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Guinea

Overview of Guinea

Children in Guinea
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Those who travel to the Republic of Guinea will find this beautiful and intriguing west African country to be an incredibly worthwhile destination.

Surrounded by Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia and Sierra Leone, the country has somewhat illogical borders that are a relic of the colonial era when the region was shared out between European powers. Today these borders enclose a very diverse population of ethnic and linguistic groups, and a varied terrain that ranges from expansive savannah in the south to mountainous, heavily forested highlands in the northwest.

Indeed Guinea's chief attraction is its spectacular and mostly unspoiled natural scenery. West Africa's three great rivers - the Gambia, the Senegal and the Niger - all originate here. The splendid Guinea Highlands are centered on Mount Nimba, the highest point in the country, while the Fouta Djalon highlands are renowned for incredible views and superb hiking. Other places of interest in Guinea include the spiritual centre of Kankan, the high altitude town of Dalaba, party-mad Faranah, and the incredible beaches of Cape Verga.

The population is mostly Muslim, French speaking, and rural, with the exception of the pleasant and relatively cosmopolitan capital city, Conakry, located on the island of Tombo. The city is renowned for its lively music scene and attractive layout.

Despite its rewarding and striking attractions Guinea remains one of the least visited countries in Africa. Visas can be hard to get, which may deter those travellers planning a trip here. The government, despite some concessions in recent years, remains a de facto dictatorship which means few freedoms for the people but generally safe conditions for visitors.

map of Guinea


Key Facts

Language:
French is the official language of Guinea, but over 40 languages are spoken. Several indigenous languages have been declared national languages, including Fula, Malinke, Susu, Kissi, Kpelle and Toma.
Passport/Visa:

All foreign passengers to Guinea must hold return or onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Guinea. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Currency:

The official unit of currency in Guinea is the Guinean franc (GNF). It's illegal to exchange foreign currency on the street or to use unofficial moneychangers; those using moneychangers, even for small amounts or at the airport, have been arrested and detained in military custody. ATMs are very rare in Guinea and credit cards are not commonly accepted.

Electricity:
Electrical outlets in Guinea usually supply electricity at 220 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs with round pins are standard.

Travel to Guinea

Climate in Guinea

The coastal belt of Guinea and most of the inland region have a tropical climate, with a long rainy season lasting from April to November. The capital, Conakry, has a year-round average high of 84 °F (29 °C), and a low of 73 °F (23 °C), which shows that the country does not have an extreme range of temperatures.

The best time of year to visit Guinea is between November and March when the weather is moderate and the temperatures comfortable. From December to February the famous harmattan winds spread Saharan sand through much of the country, though this is not a serious hindrance to travellers. The rainy season, which is very rainy indeed, is at its most extreme in July and August, and this period is bad for travel, not just because of the monsoon-like rain, but also because many of the roads close as a result. The months of May, June, September and October are also good for travel as rain during these months is more moderate.

It should be noted that Guinea incorporates diverse landscapes and the climate can change quite substantially according to region: the mountainous areas are much cooler than the flatlands and savannah, for example. Travellers should plan their trip according to the specific weather of the area they want to explore and their desired activities.

Health Notes when travelling to Guinea

Malaria is a problem in Guinea and travellers should take some form of prophylaxis in all areas of the country. Insect protection measures are essential. A yellow fever vaccination is required for all travellers arriving from yellow fever areas, and is recommended for all travellers to Guinea. Hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid vaccinations are recommended, and those travelling to Guinea in the dry season (November to June) should get a meningococcus vaccination. Those at risk of animal bites or who may be in contact with bats should consider a rabies vaccination. Travellers are generally advised to be up to date on vaccinations for polio, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and tetanus-diphtheria.

Travellers should not drink tap water in Guinea unless it has been boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected, and should avoid ice in beverages. Travellers should also avoid eating fruit and vegetables unless they have been cooked or peeled, and they should eat all cooked meals while still hot.

Medical facilities in Guinea are extremely limited and visitors should ensure that they have comprehensive travel and health insurance. Private clinics provide better care than government hospitals, but medicines may still be in short supply. Visitors should take along any medication they may need, in its original packaging and accompanied by a signed and dated letter from a doctor detailing what the medicine is and why it is needed.

