Sub Saharan Africa

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public places, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

Compared to other countries in the region, the level of violent crime in Equatorial Guinea is not high.  There are regular reports of petty theft affecting both visitors and expatriates.  We recommend that you take sensible personal security precautions.  You should avoid carrying valuables or wearing jewellery in public and avoid isolated or poorer areas of town.  You should not walk around Malabo and Bata at night and should also avoid travelling by road after dark.

 

For more general information see Victims of crime.

Political Situation

Equatorial Guinea Country Profile
 

Political events can lead to increased presence of police, military or security forces on the streets.  This can happen with little or no notice.  You should carry copies of appropriate documentation (passport or residence permit) with you at all times.  Failure to produce documents on request can lead to detention.

You should avoid any political rallies, demonstrations or large public gatherings.

Local Travel

Unless you are a UK citizen who is resident in Equatorial Guinea and in possession of an EG resident permit,  you will need to inform Protocol Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Francophonie in advance  if you wish to travel outside Malabo on the island of Bioko, and outside Bata on the mainland.

Land borders often close with little or no notice. You should check the situation with the local authorities before travelling to border areas.

 

Road Travel

Most roads in Malabo are paved.  In rural areas the condition of the roads is likely to be poor.  During the rainy season, many roads are accessible only with a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Police and military roadblocks are common.  You may be asked to show your passport, driving licence or vehicle registration documents and explain your reason for being in the area.  Failure to comply with requests can lead to detention.

There are regular reports of extortion by police and uniformed security forces at roadblocks.  You are advised not to pay bribes but to ask for a ticket, detailing alleged offences or violations, which can be paid at a local court.

Public transport facilities, particularly on mainland Equatorial Guinea, are extremely limited.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Air Travel

 

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community.  You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel - European Commission Transport - Air.

There are doubts about the reliability and safety of some Equato-Guinean-registered aircraft operating flights within Equatorial Guinea and regionally.  Equato-Guinean-registered aircraft are banned from British airspace on safety grounds.  British governemnt employees do not use Equato-Guinean-registered aircraft unless this is unavoidable.  You shoud bear this in mind when making your travel plans.

For more general information see Airline Security.