Guinea travel advice

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary and the Local Travel section (reported shooting of President). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel Summary

• 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 2009 in Conakry and the reported shooting of the President on 3 December. Although Conakry is currently relatively calm, the political situation is unclear and potentially volatile, there is a high risk of violent military reactions following the 3 December shooting of the President in central Conakry. We advise UK citizens to leave Guinea by whichever means are available to them. The airport and land borders are open but the main road into Conakry (Kilometre 36) is liable to close without notice during security alerts. At present there is a high risk of military activity on the streets of Conakry.

  
  
• The military is patrolling Conakry and there are ad hoc roadblocks. We advise against all travel into Conakry until further notice.
  
  
• Following a military coup on 23 December 2008. 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. The CNDD has banned any gatherings of large groups and prohibited demonstrations. Violent crowds can emerge at short notice and disrupt traffic flows. Following shooting of demonstrators in central Conakry on 28 September 2009, the city has been tense with sporadic shooting and looting of some shops in the night. Many shops, offices, banks and petrol stations area currently closed. The airport remains open.
  
  
• If you are currently in Guinea you should monitor local press reports, take sensible precautions for your safety and exercise extreme caution including in all areas near military camps. You should avoid all demonstrations and political rallies.
  
  
• Theft at gunpoint of individuals and businesses has increased since the coup, with reports each month of violent crime such as robbery and assault being carried out in particular by individuals dressed in military-style uniforms carrying military weapons. Petty crime is also common in Guinea. There is little or no chance of redress through the court system, which is subordinate to the military. Exchanging foreign currency on the street or using unofficial money changers has been made illegal. Those using money changers, even for small amounts, including at the international airport, have been arrested and detained in military custody. You should take sensible precautions and maintain a high level of vigilance in public.
  
  
• 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 Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia and Sierra Leone are also unstable. There are ongoing 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). There is also a high military presence in these areas
  
  
• Due to the small size of our Embassy in Conakry, only limited emergency consular assistance can be provided. Nevertheless, we recommend you register with the Embassy, preferably by e-mail to britembconakry@hotmail.com or via LOCATE. See the General (Consular assistance) section of this advice for more details.
  

• The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert Phase has raised to Level 6. The WHO website has further details. Check Swine Flu for further information.

• There is a low threat from terrorism in Guinea. 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.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel insurance for more details.
  

Safety and security

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 and keep away from any public demonstrations. Camara has been reported shot in a security incident in central Conakry on 3 December. Reports indicate he has left the country. The political situation is unclear and highly volatile.

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 and the reported shooting of the President on 3 December 2009. Although Conakry is currently relatively calm there is a high risk of violent military reactions to the 3 December shooting of the President in central Conakry. We advise UK citizens to leave Guinea by whichever means are available to them. The airport and land borders are open but the main road into Conakry (Kilometre 36) is liable to close without notice during security alerts. At present there is a high risk of military activity on the streets of Conakry.

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.

Local laws and customs

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. Local prison conditions are harsh.

It is a requirement that foreigners and Guinea nationals show identification if requested by the police or other law enforcement agencies. You are allowed to carry photocopies of the relevant pages of your passport, provided they are certified by the Guinean police. The original should be kept in a safe place.

Although homosexuality is not explicitly mentioned in the Guinean Penal Code, Article 325 of the Code states that ‘indecent acts and acts against nature committed with an individual of the same sex will be punished by imprisonment of six months to three years and a fine of 100,000 to 1,000,000 Guinean francs. If the act is with a minor of less than 21 years, the maximum sentence will be pronounced. If the act is committed with violence or attempted violence the sentence will be 5-10 years.’ We have no reports of any attacks on persons linked to their sexuality. However homosexuality is not widely accepted or understood.

Exchanging foreign currency on the street or using unofficial money changers has been made illegal. Those using money changers, even for small amounts, including at the international airport, have been arrested and detained in military custody.

Photography and filming in many parts of the country is forbidden. Elsewhere they are subject to strict rules which are enforced rigidly. It is forbidden to photograph or film anything of strategic value e.g. bridges. Individuals may prefer not to be photographed. If in doubt, ask or do not take pictures.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your trip.

Entry requirements

Visas

All British nationals require a visa to enter or reside in Guinea. Visas for both private and business travel and residency can be obtained at the Embassy of the Republic of Guinea.

Passport Validity

Your passport must have a validity of at least six months when applying for a visa to enter Guinea.

Yellow Fever vaccination certificate

You require a certified Yellow Fever vaccination certificate to enter Guinea.

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration, please contact the Embassy of the Republic of Guinea.

Health

Medical facilities are poor in Guinea, with equipment basic and often not sterile. You should carry basic medical supplies, and should consider including an emergency dental kit if travelling outside Conakry. There are minimal facilities for dealing with heart problems and major trauma. For serious medical treatment, medical evacuation to Europe is necessary. There are well-stocked pharmacies in Conakry but few outside the capital.

There are no central contact numbers for hospitals in Guinea. Only private clinics can be contacted. In Conakry, Clinique Pasteur can be reached on (+224) 30430074.

Malaria and other waterborne diseases, such as cholera, are prevalent. Water supplies are untreated so you should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Guinea you should seek immediate medical attention.

Cholera occurs every year in the rainy season in most parts of the country, and lasts for up to eight months.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 81,000 adults aged 15 or over in Guinea were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 1.6% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

A (H1N1) - Swine Flu

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert Phase remains at Level 5. The WHO website has further details.

For more general health information see Travel health.

General

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive medical and travel insurance before travelling. This should include cover for medical treatment and evacuation, accidents, cancelled flights and stolen cash, credit cards, passport and luggage. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How we can help.

Registering with the British Embassy

We recommend that you register with the embassy if you have not already done so, preferably by e-mail to britembconakry@hotmail.com.

You can also register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE

Consular Assistance

Due to the small size of the British Embassy in Conakry, only emergency assistance can be provided.

All visitors to the Embassy will be seen strictly by appointment.

The Embassy runs a telephone enquiry service on (+224) 63 35 53 29 during normal office hours: Monday to Thursday 0800-1630 and Friday 0800-1300.

In an emergency, such as the arrest, hospitalisation or death of a British national, the duty officer can be reached 24 hours a day on (+224) 60 25 42 05.

If for any reason your emergency call is not connected, the British High Commission in Freetown, Sierra Leone, can be contacted on (+232) 22 232961, (+232) 22 232362, or (+232) (22) 232563-5.

Money

Credit cards are not widely used. ATM facilities accept foreign cards, but should not be relied upon as a means of getting money. International credit cards may be used to draw cash over the counter. Outside Conakry banking can be difficult.