A volcano erupted on White Island, New Zealand on 9 December 2019. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Updates are available from the New Zealand Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management.
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.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Guinea overall.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Guinea overall due to political and social tensions that can lead to violence. See Safety
Reconsider your need to travel to the border areas near Cote d'Ivoire, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Reconsider your need to travel to the border areas near Cote d'Ivoire, Liberia and Sierra Leone due to cross-border military and rebel activity, and tensions between ethnic groups that can turn violent. See Safety
Since 14 October, there have been violent protests in Conakry and other towns, resulting in several deaths. Avoid protests and public gatherings.
Border regions are dangerous. Armed robbery, conflict, and cross-border military and rebel activity are common in these regions.
There's a risk of violent and petty crime. Keep car windows up and doors locked, even when moving. Stay alert after dark or if there's a power outage.
Internet scams often originate in West African countries. Be wary of online contact from people you don't know. Don't send money until you've checked who you're sending it to. Don't travel to Guinea to get your money back or to get revenge.
Piracy has been reported in the coastal waters. Check the International Maritime Bureau for piracy reports.
Full travel advice: Safety
Yellow fever, malaria, filariasis and other insect-borne diseases are common. Make sure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent.
HIV/AIDS is common in Guinea. Take precautions if engaging in high-risk activities.
Guinea has been Ebola-free since 1 June 2016. However, further ebola outbreaks could occur.
There's a lack of medical equipment and medicine in Guinea. If you are seriously ill or injured, you'll be evacuated for treatment. Make sure your insurance covers this.
Full travel advice: Health
Always carry original ID documents with you. Police and law enforcement can ask to see them.
Serious crimes like murder and armed robbery can attract the death penalty.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include prison sentences in local jails.
Same-sex relationships are illegal. Fines or jail sentences may apply.
You can't export precious stones from Guinea without a licence. If you can't show a licence, you may be jailed. It's also illegal to take photos or videos of military or government buildings.
Full travel advice: Local laws
You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter and exit Guinea.
Road travel can be dangerous, especially after dark. Robberies, accidents and fuel shortages are common.
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.
Full travel advice: Travel
The Consular Services Charter tells you what the Australian government can and can't do to help when you're overseas.
Australia does not have an embassy or consulate in Guinea. For consular help, contact the Canadian Embassy in Senegal.
You can also get help from the Australian High Commission in Ghana.
Full travel advice: Local contacts
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
There's a risk of violent crime, including:
break-ins
minor theft
carjacking
This happens in Conakry and other parts of Guinea.
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.
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
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.
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:
Terrorists may target hotels, beaches and restaurants.
More information:
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:
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:
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.
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 (World Health Organization) is common in Guinea. Take precautions if you engage in activities that may expose you to the virus.
Common waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases including these listed by the World Health Organization:
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.
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 crimes, such as murder and armed robbery, can attract the death penalty.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include prison sentences in local jails.
More information:
Same-sex relationships are illegal in Guinea. Fines or jail sentences may apply.
More information:
You must always carry original ID documents. Police and law enforcement can request to see them.
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:
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:
Dress and behaviour standards are conservative in Guinea.
Ask locals for advice. Take care not to offend.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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:
Public transport is limited in Guinea. Taxis are common, but vehicle and driving standards vary. Crime occurs in taxis and public transport.
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:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
family and friends
travel agent
insurance provider
employer
airline
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.