Guinea

A coup d’état occurred in Guinea on 5 September 2021. There's ongoing heightened political and social tension, including in the capital Conakry. There's potential for the situation to deteriorate without warning. 

There is a high risk of violence during a general strike (‘ville morte’). In the event of a strike, shops could close for long periods of time with little warning. Ensure that you maintain stores of food, water and emergency supplies, sufficient to last at least three to four days.

Be cautious during large public gatherings like football matches. Poor infrastructure and limited exits can create serious risks in an emergency. 

Disruptions to communication networks and internet service can occur with little notice, especially during periods of civil unrest. Certain websites and social media have been restricted by the government. 

Demonstrations and protests

In May 2022, the military junta banned political demonstrations until further notice. Since then, riot police have used tear gas and warning shots to disperse crowds of protesters. Public gatherings and demonstrations still occur. They can start with little or no notice and quickly turn violent, resulting in injuries and deaths. 

Increased tensions and hostilities can be caused by:

• lack of access to basic services
• instability in neighbouring countries
• armed bandits
• ethnic tensions

Vehicles have been attacked while attempting to pass through or around demonstrations. Criminals are known to take advantage of the resulting traffic congestion to rob drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. 

Demonstrations and strikes may disrupt goods and basic services, including road transport and international flights.

To stay safe during periods of unrest:

• avoid protests, street rallies and public gatherings 
• leave an affected area as soon as it's safe
• follow the advice of local authorities 
• remain vigilant, monitor the media for updates, safety and security risks
• keep water and food supplies to last several days
• always have access to cash, medication and a first-aid kit
• keep your car fuelled and phone charged

Violent crime

Violent crime happens in Conakry and other parts of Guinea. This includes:

• assaults
• armed robbery, hold-ups and muggings
• break-ins and burglars may be armed
• minor theft
• carjacking

The risk of violent incidences can happen anytime but increases after dark. Crimes may be perpetrated by persons wearing military or police uniforms who are armed.

Foreigners are often the target of crime, especially at the airport. If you plan to arrive in Conakry on a flight after dark, arrange your airport transfer before you travel. When travelling outside of Conakry, try to complete all travel before nightfall.

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse-snatching, occurs at the airport, in markets, taxis or communal transport, and near popular hotels and restaurants. These crimes are often done by children. 

Frequent power outages may worsen security conditions, especially in large urban centres. This often leads to more crime, especially if street and traffic lights fail.

To protect yourself from violent and petty crime:

• be vigilant while driving in Conakry and surrounding areas, especially when travelling to and from Conakry International Airport 
• drive with doors locked and windows up at all times, even when moving 
• exercise caution at the airports. Arrange to arrive during the day and be met by reliable contacts 
• keep your passport and valuables in a secure place
• don’t wear expensive-looking jewellery or watches and keep mobiles out of sight
• ensure your accommodation is secure and has security guards 
• stay alert after dark or if there's a power failure
• don't walk alone at night 

Drink spiking can happen anywhere. Be alert to the potential risks, and don't leave food or drinks unattended. Pay attention when your drinks are being mixed. Stick to reputable venues and avoid homemade alcoholic drinks due to the risk of methanol poisoning. Get urgent medical help if you suspect you’ve been a victim.

More information:

• Partying safely while overseas

Scams and fraud

There have been reports of police extorting cash from foreigners and Guineans.

There are reports of trading scams involving diamonds, gold export and gold certification. This trade attracts criminal gangs and can involve kidnapping and extortion.

If you travel to West Africa as a scam victim, you are at risk of:

• financial loss
• kidnapping
• assault
• robbery
• murder

This includes travelling to meet a friend or love interest, as well as trying to get your money back or get revenge.

Commercial and relationship scams are common fraud schemes.

In commercial scams, criminals ask for details of safe bank accounts to transfer large amounts of money. They may also:

• promise a percentage of this amount to you
• send fake cashier cheques for urgent goods shipments
• request large fees for a fake government contract
• extort money from you for a bogus business opportunity

In relationship scams, criminals often meet their victims through internet dating sites or chat rooms. Once they have formed a connection, they may:

• ask you to send money so they can come to Australia
• ask you to come to Africa to meet them

Once you transfer money, the relationship often ends. If you travel to Guinea to meet the criminals, you may be in danger.

To protect yourself from scams:

• be wary of online contact from people you don't know
• don't send money to anyone until you've thoroughly checked them

If you suspect a scam, get legal advice.

Don't travel to Guinea to get your money back or to get revenge. You could be in danger.

Pirates

Piracy and armed robbery has been reported in the coastal waters.

The International Maritime Bureau issues piracy reports.

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information:

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including destinations that are typically at lower risk.

The risk of foreign nationals being kidnapped along the border areas with southern Mali is increasing. Foreign nationals and foreign interests, including mining operations, may be targeted.

If, despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations is limited. 

