Security travel advice for Equatorial Guinea

How safe is Equatorial Guinea?

Threat level: Low
There is a low threat from terrorism in Equatorial Guinea, the country also has relatively low crime rates. There is currently a global heightened threat from terrorism and although this is not specific to Equatorial Guinea. The general travel advice for Equatorial Guinea is for travellers to remain vigilant during travel.

COVID-19 Situation in Equatorial Guinea

Due to the sanitary situation around the world, Equatorial Guinea has introduced a series of measures to curb the spread of coronavirus. A curfew is in effect between 19:00 and 06:00, the use of face masks is mandatory on public transport, in public indoors and outdoors and in private vehicles when accompanied by other people, entertainment venues are shut, and there is a ban on mass gatherings and private celebrations. For precautionary reason, public venues that are allowed to open conduct temperature screening, provide hand sanitisers and operate at reduced capacity. To avoid contamination from overseas, the country has banned entry to foreign travellers except in exceptional circumstances. Travellers that are allowed to enter the country must present a negative PCR test result on arrival, taken no more than 48 hours before arrival. When arriving in Equatorial Guinea, travellers must undergo a rapid COVID-19 test and quarantine for 5 days. They must take a second test on the 5th day.

Recent Security Risk Events
Equatorial Guinea has a relatively low crime rate compared to many of its African neighbours. However there is still some risk of petty crime in most areas of the country and travel advice for Equatorial Guinea is for travellers to reamain cautious to ensure they have a risk and trouble free visit to Equatorial Guinea.

Malabo and Bata have experienced a small increase in pick pocketing and muggings. There have also been some incidents of people being attack in taxis in the same areas but these incidents are very rare. Avoid walking alone at night in these areas, do not carry large sums of cash and don’t have expensive jewellery on display.

Security Risks
Rare as such incidents may be there have been reports from tourists of extortion by police and uniformed security forces at roadblocks. Roadblocks are very common on most major roads in the country. The current advice is to not pay any type of bribes they may ask for, but to ask for a ticket detailing the alleged offences or violations which can be paid at a local court. More often than not this will resolve any issues you may have at roadblocks.

Drugs use and possession is strictly prohibited in Equatorial Guinea. Penalties for the use and possession of illegal drugs such as cocaine are severe and can result in an extended prison sentence that would be served in local prisons.

Homosexuality is not illegal in Equatorial Guinea but is frowned upon by many communities. In the past there have been some incidents of homosexuals being severely beaten for public displays of affection towards the same sex. You should keep this in mind when travelling to the country.

Equatorial Guinea's International Relations

Equatorial Guinea has established diplomatic relations with numerous European and African countries. It is a well established member of the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund.

Equatorial Guinea and The United States belong to a number of the same international organizations which has helped to develop a strong relationship between the two countries. It also is a member of the Franc zone and has strong bilateral relations with France, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, and Congo.

Travelling around Equatorial Guinea

You can drive in Equatorial Guinea with most EU, US and UK driving licences, you should carry your license with you at all times while driving. The roads are relatively good condition in the main cities but can be poor in rural areas. During the wet season which runs from April to October, roads can become impassable due to landslides, you should take this into consideration before any extended road travel during this period.

Public transport facilities are often poorly maintained and can be driven dangerously. The best travel advice for Equatorial Guinea is to avoid using public transport in Equatorial Guinea when possible.

Commercial Travel Risk Services

Emergency services in Equatorial Guinea

Police emergency:114
Fire emergency:115
Medical emergency:112

Equatorial Guinea Overview

Capital: Malabo
Official languages: Spanish (National language), French and Portuguese
Religion: Christianity
Currency: Central African CFA franc (XAF)

Consular information for Equatorial Guinea

U.S. Embassy Malabo
Malabo,
Equatorial Guinea
Telephone: +240 333 09 57 41
Email: MalaboConsular@state.gov

There is no British Embassy in Equatorial Guinea, travellers should be aware that the closest Embassy is in Cameroon should they seek consular assistance.
British High Commission Yaounde
Avenue Winston Churchill,
Yaounde,
Centre Region,
547,
Cameroon
Telephone: +237 222 22 07 96
Emergency Telephone: +237 222 22 33 47
Email: bhc.yaounde@fco.gov.uk

Visa requirements for Equatorial Guinea

To enter Equatorial Guinea a passport valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry. Most nationalities apart from citizens from the United States will require a visa to enter the country. A 30 day visa cost £100.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is also required, but only if you're arriving from a country where there's a risk of transmission.

Health Care and Immunisations

It is advised that visitors to Equatorial Guinea are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is recommended for most travellers to also get a Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid vaccinations.

If you are coming from a country where there is a risk of Yellow Fever, or transiting for longer than 12 hours in an at risk country, you will have to provide a certificate of Yellow Fever vaccination. You may also want to consider getting the vaccine if you are only staying in Equatorial Guinea as there is a risk of transmission of the disease throughout the country. You should check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure, however, as the vaccination is suitable for all travel and there can be some strong side effects.

Medical facilities are poor in most areas of the country, even in the main cities. You should purchase adequate health travel insurance in case you have to be evacuated to another country.

Malaria is present in some areas of the country during the wet season which runs from April through to October. You should consider taking malarial prevention medication.