional limitations) according to migration status. The surveys at the SLM hospital were based on a random sample of patients visiting the emergency department (n=286) and a consecutive sample of women giving birth at the hospital’s maternity ward (n=264). Commuting migrants were defined as those who reported their primary residence as being in Suriname. These surveys were conducted between February and April 2009. Results - Immigrants accounted for 40.6% of the adult population in Cayenne and 57.8% in SLM. Among them, 3.1% reported having migrated and/or settled in French Guiana for health reasons. Individuals in an irregular immigration status had the poorest health indicators. At the SLM hospital, commuter migrants accounted for 4.6% of emergency room visits and 12.5% of deliveries in the maternity ward. Conclusion - Migration for healthcare accounted for only a minority of migratory movements to French Guiana. In SLM, commuting for healthcare was limited and primarily reflected disparities in healthcare provision between French Guiana and Suriname. (R.A.)