Guinea

Overall country Risk Rating: 

 

C - A regulated state with medium corruption and a medium frequency of crime risk against foreigners. The terrorism risk is low. The workplace HSE risk is high.

 

We no longer advise against all but essential travel to Guinea; you should check this travel advice carefully before planning any travel, and continue to take precautions against infection by Ebola.

 

Guinea was declared Ebola transmission free by the World Health Organisation on 29 December 2015. Although the chances of being infected remain low, there are measures you can take to prevent catching Ebola. You should follow the health advice.

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Although separate treatment facilities have been set up to respond to the Ebola outbreak, general medical facilities throughout Guinea are unable to provide the same standard of healthcare as in the UK. Many medical facilities expect to be paid up-front for treatment. 

If you’re concerned that you might have been exposed to Ebola, or are showing symptoms, you should seek immediate medical advice. 

 

Crime

 

 

Over 20 people were reported to have been killed during a stampede at a beach concert in Conakry in July. A number of deaths and injuries were reported in another beach concert in Conakry on 1 January.

 

Nearly 100 people were reported to have been killed in July 2013 in an outbreak of ethnic violence in the ‘Guinea Forestiere’ region in the far south east of Guinea. A large number of injuries were reported, and properties destroyed.

 

Several deaths and a number of injuries were reported during an outbreak of violence in December 2013 in Kankan, in the “Upper Guinea” region in the east of the country.

 

Theft at gunpoint is increasingly common throughout Guinea, especially at night. Violent muggings can occur even in broad daylight for cash and other valuables such as mobile telephones. Incidents of violent car-jackings are also increasing, especially in the outlying suburbs of Conakry like Kipe. These crimes are often carried out by individuals dressed in police or military uniforms, and carrying military weapons.

 

There are regular reports of robberies on the route Mamou, Faranah, Kissidougou, Guekedou, Macenta, Nzerekore. There is little or no chance of redress through the court system, which is often subject to external influences. The British Embassy has received unconfirmed reports of police extorting cash from foreigners or Guineans with links to foreigners.

 

If you plan to arrive in Conakry on a flight after dark you should arrange your airport transfer before you travel.

 

Those involved in trading gold and diamonds should take particular care; this trade attracts criminal gangs, who are known to resort to kidnapping and extortion. Trading scams involving diamonds, gold export and gold certification have been reported.

 

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 with food and water often not supplied on a regular basis. Pre-trial detention is extensive and can last for many months.

 

The local police number for downtown Conakry is (+224) 657 765 370 (Commissariat Central Kaloum).

 

Local travel

 

Areas of Guinea bordering Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia and Sierra Leone are often tense with an increased military presence.

 

Road travel

 

Delays may be experienced at Guinea’s land border crossings, particularly those with Sierra Leone and Liberia, due to enhanced screening measures. There are reports that Guinea Bissau has closed its land borders with Guinea.

 

Road travel is hazardous during the rainy season from May to October. Torrential rains can cause floods and landslides. Monitor local weather reports and expect difficulties when travelling to affected areas during this season. Avoid travel outside cities after dark.

 

Taxis and long distance buses are poorly maintained, and the drivers often unqualified. Few motorists have any form of insurance. Most major hotels and travel agencies offer cars for hire, with a chauffeur if required.

 

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.  

 

Supplies of fuel may run low from time to time; it is worth considering carrying an emergency stock, especially when making a long journey.

 

Police and local militia maintain checkpoints across the country, though there are now very few in Conakry itself. Vehicles and passengers are submitted to checks on documentation and baggage. Corruption and extortion are common at roadblocks. Occasionally, checkpoints can be a pretext for armed robbery.

 

Air travel

 

We do not have reliable information about safety and/or maintenance standards of local airlines, but flights are frequently delayed or cancelled.

 

If you plan to arrive in Conakry on a flight after dark you should arrange your airport transfer before you travel. Corruption at the airport by officials is common.

 

Sea travel

 

There have been reports of attacks of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Guinean territorial waters. A British flagged vessel was attacked in 2011, by a group of armed men, some wearing military uniforms.

 

Political situation

 

After democratic elections President Alpha Conde was sworn into office on 21 December 2010 and formed a new government. Long-delayed legislative elections to form a new National Assembly were held peacefully on 28 September 2013. The final results were released on 15 November 2013. A new National Assembly was installed on 13 January. The political situation remains tense, and unpredictable outbreaks of violence can occur. A number of deaths and injuries occurred in rioting in Conakry during 2013, most recently in November. Monitor local media reports and keep away from any large gatherings or military barracks.

