Guinea

Demonstrations and protests

Since 14 October, there have been violent protests in Conakry and other towns, resulting in several deaths. The security situation can be volatile.

Increased tensions and hostilities are caused by:

• lack of access to basic services

• instability in neighbouring countries

• armed bandits

• ethnic tensions

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

• monitor the media for 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

There's a risk of violent crime, including:

• assaults

• muggings and armed robbery

• break-ins

• minor theft

• carjacking

This happens in Conakry and other parts of Guinea.

Petty crime

Criminals may target you:

• at the airport

• in markets

• near popular hotels and restaurants

In Conakry, petty criminals are active in the Madina, Niger and Taouyah markets.

Criminals may use children to help them steal, or pose as military officers.

To stay safe from petty crime in Guinea:

• keep car windows and doors locked, even when moving

• keep your passport in a secure place

• stay alert after dark or if there's a power failure

• don't accept offers of help from strangers in airports or hotels

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.

Scams and fraud

Internet scams may come in the form of romance, friendship, business and employment opportunities. These scams often originate in West African countries.

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 has been reported in the coastal waters.

The International Maritime Bureau issues piracy reports.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Recent attacks have happened in West Africa, particularly:

• Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

• Burkina Faso

• Mali

Terrorists may target hotels, beaches and restaurants.

More information:

• Terrorist threats

Severe weather

The wet season is from May to October.

In flooding, unsealed roads may become impassable without warning.

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 eight weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice

• International travel and health (World Health Organization)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

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

More information:

• Medication

Ebola virus disease

Guinea is Ebola-free since 1 June 2016.

Ebola virus disease (World Health Organization) is no longer a public health emergency.

The World Health Organization (WHO) provides updates on Ebola outbreaks and flare-ups.

Insect-borne diseases

Yellow fever (Department of Health) is widespread in Guinea. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.

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

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof

• use insect repellent

• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

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.

Other health risks

Common waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases including these listed by the World Health Organization:

• cholera

• typhoid

• hepatitis

• tuberculosis

• lassa fever

• rabies

• bilharzia (schistosomiasis)

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

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.

Medical facilities

Throughout Guinea, there's a lack of medical equipment and medicine.

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 evacuation to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very 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

LGBTI information

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

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Proof of identity

You must always carry original ID documents. Police and law enforcement can request to see them.

Other laws

You can't export precious stones from Guinea without a licence. If you can't show a licence, authorities may imprison you.

It's illegal to take photos or videos of military or government buildings.

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 doesn't recognise 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.

Other formalities

Yellow fever vaccination

You 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 (Department of Health).

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 74KB) (World Health Organization)

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.

The local currency is the Guinean franc (GNF). Traveller's cheques and credit cards are accepted at most major hotels in Conakry.

Outside of the capital, banks are limited and you may need to use cash.

Road travel

When driving, you must be able to show:

• original vehicle documents

• registration

• car ownership papers

Police or other law enforcement may ask you for these documents.

Driving hazards include:

• poor driving habits

• no road or traffic signs

• poorly maintained vehicles and roads

• pedestrians and stray animals

You're five times more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident in Guinea than in Australia.

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

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

More information:

• Driving or riding

Public transport

Public transport is limited in Guinea. Taxis are common, but vehicle and driving standards vary. Crime occurs in taxis and public transport.

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: canadainternational.gc.ca/senegal

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

Twitter: @AusAmbGHA

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