Safety Notes when travelling to Guinea

Guinea is generally a safe country and most visits are trouble free, but crime is found in cities such as Conakry.

Although the political situation in Guinea has stabilised in recent years, there are ongoing political tensions that have lead to sporadic violent demonstrations in the capital. Conflict in the country is largely political and all protests and political gatherings should be avoided.

Military checkpoints and roadblocks are common throughout the country and tourists should carry identification at all times. There is a low general threat from terrorism: no terrorist attacks on foreigners have been reported in Guinea but there is the possibility of retaliatory attacks by terrorist groups in neighbouring countries. Armed robbery of vehicles is on the increase, especially in the south of the country, and travellers should avoid driving at night.

Customs in Guinea

As most Guineans are practising Muslims, conservative dress (especially for women) and judicious behaviour is essential, especially during religious festivals and celebrations. Greetings are very important in Guinea, as is respect for elders. When mixing with seniors, it's polite to offer a firm handshake and inquire about their wellbeing, but to avoid making direct eye contact. Guineans are wary of photography, so visitors should ask permission before taking anyone's photo, and avoid taking pictures of military buildings or installations. It is also considered rude to show the soles of feet or shoes, and to touch or move objects with feet. Visitors should avoid using their left hand when greeting others, or when eating, as it is considered 'haram' (impure). Homosexuality is not widely accepted or understood.

Duty Free in Guinea

Visitors to Guinea may import up to 1,000 cigarettes, 250 cigars or 1kg of tobacco. Also permitted is one bottle of alcohol, and an amount of perfume reasonable for personal use.

Doing Business in Guinea

Guinea is a poor country that doesn't rate highly for ease of doing business according to the World Bank, although the economic situation does seem to be gradually improving. Dress is not too formal for meetings, and a shirt and lightweight suit are acceptable for men (tie optional), whereas women should be sure to dress fairly conservatively. Guineans are, however, formal in their greetings and use of titles, and respect should be shown for age and seniority. Foreigners should be sure to exchange business cards with the right hand. Meetings often do not start punctually, but arriving on time is important nonetheless.

Communication in Guinea

Mobile phone usage far outstrips landline use in Guinea, as telecommunications infrastructure tends to be limited and ageing. Many locals don't have access to the internet, but it is possible to find hotels with internet in the big cities. The international dialling code for Guinea is +224.

Tipping in Guinea

Tips are appreciated but not expected in Guinea. In restaurants, if no service fee has been added, 10 percent is a good rule of thumb.

Passport/Visa Note

All foreign passengers to Guinea must hold return or onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Guinea. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans:

US citizens must have a passport valid on arrival in Guinea. A visa is required.

Entry requirements for Canadians:

Canadian citizens must have a passport valid on arrival in Guinea. A visa is required.

Entry requirements for UK nationals:

British citizens must have a passport valid on arrival in Guinea. A visa is required.

Entry requirements for Australians:

Australian citizens must have a passport valid on arrival in Guinea. A visa is required.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals:

Irish citizens must have a passport valid on arrival in Guinea. A visa is required.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders:

New Zealand citizens must have a passport valid on arrival in Guinea. A visa is required.

Entry requirements for South Africans:

South African citizens must have a passport valid on arrival in Guinea. A visa is required.

Guinea Embassies

In the United States:

Embassy of Guinea in Washington D.C. United States of America: +1 202 986 4300

In Canada:

Embassy of Guinea in Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 8444

In the United Kingdom:

Embassy of Guinea in London, England: +44 20 7258 9640

In Australia:

Guinea Embassy in Tokyo, Japan (also responsible for Guinea): +81 3 3770 4640

In South Africa:

Embassy of Guinea in Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 342 7348

Foreign Embassies in Guinea

American Embassy

United States Embassy in Conakry, Guinea: +224 6510 4000

Canadian Embassy

Consulate of Canada in Conakry, Guinea: +224 622 350104

British Embassy

British Embassy in Conakry, Guinea: +224 631 355 329

Australian Embassy

Embassy of Australia in Conakry, Guinea: +224 462 395

South African Embassy

South Africa Embassy in Conakry, Guinea: +224 24 76 7921

Travel Advisories

Health Information for Travelers to Guinea

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Vaccines and Medicines

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.

