Sub Saharan Africa

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• General
 

Travel Summary

• The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. See our Swine Flu page for further information.
  
  
• There is no British Embassy in Equatorial Guinea.  In an emergency, you can obtain consular assistance through the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos.  See the Contact Details of this travel advice for more details.
  
  
• On the morning of 17 February 2009, there was heavy gunfire in the Ela Nguema district of Malabo.  Since then the situation has remained calm and under control.  However, the Government of Equatorial Guinean has now raised the level of their own security alert status covering the period from 11 to 15 May.  You should remain alert and take sensible personal security precautions.  There are likely to be increased security measures by the local authorities, which are likely to include additional roadblocks and unannounced identification checks.  You should carry an appropriate form of identification (passport or residence permit) with you at all times.
  
  
• Unless you are a UK citizen who is resident in Equatorial Guinea and in possesion 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• There has only been one case of a British national requiring consular assistance in Equatorial Guinea in 2009.  But we are aware of reports of petty theft in the country.   You should carry copies of appropriate documentation (passport or residence permit) with you at all times for identification purposes.  Failure to produce documents on request can lead to detention
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.  See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.