You are responsible for your own safety. To reduce the risk of kidnapping:

• always be alert to your personal security and surroundings - avoid distractions. Be prepared to stop or take evasive action if you sense danger
• get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk. It is essential to have a contingency plan
• check your accommodation has appropriate security measures
• vary your movements so you don't set predictable patterns
• keep a low profile – including online. Drawing attention to yourself in high-risk areas may signal to criminals that you have something worth taking
• avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone. There is safety in numbers, and you should try to travel with someone else, especially at night
• notify family or friends of planned travel; share your location and emergency contacts that they can rely on if something happens
• avoid talking about your money or business affairs
• use ATMs in public places and during daylight hours
• avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone. Criminals have been known to search social media for victims
• If you are confronted by armed criminals, it is best to surrender and cooperate – resistance tends to make the situation worse

More information on how to reduce your risk of being kidnapped: Kidnapping.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Ransom payments to terrorist groups are likely to contravene Australian counter-terrorism financing laws. 

More information:

• Kidnapping
• Scams that affect travellers
• Reducing the risk of piracy

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorists may target hotels, beaches and restaurants.

Recent attacks have happened in West Africa, particularly in:

• Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
• Burkina Faso
• Mali

Border region

Instability in neighbouring countries and armed banditry in West Africa pose a risk in Guinea. Exercise a high degree of caution near the borders with Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia and Sierra Leone,  where ongoing cross-border military and rebel activities make these areas unsafe.

Do not travel to the region bordering Mali as there is a heightened risk of terrorist activity due to the presence of armed groups and militias. Clashes between armed groups and security forces could take place in the area.

• Terrorist threats

Severe weather

The wet season is from May to October.

In flooding, unsealed roads may become impassable without warning. The following essential services can also be affected:

• transport and infrastructure
• electricity distribution
• water and food supply
• emergency services

Take caution and seek local advice. Monitor local media for up-to-date information on weather conditions and border crossing status prior to travel.

Follow the advice of local authorities if severe weather occurs.

Register for alerts from the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away.

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need.

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Guinea. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Ebola virus disease

Guinea has experienced an outbreak of Ebola virus disease in the past. Protect yourself against the disease by practising good hygiene. Cholera and malaria are also present in Guinea and have similar early symptoms to Ebola. 

Insect-borne diseases

Yellow fever is widespread in Guinea. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel (see the 'Travel' section for vaccination requirements).

Malaria is also widespread in Guinea, along with filariasis, dengue, Zika virus and other insect-borne diseases (World Health Organization).

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use treated mosquito nets
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox)

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the current mpox outbreak in parts of Africa as a global public health emergency. It has now spread across a number of countries in Africa, including Guinea.

Mpox can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with an infectious person, infected animals or contaminated materials.

Symptoms include:

• rash
• fever
• sore throat
• headache
• muscle aches
• back pain
• low energy
• swollen lymph nodes

Seek professional medical advice on mpox vaccines.

Maintain strict hygiene standards. Avoid physical contact with anyone who has mpox.

See a doctor if you feel unwell and isolate from others if you develop any mpox symptoms.

More information:

• Mpox (Australian Government)

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS (World Health Organization) is common in Guinea. Take precautions if you engage in activities that may expose you to the virus.

Lassa fever

Lassa fever (World Health Organization) may be a risk when you have contact with rodents or with food or household items contaminated with rodent droppings.

To protect yourself from disease:

• avoid contact with live or dead rodents, burrows or nests and their droppings
• ensure all foods are well-cooked and covered in rodent-proof containers
• keep your body, personal belongings, utensils and common contact surfaces (including door knobs and counters) clean
• avoid places where dust is raised, such as from sweeping and vacuuming rodent droppings

Get immediate medical help if you develop any symptoms of Lassa fever, including a fever, weakness in your body or unexplained pain.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common, including these listed by the World Health Organization:

• bilharzia (schistosomiasis)
• cholera
• hepatitis
• lassa fever
• rabies
• tuberculosis
• typhoid
• COVID-19

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur. If there is an outbreak of infectious disease, follow the advice of local authorities.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• don't swim in fresh water, which can expose you to waterborne diseases
• avoid contact with dogs, cats and other animals

Get medical attention straight away if an animal scratches or bites you

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

There's a severe lack of medical equipment and medicine throughout Guinea. Equipment is basic and often not sterile. Carry basic medical supplies and a first aid kit.

There are some well-stocked pharmacies in Conakry but few outside the capital. Check that medicine is genuine.

Health facilities are limited in Conakry. Outside of the capital, the standard of facilities is poor.

Local health services may have difficulty responding to outbreaks of infectious disease or major incidents.

You may need to pay cash up-front before doctors and hospitals will treat you, even in an emergency.

