Guinea

There's ongoing political and social tension, including in the capital Conakry. There's potential for the situation to deteriorate without warning. 

There's a high risk of violence during general strikes. 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.

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

Demonstrations and protests

Security forces may use tear gas and fire warning shots to disperse crowds of protesters. Public gatherings and demonstrations can occur and may turn violent with little or no notice. Violent protests have occurred previously, resulting in casualties. 

Vehicles may be attacked while attempting to pass 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

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, such as pickpocketing and purse-snatching, occurs at the airport, in markets, taxis or communal transport, and near popular hotels and restaurants. Be aware of unsolicited offers of assistance from individuals who may be trying to steal luggage, handbags or wallets.

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 crime:

• be vigilant while driving, especially when travelling to and from Conakry International Airport
• keep car 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
• keep valuables and mobile phones out of sight
• ensure your accommodation has appropriate security arrangements
• stay alert after dark or if there's a power failure
• don't walk alone at night 

Scams and fraud

There have been reports of police extorting cash from foreigners and Guineans. Local businesses may lodge false complaints with police about foreigners in an attempt to extract additional payments. 

Commercial scams are on the rise. 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.

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security

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

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. An attack could occur at any time, including places frequented by expatriates and foreigners. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places.  

Terrorists may target hotels, beaches and restaurants.

Attacks have happened in West Africa, particularly in:

• Mali
• Burkina Faso
• Cote d'Ivoire

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

Border region

Instability in neighbouring countries and armed banditry in West Africa pose a risk. Expect an increased military presence in border areas.

Reconsider your need to travel near the borders with Sierra Leone, Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire due to cross-border military and rebel activity, and tensions between ethnic groups that can turn violent. 

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

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 extreme weather occurs.

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

Medicines are in short supply and can be of questionable quality in Guinea. Be wary of counterfeit medication.

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is common. Take precautions to reduce your risk of infection.

Ebola virus disease

Guinea has experienced outbreaks of Ebola virus disease in the past. Protect yourself against the disease by practising good hygiene. 

Mpox

Mpox cases continue to occur in parts of Africa, including Guinea. Maintain strict hygiene standards and avoid physical contact with anyone who has mpox.

Insect-borne diseases

Yellow fever is widespread. 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, along with filariasis, dengue, zika virus and other insect-borne diseases.

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.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common, including:

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

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.

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

There’s no agreement between Australia and Guinea for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

Health facilities are limited in Conakry. Outside of the capital, the standard of facilities is poor. 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 evacuated. Medical evacuations are extremely expensive.

Make sure your travel insurance covers medical evacuations.

Serious crime

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

If you're arrested or detained due process may not be followed and delays should be expected. Pre-trial detention is common and can last for many months.

Local prison conditions are harsh, often without regular food and water. The main prison in Conakry suffers from serious overcrowding and security incidents.

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. Carry duplicate copies of your documents that can be handed over to authorities, if requested, 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. Fines or jail sentences may apply.

More information:

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

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:

• Advice for dual nationals

Dress and behaviour standards are conservative, particularly during Ramadan.

Ask locals for advice. Take care not to offend.

Ramadan

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed in Guinea. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time. If you're visiting during Ramadan, seek advice about additional considerations from your tour guide, hotel or trusted contacts.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

You could be denied entry to Guinea if you don’t have a return or onward ticket.

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

Air travel may be cancelled at short notice or borders closed in response to political unrest. Contact your airline for more information. 

Check with the nearest Guinea Embassy or Guinea Ministry of Health (in French) for details.

Yellow fever vaccination

You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Guinea. Some airlines may want to see one 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

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

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. 

On departure from Guinea, you cannot take more than 100,000 Guinean francs in cash, or 5,000 US dollars or the equivalent in euros.

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. 

Travel after dark is dangerous. Robberies and accidents are common. 

Criminals posing as police or military, armed with military weapons, have robbed drivers and their passengers at gunpoint, particularly at night. If you plan to arrive in Conakry on a flight after dark, arrange your airport transfer before you travel.

The Guinean authorities maintain checkpoints across the 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:

• vehicle registration
• hire or ownership records
• valid driver’s licence
• proof of road insurance
• vehicle safety check certificate

Carry copies 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

In the event of an accident, proceed to the nearest police station or medical facility. Roadside assistance and ambulance services are not available.

Fuel and water shortages occur regularly affecting transportation. 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, fuel, water and emergency supplies.

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

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

Call 117.

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.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist 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 Galléni and Rue Briere de l'Isle
Dakar, Senegal

Phone: +221 33 889 4749
Email: dakar-consular@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
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