 

  Find Out Why Protect Yourself

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.

Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

get_vaccinated hygiene

Most travelers

Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.

Hepatitis A

CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Guinea, regardless of where you are eating or staying.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Malaria

You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in Guinea.

antimalarial_meds avoid_insects
Typhoid

You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Guinea. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Yellow Fever

Health recommendation: Yellow fever is a risk in Guinea, so CDC recommends this vaccine for all travelers who are 9 months of age or older.

Country entry requirement: The government of Guinea also requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever (this does not include the US - for complete list, see Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.)

See more information on yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Guinea.

get_vaccinated avoid_insects

Some travelers

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.

Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Meningitis (Meningococcal disease)

CDC recommends this vaccine if you plan to visit parts of Guinea located in the meningitis belt during the dry season (December–June), when the disease is most common.

get_vaccinated hygiene
Rabies

Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Guinea, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:

  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
  • People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
  • People who are taking long trips or moving to Guinea
  • Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
get_vaccinated animals hygiene

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.

get_vaccinated hygiene
Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

Most travelers

Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Hepatitis A

CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Guinea, regardless of where you are eating or staying.

antimalarial_meds avoid_insects
Malaria

You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in Guinea.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Typhoid

You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Guinea. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.

get_vaccinated avoid_insects
Yellow Fever

Health recommendation: Yellow fever is a risk in Guinea, so CDC recommends this vaccine for all travelers who are 9 months of age or older.

Country entry requirement: The government of Guinea also requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever (this does not include the US - for complete list, see Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.)

See more information on yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Guinea.

Some travelers

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.

get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

get_vaccinated hygiene
Meningitis (Meningococcal disease)

CDC recommends this vaccine if you plan to visit parts of Guinea located in the meningitis belt during the dry season (December–June), when the disease is most common.

get_vaccinated animals hygiene
Rabies

Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Guinea, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:

  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
  • People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
  • People who are taking long trips or moving to Guinea
  • Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
Key
  • Get vaccinated
  • Take antimalarial meds
  • Eat and drink safely
  • Prevent bug bites
  • Keep away from animals
  • Reduce your exposure to germs
  • Avoid sharing body fluids
  • Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment

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Note: Zika is a risk in Guinea. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. Therefore, pregnant women should not travel to Guinea. Partners of pregnant women and couples planning pregnancy should know the possible risks to pregnancy and take preventive steps (more information).

 

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Stay Healthy and Safe

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Guinea, so your behaviors are important.

 

Eat and drink safely

Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.

Eat
  • Food that is cooked and served hot
  • Hard-cooked eggs
  • Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
  • Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
  • Food served at room temperature
  • Food from street vendors
  • Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
  • Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
  • Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
  • Unpasteurized dairy products
  • ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
  • Bottled water that is sealed
  • Water that has been disinfected
  • Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
  • Carbonated drinks
  • Hot coffee or tea
  • Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
  • Tap or well water
  • Ice made with tap or well water
  • Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
  • Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine

Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.

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Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Guinea. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?
  • Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
  • Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
  • Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
  • Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
  • Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
    • DEET
    • Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
    • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
    • IR3535
  • Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
  • Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
  • Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.

Note: Zika is a risk in Guinea. For more information, see Zika Travel Information.

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Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Guinea include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

  • Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
  • Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
  • Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
  • Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
    • If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
  • Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
  • Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
  • Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
  • Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
  • Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
  • Do not dive into shallow water.
  • Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
  • Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
  • To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Guinea. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

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Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

  • Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
  • Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
  • Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
  • Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
  • If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

  • Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
  • Go to a doctor right away.
  • Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

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Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

  • Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
  • If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
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Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

  • Use latex condoms correctly.
  • Do not inject drugs.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
  • Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
  • If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
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Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

  • Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
  • Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
  • Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
  • Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Guinea’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
  • Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in Guinea. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

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Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Walking

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

  • Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
  • Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
  • Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

  • Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
  • Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
  • Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
  • Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
  • Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
  • Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

  • Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
  • Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
  • Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

  • Wear a seatbelt at all times.
  • Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
  • When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
  • Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Guinea may be poor.
  • Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
  • Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
  • If you choose to drive a vehicle in Guinea, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
  • Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
  • Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
  • Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
  • If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
  • Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

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Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave
  • Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
  • Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
  • Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
  • Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
  • Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
  • Follow all local laws and social customs.
  • Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
  • Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
  • If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
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Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Guinea for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

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Travel Health Notices

There are no notices currently in effect for Guinea.

