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 areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For more general information see Terrorism abroad.

Crime

Theft at gunpoint of individuals and businesses has increased since the military coup in December 2008.  There has been increased lawlessness and impunity with reports each month of violent crime, such as robbery and assault, against businesses and individuals – including foreign travellers.  These crimes are being carried out in particular by individuals dressed in military-style uniforms carrying military weapons. Pickpocketing, muggings and armed break-ins also occur, especially in Conakry.  At present there is little or no chance of redress through the court system, which is subordinate to the military.

In June 2009 a small group of armed men dressed in military uniforms boarded a foreign boat as it entered Conakry port to re-fuel.  Some members of the boat’s crew were taken to an island off shore and held captive overnight while an armed man remained on board with the rest of the crew.  The incident was resolved peacefully by the authorities the following day.

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

Petty crime is also common in Guinea.  You should avoid carrying valuables in public, take sensible precautions and maintain a high level of vigilance in public at all times.

You should not become involved with drugs of any kind.  All precious stones require an export licence.  Those who commit criminal offences, including gem smuggling, can expect to be subjected to local law.  There are heavy penalties for those convicted. Reports in November and December of 2008 suggest that diamond scams are common and dealers are advised to be certain of using reputable contacts.  Local prison conditions are harsh with food and water often not supplied on a regular basis.

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

For more general information see Victims of crime abroad.

Political Situation

Guinea Country Profile

A military coup took place on 23 December 2008 following the death of President Lansana Conte.  A ‘National Council for Democracy and Development’ (CNDD), consisting of mainly military personnel, is running the country in tandem with a civilian Prime Minister and transitional government it has appointed. Presidential elections are planned for January 2010. Moussa Dadis Camara, current leader of Guinea has announced that he would stand in the presidential elections. British nationals are advised to be cautious of any reaction in Guinea and keep away from any public demonstrations.

A general strike remains a possibility. Should a general strike take place, banks are likely to close and there may be fuel shortages and other forms of disruption. Violence during a general strike in 2007 resulted in injures and deaths amongst protestors.

Local Travel

We advise against all travel to Guinea and UK citizens are advised to leave Guinea unless they have a pressing reason to stay.  The level of security in Guinea has deteriorated steadily since the coup in December 2008 and has been made worse by the shootings of 28 September in Conakry.  Although Conakry is currently relatively calm with the occasional shooting reported from within the military camps, we advise UK citizens to leave Guinea by whichever means are available to them.  The airport and land borders are open.

28 September Demonstrations: Following shooting of demonstrators in central Conakry on 28 September 2009 the city remains tense with sporadic shooting and looting of some shops in the night. Conakry airport remains open. Many shops, offices, banks and petrol stations are currently closed. The military is patrolling Conakry and there are ad hoc roadblocks. We advise against all travel into Conakry until further notice.  If you are due to fly into or out of Guinea you should check with your airline whether your flight is still scheduled.  The situation is currently calm but remains highly volatile. 

Areas of Guinea bordering Senegal and Guinea Bissau are reported as being tense with an increased military presence in July 2009.  The border areas with Sierra Leone, Liberia,and Cote d'Ivoire are also unstable.  There are tensions in these areas because of the fragile and unstable security situation in Côte d'Ivoire, and poor government control over the border areas in Liberia (where a large UN peacekeeping force is still in place) and Sierra Leone. There is also a high military presence in these areas.

Road Travel

Public transport, when it exists, is neither reliable nor safe.  Taxis and long distance buses are poorly maintained, and the drivers often unqualified.  Most major hotels and travel agencies offer cars for hire, with a chauffeur if required.

The rainy season (May - October), makes travel outside Conakry and to the interior both difficult and hazardous.  Travel outside cities after dark should be avoided.  Fuel shortages often occur in Guinea.  It is inadvisable to travel within Guinea without a sufficient supply of fuel to complete your journey.

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.  Few motorists have any form of insurance.  Hostile crowds can gather quickly at the scene of a traffic accident, particularly where foreigners are involved.

You are advised not to travel outside of Conakry and other principal towns after dark.

Police and local militia checkpoints are found throughout the country.  Vehicles and passengers are submitted to checks on documentation and baggage.  Corruption and extortion are common at roadblocks.

For more general information see Driving abroad.

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.

As mentioned in the Crime section of this advice, theft at gunpoint of individuals and businesses including of visitors has increased since the coup in December.  This has happened at the airport and on the road to and from the airport by people in military uniforms robbing Guineans and foreign travellers.   If you plan to arrive in Conakry on a flight after dark we recommend you 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.  You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel - European Commission Transport - Air.

For more general information see Airline security.

Sea Travel

There have been reports of attacks of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Guinean territorial waters.  As mentioned in the Crime section in June 2009 a small group of armed men dressed in military uniforms boarded a foreign boat as it entered Conakry port to re-fuel.  Some members of the boat’s crew were taken to an island off shore and held captive overnight while an armed man remained on board.  The incident was resolved peacefully by the authorities the following day.  Please see River and sea safety for more detailed information on piracy.