Sub Saharan Africa

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

• Health
• General
 

• There is a continuing risk of spontaneous riots and violent demonstrations due to power shortages. There have been several such incidents in Conakry recently.
  

• In the run-up to legislative elections, the date of which is still to be confirmed, political demonstrations - both in Conakry and regional towns - may increase. Visitors should avoid any protests, demonstrations, or other political gatherings and military barracks. A demonstration took place on 27 September 2011 in which several people died.
  

• Outbreaks of cholera have been confirmed in western Guinea, with a number of deaths recorded.

• In the run-up to legislative elections, expected some time over the next few months, political demonstrations - both in Conakry and regional towns - may increase. Visitors should avoid any protests, demonstrations, or other political gatherings and military barracks. A demonstration took place on 27 September 2011 in which several people died.
  
  

• There have been a number of reports of armed robbery against ships in Guinea territorial waters. A vessel carrying a British flag was attacked 2km from the port of Conakry on 29 September 2011 by a group of armed men, some wearing military uniforms. The crew were robbed of cash and personal possessions.
  
  

• If you are in Guinea, we advise that you monitor local media reports, take precautions for your safety and exercise extreme caution and avoid travelling late in the evening. You should carry your identity papers with you at all times.
  
  

• President Conde was sworn into office on 21 December 2010 and has formed a new government. There were reports of heavy shooting in the early hours of 19 July 2011 around the Presidential residence in Kipe 15km from the centre of Conakry. The President was unharmed. This remains a volatile political period.
  
  

• Theft at gunpoint of individuals and businesses is common, with reports each month of violent crime such as robbery and assault being carried out in particular by individuals dressed in police and military uniforms carrying military weapons. Petty crime is also common in Guinea. 
  
  

• Exchanging foreign currency on the street or using unofficial money changers is illegal and can result in military detention.
  
  

• Areas of Guinea bordering Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia and Sierra Leone are regularly tense with an increased military presence.
  
  

• Due to the small size of our Embassy in Conakry, only limited emergency consular assistance can be provided. Nevertheless, we recommend you register with the Embassy, preferably by e-mail to britembconakry@hotmail.com . See also General -  Consular assistance.
  
  

• There is a low threat from terrorism in Guinea. You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  

• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General -  Insurance.

Safety and Security - 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 areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. See our Terrorism abroad page.

Safety and Security - Crime
There is a continuing risk of spontaneous riots and violent demonstrations due to power shortages. There was rioting in Conakry on 24 January over power interruptions which affected television coverage of Guinea’s first football match in the Africa Cup of Nations. A policeman was killed in similar riots a few days later. 

Theft at gunpoint of individuals and businesses is a regular occurrence. Violent muggings in broad daylight for cash and other valuables such as mobile telephones is a regular occurrence including against foreign travellers and foreign residents. These crimes are being carried out in particular but not exclusively by individuals dressed in police and military uniforms carrying military weapons. At present there is little or no chance of redress through the court system, which is often subject to external influences. The embassy has received unconfirmed reports of police extorting cash from foreigners or Guineans with links to foreigners.

If you plan to arrive in Conakry on a flight after dark you should arrange your airport transfer before you travel.

Do not become involved with drugs of any kind. All precious stones require an export licence. Trading scams involving diamonds, gold export and gold certification have often been reported to the Embassy. Those accused of or who commit criminal offences, including gem smuggling, can expect to be subjected to local law. There are heavy penalties for those convicted. Local prison conditions are harsh with food and water often not supplied on a regular basis. Pre-trial detention is extensive and can last for many months.

The local police number for downtown Conakry is (+224) 30 45 17 97 (Commissariat Central Kaloum).

See our Victims of crime abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel
Areas of Guinea bordering Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia and Sierra Leone are regularly tense with an increased military presence.

Safety and Security - Local Travel  - Road Travel
The rainy season  in Guinea is from May to October.  This makes travel outside Conakry and to the interior both difficult and hazardous. Travel outside cities after dark should be avoided. Torrential rains can cause floods and landslides. You should monitor local weather reports and expect difficulties when travelling to affected areas during this season.

Public transport is usually by local taxi which is neither reliable nor safe. Taxis and long distance buses are poorly maintained, and the drivers often unqualified. Few motorists have any form of insurance. Most major hotels and travel agencies offer cars for hire, with a chauffeur if required.

The standard of road maintenance is low. Beware of deep potholes. Many roads are not metalled and are not repaired after the rainy season. Roads within Conakry and other principal towns can quickly become flooded and impassable. Vehicles countrywide may be badly maintained and unroadworthy.

Police and local militia checkpoints have reduced in number since February 2011 but often appear at short notice and especially after dark throughout the country. Vehicles and passengers are submitted to checks on documentation and baggage. Corruption and extortion are common at roadblocks.

See our Driving abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Air Travel
There are a number of local airlines, which operate internally and on shuttle routes to neighbouring destinations.  We do not have reliable information about safety and/or maintenance standards, but flights are frequently delayed or cancelled.

If you plan to arrive in Conakry on a flight after dark you should arrange your airport transfer before you travel. Corruption at the airport by officials is common.

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

See our Airline security page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel -  Sea Travel
There have been reports of attacks of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Guinean territorial waters. As well as the incident on 29 September 2011 described in the Travel Summary above, in December 2010 we received reports that a group of armed men dressed in military uniforms boarded a foreign boat in waters around Kamsar and robbed the vessel of its cargo, cash and mobile telephones. The vessel was detained overnight. See our River and sea safety page.