 

Local laws and customs

 

Don’t become involved with drugs of any kind.

 

All precious stones require an export licence. Those who commit criminal offences, including gold or gem smuggling, can expect to be subjected to local law. There are heavy penalties for those convicted. Local prison conditions are harsh and pre-trial detention can last for many months.

 

Foreigners and Guinean nationals are required to show identification if asked 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. Keep the original 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.

 

Photography and filming in many parts of the country is forbidden or subject to strict rules which are enforced rigidly. It is forbidden to photograph or film anything of strategic value e.g. bridges. Do not photograph military or police installations or government buildings. Individuals may prefer not to be photographed. If in doubt, seek permission or do not take pictures.

 

Money

 

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

 

Exchanging foreign currency on the street or using unofficial money changers is illegal. Those using money changers, even for small amounts, including at the international airport, have been arrested and detained in military custody. Obtaining hard currency in Guinea is very difficult.

 

Visas

 

All foreign nationals require a visa to enter or live 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 should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of your application for a visa to enter Guinea and must be valid for at least the duration of your stay in Guinea.

 

Emergency travel documents

 

European emergency travel documents are accepted for exit from Guinea but may not be used for entry into Guinea.

 

Yellow fever

 

You require a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Guinea.

 

Consular assistance

 

UK Citizens

 

The British Embassy in Conakry can only provide emergency consular assistance.

 

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

 

The Embassy runs a telephone enquiry service on (+224) 631 35 53 29 during normal office hours: Monday to Thursday 0800-1630 and Friday 0800-1300.

 

In an emergency, such as the death, rape/sexual assault, hospitalisation or detention of a British national, the duty officer can be reached 24 hours a day on (+224) 631 25 75 80

 

If for any reason your emergency call is not connected, you can contact the British High Commission in Freetown, Sierra Leone during office hours on (+232) 076 541 388 or 076 541 386 and out of office hours on (+232) 076 859 117.

 

US Citizens

 

If you are an American citizen and find yourself in an emergency situation you can contact someone at the Embassy 24 hours a day.

During working hours in Guinea, please call (+224) 655.104.000. Working hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 am to 16:30 pm and Friday from 7:30 am to 13:30 pm.

For after hours emergencies, on weekends or on holidays, please call (+224) 655.104.444 or (+224) 657.104.040 and ask to speak to Duty Officer. To call from the U.S, please dial: 00 224 655.104. 444

Please note: this phone number is NOT for visa inquiries.

 

 

 

The U.S. Embassy is located in Koloma, Conakry, east of Hamdallaye Circle at the following address:

 

American Embassy Conakry 

P.O. Box 603 

Transversale No. 2 

Centre Administratif de Koloma 

Commune de Ratoma 

Conakry, Republic of Guinea

 

Telephone: +224-65-10-40-00

Fax:+224-65-10-42-97

 

Marines (Post One): (+224) 657.104.040

 

American Citizen Services

 

In order to request services for American Citizens, please contact the Consular section:

 

Telephone: +224-67-10-43-11

E-mail: conconakry@state.gov

 

Canadian Citizens

 

Canadian Consulate in Conakry, Guinea

 

c/o Ultragold SARL

B.P. 1833

Conakry

Guinea

 Telephone(+224) 62-350 105

 Telefax

 E-mail

 Website

 Office Hours

 Head of Mission Mr Jean Laprade, Consul

 

Swedish Citizens

 

There is no embassy/consulate in Guinea.

 

Malmtorgsgatan 3

Stockholm

 

Postal address

Office of the Stockholm-based Ambassadors

UD KSS

Ministry for Foreign Affairs

SE-103 39 Stockholm

Sweden

 

Phone, fax, email:

Tel: +46 8 405 10 00

Fax: +46 8 723 11 76

E-mail: ud-kss@gov.se

 

 

Norwegian Citizens 

    

Norwegian Consulate General in Conakry, Guinea

 

Immeuble Diallo & Frères Pavillon 2, 1er Etage

Rue DI536, Blvd de Belle Vue, Dixinn

Conakry

Guinea

 Telephone(+224) 6717 0017

 Telefax(+224) 63 359 063

 E-mailconakry.norcons@gmail.com

 Website

 Office HoursMon, Wed: 09.00-12.00

 Head of Mission Mr Cheick Abdul Kaba, Consul General