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After Your Trip

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.

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Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

Currency

The official unit of currency in Guinea is the Guinean franc (GNF). It's illegal to exchange foreign currency on the street or to use unofficial moneychangers; those using moneychangers, even for small amounts or at the airport, have been arrested and detained in military custody. ATMs are very rare in Guinea and credit cards are not commonly accepted.

Conakry International Airport (CKY)
Gbessia International Airport
http://www.airportia.com/guinea/conakry-airport

Location: Conakry, Guinea.

map of Conakry International Airport

Time: No GMT offset.

Getting to the city:

Car rental: It is advised that visitors get in touch with their hotel for transfer from the airport.

Airport Taxis:

Facilities: Airport facilities are limited.

Parking: Parking is available.

Overview of the Attractions in Guinea

Public Holidays in Guinea

 

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Monday January 15, 2024
Black Travel Vibes: Enjoy The Slow Life In Senegal
A vibrant and thriving country bordered by Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau, the West African nation of Senegal is a colorful gem that offers something for every type of traveler. Though Ghana may have gotten the shine last year during their ‘Year of Return’ campaign, Senegal has long seen an increase in Black travelers looking to
Essence
Wednesday January 15, 2020
Bougainville in Papua New Guinea May Become the World's Newest Country After Overwhelming Vote
There’s a real chance the world will have to update their maps very soon. Citizens of Bougainville, an autonomous region of Papua New Guinea, overwhelmingly voted for independence on Dec. 11, which means it may become the world’s newest country, CNN reported. A whopping 98 percent of people in the region voted in favor of the historic referendum, according to
Travel+Leisure
Monday January 06, 2020
Experience Makers: This New Generation of Travel Experts Will Take Your Trip to the Next Level
No matter how fearless a traveler you think you are, and no matter how many Internet rabbit holes you go down, there are some dream adventures, like trekking Papua New Guinea or venturing across Kashmir, that always seem just out of reach for mere mortals.
Conde Nast Traveler
Friday March 30, 2018
Why a Cruise is the Best Way to Visit Papua New Guinea's Jungle Tribes
You don’t have to go far into the interior, to have Papua New Guinea leave its mark on you. You could try the soft way, on a cruise
Telegraph (London)
Tuesday November 21, 2017
The Paradise Islands that Tourism Forgot
What’s the last thing you’d expect to find on a tiny archipelago 140 miles out in the Gulf of Guinea? A pair of Victorian traction engines? Turquoise sparrows? West Africa’s biggest swimming pool? Weirdly, you can find all of them on STP, or São Tomé and Príncipe
Telegraph (London)
Monday October 23, 2017
Kate Humble discovers the real Papua New Guinea
Kate Humble finds out how tourism is helping to preserve a unique way of life in this remote and dramatic land
Telegraph (London)
Friday October 30, 2015
Man who traveled to every country on earth explains the most difficult places to visit and why
Last summer, my Royal Air Maroc flight from Casablanca landed at Malabo International Airport in Equatorial Guinea, and I completed a 50-year mission: I had officially, and legally, visited every recognized country on earth
Business Insider
Wednesday September 09, 2015
Papua New Guinea: A ’tropical Switzerland’
It’s remote, little-visited and prone to disturbances, but Papua New Guinea is misunderstood
The Independent
Friday December 19, 2014
Diving in Papua New Guinea
Experienced diver Andrew Purvis discovers a subaquatic utopia of vibrant reefs and teeming fish off Papua New Guinea
Telegraph (London)
Friday September 19, 2014
Pacific Volcano Eruption Alters Cruise Itinerary
A volcanic eruption in Papua New Guinea has forced Princess Cruises to alter the itinerary for Dawn Princess