Safety and Security - Political Situation
Guinea Country Profile

The President was sworn into office on 21 December 2010 and formed a new government. Legislative elections are expected to be held in 2012, but no date has been confirmed. This remains a volatile and tense political period. There were reports of heavy shooting in the early hours of 19 July 2011 around the Presidential residence in Kipe 15km from the centre of Conakry. The President was unharmed. You should keep away from any political gatherings and military barracks.

In the run-up to the legislative elections, political demonstrations – both in Conakry and regional towns – may increase. Visitors should keep away from any demonstrations, other political gatherings and military barracks. If you are in Guinea we advise that you monitor local media reports, take precautions for your safety and exercise extreme caution and avoid travelling late in the evening. You should carry your identity papers with you at all times. 

Do not become involved with drugs of any kind. All precious stones require an export licence. Those who commit criminal offences, including gold or gem smuggling, can expect to be subjected to local law. There are heavy penalties for those convicted. Local prison conditions are harsh and pre-trial detention can last for many months.

It is a requirement that foreigners and Guinea nationals show identification if requested by the police or other law enforcement agencies. You are allowed to carry photocopies of the relevant pages of your passport, provided they are certified by the Guinean police.  The original should be kept in a safe place.

Although homosexuality is not explicitly mentioned in the Guinean Penal Code, Article 325 of the Code states that ‘indecent acts and acts against nature committed with an individual of the same sex will be punished by imprisonment of six months to three years and a fine of 100,000 to 1,000,000 Guinean francs. If the act is with a minor of less than 21 years, the maximum sentence will be pronounced. If the act is committed with violence or attempted violence the sentence will be 5-10 years.’ We have no reports of any attacks on persons linked to their sexuality. However homosexuality is not widely accepted or understood. 

Exchanging foreign currency on the street or using unofficial money changers has been made illegal. Those using money changers, even for small amounts, including at the international airport, have been arrested and detained in military custody. It is extremely difficult to obtain foreign currency in Guinea. 

Photography and filming in many parts of the country is forbidden. Elsewhere they are subject to strict rules which are enforced rigidly. It is forbidden to photograph or film anything of strategic value e.g. bridges. Do not photograph military or police installations or government buildings. Individuals may prefer not to be photographed. If in doubt, seek permission  or do not take pictures. 

See our Your trip page.

Entry Requirements - Visas
All British nationals require a visa to enter or reside in Guinea. Visas for both private and business travel and residency can be obtained at the Embassy of the Republic of Guinea.

Entry Requirements - Passport Validity
You must hold a valid passport to enter Guinea. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of your application for a visa to enter Guinea and must be valid for at least the duration of your stay in Guinea.

Entry Requirements - Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
You require a certified Yellow Fever vaccination certificate to enter Guinea.

Entry Requirements - Travelling with Children
For information on exactly what will be required at immigration, please contact the Embassy of the Republic of Guinea.

Outbreaks of cholera have recently been reported in the west of Guinea. Over a dozen deaths and at least 140 cases have been reported in the district of Forecariah, approximately 100km south of Conakry; and more recently several deaths and at least 40 cases have been reported in the district of Boffa, approximately 150km north-west of Conakry.

Medical facilities are poor in Guinea, with equipment basic and often not sterile. You should carry basic medical supplies, and should consider including an emergency dental kit if travelling outside Conakry. There are minimal facilities for dealing with heart problems and major trauma. For serious medical treatment, medical evacuation to Europe is necessary. There are well-stocked pharmacies in Conakry but few outside the capital.  

There are no central contact numbers for hospitals in Guinea. Only private clinics can be contacted.  In Conakry, Clinique Pasteur can be reached on (+224) 30430074.

Malaria is common and can be fatal. You should seek immediate medical assistance if you think you may have malaria. Waterborne diseases, such as cholera, are prevalent. Water supplies are untreated so you should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Guinea seek immediate medical attention.

Cholera occurs every year in the rainy season in most parts of the country, and lasts for up to eight months. 

In the 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 70,000 adults aged 15 or over in Guinea were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 1.3% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. See our HIV and AIDS page.

Seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

See our Travel health page.

General - Insurance
You should take out comprehensive medical and travel insurance before travelling. This should include cover for medical treatment and evacuation, accidents, cancelled flights and stolen cash, credit cards, passport and luggage. Check for any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. See our Travel insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas, see our When Things Go Wrong page.

General - Registering with the British Embassy
We recommend that you register with the embassy if you have not already done so, preferably by e-mail to britembconakry@hotmail.com.

General -  Consular Assistance
Due to the small size of the British Embassy in Conakry, only emergency assistance can be provided. Those seeking non-urgent notarial services may have to await the next visit of the Vice-Consul from Freetown; or if appropriate could seek the service of a local lawyer/notary; or could approach another British Embassy in the region for assistance; in all cases planning well in advance wherever possible.

All visitors to the Embassy will be seen strictly by appointment.

The Embassy runs a telephone enquiry service on (+224) 63 35 53 29 during normal office hours:  Monday to Thursday 0800-1630 and Friday 0800-1300.

In an emergency, such as the death, rape/sexual assault, hospitalisation or detention of a British national, the duty officer can be reached 24 hours a day on (+224) 60 25 42 05.

If for any reason your emergency call is not connected, the British High Commission in Freetown, Sierra Leone, can be contacted during office hours on (+232) 76912606 and during out of office hours on (+232) 76859117.

General - Money
Credit cards are not widely used. ATM facilities accept foreign cards, but should not be relied upon as a means of getting money. International credit cards may be used to draw cash over the counter. Outside Conakry banking can be difficult.

Exchanging foreign currency on the street or using unofficial money changers has been made illegal. Those using money changers, even for small amounts, including at the international airport, have been arrested and detained in military custody. Obtaining hard currency in Guinea is very difficult.