Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue, obeying the appropriate travel advice. Certain categories of travellers should consider employing security support services.

 

Crime

 

Compared to other countries in the region, the level of violent crime in Equatorial Guinea is low. There have been very few cases of foreign nationals needing  assistance in Equatorial Guinea. However, there was a serious incident of robbery and assault in a shared taxi in Bata. Avoid taking taxis with groups of strangers, particularly at night.

 

There are regular reports of petty theft affecting both visitors and expatriates. Take sensible personal security precautions. Don’t carry valuables or wear jewellery in public and avoid isolated or poorer areas of town. Don’t walk around Malabo and Bata at night and avoid travelling by road after dark.

 

Local travel

 

Unless you have an EG resident permit, you will need to inform Protocol Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Francophonie in advance if you wish to travel outside Malabo on the island of Bioko, and outside Bata on the mainland.

 

Land borders often close with little or no notice. Check the situation with the local authorities before travelling to border areas. 

 

Road travel

 

Most roads in Malabo are paved. In rural areas the condition of the roads is likely to be poor. During the rainy season, many roads are accessible only with a four-wheel drive vehicle.

 

Police and military roadblocks are common. You may be asked to show your passport, driving licence or vehicle registration documents and explain your reason for being in the area.  Failure to comply can lead to detention.

 

There are regular reports of extortion by police and uniformed security forces at roadblocks. You are advised not to pay bribes but to ask for a ticket, detailing alleged offences or violations, which can be paid at a local court.

 

Public transport facilities, particularly on mainland Equatorial Guinea, are extremely limited.

 

Air travel

 

Equatorial Guinean-registered aircraft are banned from EU airspace on safety grounds. Genvisec recommends that employees do not use Equatorial Guinean-registered aircraft unless this is unavoidable.

 

Sea travel

 

There have been attacks of armed robbery on commercial shipping vessels in the Gulf of Guinea. Take extreme care when travelling in coastal waters and seek professional anti piracy advice.

 

Political situation

 

The political situation has been calm in recent years but you should be aware that political events can lead to increased presence of police, military or security forces on the streets. Avoid any political rallies, demonstrations or large public gatherings.

 

Commercial disputes

 

There have been occasions when expatriate staff of foreign companies have been confined to the country for prolonged periods when commercial disputes have arisen.

 

 

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 places, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

 

Local laws and customs

 

Penalties for the use and possession of drugs are severe and usually include a prison sentence that would be served in local prisons.

 

Photography of the presidential palace, ports, airports and military installations is strictly prohibited and can lead to imprisonment. Special permits from the Ministry of Information and Tourism are required for all other photography.

 

Homosexuality is not widely accepted in central African society and some sexual acts between members of the same sex are illegal.

 

Failure to produce identification documents (passport or residence permit) on request can lead to detention.

 

Money

 

It is not possible to use credit cards in Equatorial Guinea except at the major airline offices (Air France, Iberia and Lufthansa) and some hotels (Hilton, Sofitel). The local currency is the Central African Franc (CFA), issued by the Banque des Etats de L’Afrique Centrale (BEAC). Please note that this is not the same Central African Franc as issued by the Banque des Etats de L’Afrique Ouest (BEAOC) which is not legal tender in Equatorial Guinea. There are only a limited number of ATM’s in Equatorial Guinea, located in Malabo and Bata. Not all of these accept international credit and debit cards. Euros, Pound Sterling and US Dollars are the preferred currencies for exchange at local banks.

 

Health

 

Contact your GP around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, and useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country-by-country guide of reciprocal health care agreements with the UK, is available from NHS Choices.

 

Medical facilities are poor. Pharmacies in Malabo and Bata stock basic medication. Emergency facilities are extremely limited. For serious medical treatment, evacuation to Europe would be necessary. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

Food purchased from local street vendors may not meet adequate hygiene standards. 

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 3101 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Entry requirements

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Equatorial Guinea.

 

Visas

 

British nationals require a visa to visit Equatorial Guinea. For further information on entry requirements, contact the Embassy of Equatorial Guinea in London: 13 Park Place, St James’, London SW1A 1LP; telephone: 020 7499 6867.

 

Check that your passport is properly stamped at the airport, on arrival and departure, before leaving the immigration desk. There have been reports of travellers being delayed or threatened with detention because their passports have not been properly stamped.

 

If you replace your passport the Equatorial Guinea authorities will require the old passport prior to issuing a replacement visa in your new passport. The Equatorial Guinean authorities will not admit travellers on visas entered into old passports, even if the visa is still valid.

 

Long term visitors to Equatorial Guinea are required to obtain a residence permit of 1 year validity from the Ministry of National Security. Holders of a residence permit no longer require a visa to exit or enter Equatorial Guinea during the validity of their residence permit.

 

Equatorial Guinea have cancelled all incoming and outgoing flights to/from Sao Tome et Principe, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Republic of Congo, Benin, Togo, Nigeria and Gabon as a prevention measure against the spread of Ebola to Equatorial Guinea. In addition, permission for vessels travelling from (or to) west, central or east Africa to berth or depart from Malabo port has been suspended.

 

Equatorial Guinea has also suspended the issuing of visas for those intending to travel to Equatorial Guinea from central and west Africa. The Equatorial Guinea Government has also requested that west and central African countries instruct their Embassies in Equatorial Guinea to suspend issuing visas (to Equatorial Guinea nationals or foreign residents in Equatorial Guinea) for onward travel to any country in west or central Africa.

 

There have been no cases of Ebola in Equatorial Guinea.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from all countries.

 

Consular Assistance:

 

British Citizens:

 

There is no British Embassy in Equatorial Guinea. In an emergency, you can get consular assistance from the British Honorary Consul in Malabo:

 

David Shaw

 

Honorary Consul

 

Malabo, Equatorial Guinea

 

email: ShawD@rpsgroup.com

 

telephone: 00240 222277502 / 00447775996895

 

The nearest British Diplomatic Embassy is in Yaoundé, Cameroon 

 

US citizens:

 

The United States Embassy in Equatorial Guinea

 

Malabo, Guinea Ecuatorial

 

The U.S. Embassy is located on the Malabo II highway in between the headquarters of Sonagas and the future offices of the United Nations.

 

Phone Number 

(+240) 333 09 57 41

 

Business Hours

Monday to Thursday: 08:00 to 17:30

Friday: 08:00 to 12:00 

 

Canadian Citizens:

 

Canadian Consulate in Bata, Equatorial Guinea

 

Carretera del Seminario Mayor

Litoral, appt 598

Bata

Equatorial Guinea

 Telephone (+240) 222 56 26 55 (+240) 222 62 11 06

 Telefax

 E-mail: honconeg@gmail.es

 

Norwegian Citizens:

 

Royal Norwegian Embassy 

Rua Garcia Neto nº 9,

C.P. 3835, Luanda - Angola

 

Telephone: (+244) 222 447522/ 222 447922

Telefax: (+244) 222 446248

Emergency telephone: +47 22 24 3600 (UDs operative senter) 

 

E-mail: emb.luanda@mfa.no

 

Office Hours;

Monday – Thursday : 07:00 – 15:00

Friday : 07:30 – 13:00

 

Visiting hours consular services 10:00 -12:00 by appointments only. Please see Services / Visas.

 

The Embassy is closed Saturday, Sunday and the following Public Holidays in 2014:

 

Royal Norwegian Embassy in Luanda

Physical address:

Rua Garcia Neto nº 9, Miramar

 

Postal address:

C.P. 3835, Luanda, Angola