If you are seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be moved to a place with better facilities via a medical evacuation. Medical evacuations are extremely expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Serious crime

Serious crimes, such as murder and armed robbery, can attract the death penalty.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include prison sentences in local jails.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Proof of identity

You must always carry original ID documents. Police and law enforcement can request to see them. You may wish to keep a laminated copy of your documents with you that can be shown in place of your actual passports or identification cards.

Other laws

You can't export precious stones from Guinea without a licence. If you can't show a licence, authorities may imprison you. Strict regulations may also apply to the movement of items such as firearms, antiquities, medications, business equipment, and ivory. Ensure you have the required permits.

It's illegal to take photos or videos of strategic assets including military, police or government buildings, the President’s residences and offices, or airports and bridges. You may get arrested. Photographing without permission in any public area may result in arrest or a dangerous confrontation with people who find being photographed offensive.

LGBTQIA+ information

Same-sex relationships are illegal in Guinea. Fines or jail sentences may apply.

More information:

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Guinea recognises dual nationality.

If you're a dual national, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Dress and behaviour standards are conservative in Guinea.

Ask locals for advice. Take care not to offend.

Visas

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact an Embassy of the Republic of Guinea for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Border measures

Expect travel bans, curfews and other restrictions on your movement. Air travel may be cancelled at short notice or borders closed in response to political unrest. Some limited commercial flights are operating. Contact your airline for more information. 

These measures can change at short notice. Check with the nearest Guinea Embassy or Guinea Ministry of Health (in French) for details.

Yellow fever vaccination

You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Guinea. You may be asked to show it when you leave.

You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to travel to other countries after visiting Guinea.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 252KB)

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for six months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than six months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information:

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

The local currency is the Guinean franc (GNF). Banks accept international credit cards and can exchange money. 

Traveller's cheques and credit cards are only accepted at some major hotels in Conakry. ATMs are unreliable, only dispense small amounts of cash and often don’t accept foreign cards. They should be used only at reputable hotels, stores, and banks. 

Exchanging currency on the street is illegal. Foreign nationals have been arrested and held in military custody for using unofficial money changers even for small amounts, including at the airport.

Outside of the capital, banks are limited and you will likely have to use cash. 

Fuel and water shortages occur regularly. These shortages affect transportation. An explosion at Guinea’s primary fuel depot in December 2023 has exacerbated the shortages. Local authorities may implement emergency measures including closing gas stations across the country or limiting fuel supply with limited notice. Ensure you maintain stores of food, water and emergency supplies.

Road travel

Road travel can be hazardous, especially during the rainy season from May to October. Roads, even within Conakry, can be flooded and become impassable. Many roads are not paved.  Travel after dark is dangerous. Robberies and accidents are common. 

The Guinean authorities maintain police and local militia checkpoints across the whole country, including on the Conakry airport road. They may ask to search your vehicle and baggage. Officials or people posing as officials may try to extort money from foreigners. Carry identification with you at all times.

When driving, you must be able to show:

• original vehicle documents
• registration
• car ownership papers
• valid driver’s licence
• proof of road insurance
• vehicle safety check certificate

Police or other law enforcement may ask you for these documents. You may wish to keep a laminated copy of your documents with you that can be shown instead of your actual passports or identification cards.

Driving hazards include:

• poor driving habits
• no road or traffic signs
• poorly maintained vehicles and roads
• pedestrians and stray animals

You're more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident in Guinea than in Australia. In the event of an accident, proceed to the nearest police station or medical facility. Roadside assistance and ambulance services are not available.

Travelling only during the day in a reliable, well-maintained four-wheel-drive vehicle with spare tires is strongly recommended. Consider driving in a convoy when possible.

Fuel shortages are common. There may be roadblocks in Conakry and across the country, particularly at night.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Public transport

Guinea has no official public transportation system. Taxis are common, but vehicle and driving standards can be very poor. Avoid the use of moto-taxis and shared taxis/tuk-tuks. Crime occurs in taxis and on long-distance buses, which are often overcrowded and poorly maintained. 

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Guinea's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Police

For criminal issues, contact the local police.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Tourism

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Guinea.

The Canadian Embassy in Senegal can give consular assistance to Australians in Guinea, including issuing provisional travel documents.

Canadian Embassy, Dakar

Corner Rue Galleni and Rue Briere de l'Isle
Dakar, Senegal

Phone: +221 33 889 4700
Fax: +221 33 889 4720
Email: dakar@international.gc.ca
Website: www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/senegal/dakar.aspx?lang=eng

You can also get consular assistance from the Australian High Commission in Ghana.

Australian High Commission, Accra

2, Second Rangoon Close
(cnr Josef Broz Tito Ave)
Cantonments
Accra, Ghana

Phone: +233 302 216 400
Fax: +233 302 216 410
Email: AccraHC.Enquiries@dfat.gov.au
Website: ghana.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission, Ghana
X: @AusAmbGHA

The Australian High Commission in Accra currently has very limited capacity to provide consular assistance in West Africa, except in Ghana.

See the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 within Australia