Guinea

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 117 for emergency services.

Demonstrations

• Demonstrations related to government policies, utility prices, fuel shortages, and labor disputes have occurred in the past and can happen spontaneously. They can cause disruptions to traffic and services.
• Past demonstrations have turned violent. Demonstrators may attack vehicles that attempt to pass through or around the protests. This can result in serious injuries and vehicle damage.
• Criminals are known to take advantage of traffic congestion to rob drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Uniformed security forces may also demand money from drivers and passengers during these incidents.

Crime

• Burglaries and home break-ins are common.
• Foreigners are targeted for crimes of opportunity like petty theft, pickpocketing, and muggings.
• Street criminals, aggressive vendors, and panhandlers frequently target foreigners in crowded areas, markets, and when exiting the airport in Conakry.
• Do not accept uninvited offers of help at the airport or hotels. These individuals may be looking for a chance to rob visitors of their phones, bags, purses, or wallets.
• Risk of crime increases at night. Do not walk alone after dark or in isolated areas.

Safety tips:

• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Stay alert in tourist spots.
• Arrange to be met at the airport by hotel personnel or business contacts.
• Always keep car doors locked to prevent carjacking and vehicle intrusions. Only roll car windows down enough to communicate when necessary.
• Always carry a photocopy of your passport, visa, and residence permit (if applicable).

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.

Financial scams are common in Guinea. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be Americans in need of help.

Common scams include:

• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Gold and gem purchases

Commercial scams are on the rise and can create legal problems for Americans. Scammers target private businesses and non-governmental organizations with offers to sell diamonds or gold. In general, if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Often your money cannot be recovered.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 117.

• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

The U.S. embassy can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• American victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.
• American victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target Americans.

Tourism safety

No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place:

• Tourists participate in activities at their own risk.
• Emergency response and urgent medical treatment are not available.
• Americans are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for more information about Adventure Travel.

Arrest notifications

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.

Detention conditions

The law prohibits arbitrary arrest. It allows people to challenge their detention in court, but these laws are inconsistently applied.

• Prisons in Guinea are often crowded and open to the elements.
• Food is not typically provided. Most prisoners have family or friends who bring them food every day or every other day, if allowed.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws.
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.
• You may be subject to fines or be required to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

• Consensual same-sex sexual relations are illegal in Guinea. Penalties range from a fine to 3 years in prison.
• There is strong societal discrimination against gay and lesbian people. Cases of violence often go unreported due to stigma or fear of retaliation.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

• The law in Guinea prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities, but the law is not enforced.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, most lodging facilities, communications, and general infrastructure.
• General public sentiment around disability is not as accepting as in the United States.
• Rental, repair, or replacement parts for aids, equipment, and devices is very limited or unavailable.
• Service providers, like sign language interpreters or personal assistants, are not readily available.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers

Rape, spousal rape, and domestic violence are all crimes in Guinea. They are punishable with fines or prison time. However, these crimes are common and underreported. Arrests are rare and police are unlikely to intervene.

Female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) is illegal. Despite the ban, FGM/C is still practiced.

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information on Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C).
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

There have been credible reports of:

• Arbitrary or unlawful killings
• Disappearances
• Torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment
• Arbitrary arrest or detention
• Serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom
• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guinea Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 117 for emergency services.

Ambulance services

• Ambulance services are not present or are unreliable in most areas. Response time of emergency responders may be poor.
• Ambulances are not staffed with trained paramedics. They often have little or no medical equipment.
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Guinea. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Most care providers abroad only accept cash payments.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Hospitals often need payment up front before providing treatment or admitting a patient.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations

• Yellow fever vaccination is required for those ages 9 months and older.

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

• Health facilities are poorly equipped and extremely limited, both in the capital city and throughout Guinea. Equipment is often not adequately sterilized, and treatment is often unreliable.
• Medications are in short supply and of questionable quality.
• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies. Some private medical facilities offer more treatment options than public ones. But they still fall short of U.S. standards. Trauma care is very limited.
• Hospitals and doctors usually require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfers to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.

Prescription medications

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Non-traditional medicine

Americans have had serious complications or died while getting care from traditional or local “healers” and practitioners in Guinea.

• These are expensive, rarely successful, and often lead to painful or serious complications that require more advanced treatment than what is available in Guinea.
• Make sure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to Guinea to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.
• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Guinea with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Guinean courts.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Guinea via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays in documenting your child’s birth with local authorities and/or citizenship status. Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk legal consequences.

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water in Guinea is not safe to drink.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Altitude

• The central Guinea Highlands, including Labé, Mamou, Faranah, and Nzérékoré, are at high altitude.
• Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take precautions before you travel.
• If you have a pre-existing medical condition, like diabetes or high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before traveling to high altitude cities like Labé, Mamou, Faranah, and Nzérékoré.
• Visit the CDC website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Guinea.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Travel and Transportation

Road conditions and safety

• Guinea’s roads are unsafe. Roads are poorly maintained and only partially paved. Vehicles are often in poor condition, road signs are insufficient, and roads and vehicles are frequently unlit.
• Livestock and pedestrians create constant road dangers. These conditions worsen at night.
• During the rainy season from May to October, flash floods can make some roads impassable.
• The police and the military often set up roadblocks which can restrict travel, particularly between 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Motorists have reported that soldiers or police at checkpoints sometimes demand money, search personal belongings, or confiscate items of value.
• Avoid traveling at night outside of populated areas due to the risk of roadside crime, roadblocks, and hazardous driving conditions. Roadside assistance is not available in Guinea.

Traffic laws

• International road signs and protocols are not followed.
• In the event of a traffic accident, you should follow all police instructions.
• Large crowds often form at the scene of traffic accidents. This threatens the safety of the driver. If you feel unsafe, go to the nearest police station.
• Emergency response to vehicular accidents outside Conakry may be slow or unavailable.
• Soldiers or police staffing checkpoints may ask for bribes. Show requested documents, but don’t hand them over. Officials may not return documents if you don’t pay bribes. Carry photocopies of your documents that you can show instead of your actual passport or ID card.

Taxis and ride-shares

• U.S. government employees are not allowed to use local taxis.
• Exercise caution when using taxis as many vehicles are poorly maintained.
• Taxis frequently stop and start without warning, drive on the wrong side of the road, and weave in and out of lanes.

Public and commercial transportation

• Guinea has limited reliable, safe public transportation.
• Local buses, including small cars and larger vans, are poorly maintained and often overcrowded.
• Vehicles and drivers can be hired through agencies at major hotels in Conakry.
• Review additional guidance on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Guinea’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Guinea should check the following:

• U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD) Advisories
• MARAD Active Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

• Rainy season –Typically occurs from May to October. Heavy rainfall can cause flooding and landslides in Guinea.
• Harmattan – A dry, dusty wind from the Sahara Desert affects Guinea from November to April. This wind can reduce visibility and cause respiratory issues.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.