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TRAVEL REPORT
Guinea

1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.

Section 8 has been updated (Ramadan).

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Guinea

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to Guinea. Canadians currently in the country should consider leaving unless their presence is mandatory.

The security situation in Guinea, weakened by the December 2008 coup d’état, progressively deteriorated over 2009. The September 28, 2009, demonstrations, which were violently repressed by police and resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, and the December 3, 2009, attempt to assassinate the president in office, have only served to exacerbate the situation. Currently, political instability and the deterioration of the living conditions of the vast majority of the local population are affecting the security situation.

Canadians in Guinea should be extremely vigilant and monitor the situation closely. In addition to taking normal personal security measures, it is highly recommended that Canadians avoid all unnecessary movement, avoid all public gatherings (including crowds and demonstrations), and keep a supply of basic foods on hand. All domestic travel to Conakry should be postponed. Canadians should also make sure their passport and other travel documents are valid and readily available.

In case of demonstrations and incidents of civil unrest, local authorities may impose security measures, which could disrupt road traffic and services. The international airport in Conakry could also close on short notice. Canadians should confirm their travel plans prior to departure.

We still advise against all travel to the areas bordering Liberia, Sierra Leone and Côte d'Ivoire, where continued cross-border military and rebel activity makes the general security situation unsafe. Instability prevalent in neighbouring countries, as well as armed banditry, cause tensions and hostilities in these areas. There is a risk of renewed inter-ethnic violence in and around the town of N'Zérékoré, in Guinea Forestière. The border with Côte d'Ivoire is closely monitored by local authorities and the army.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

Crime

In Conakry, petty criminals, often employing children, are particularly active in the Madina, Niger, and Taouyah markets. Armed robbery, assaults, muggings and break-ins are prevalent. Foreigners may be targeted. Do not show signs of affluence. Ensure personal belongings and travel documents are secure at all times, and remain alert to your surroundings.

We recommend that you exercise caution in airports and hotels, where offers of unsolicited assistance may come from persons seeking an opportunity to steal luggage, purses, or wallets.

Fraud

Cases of attempted fraud are frequently reported in this country. For more information on overseas scams and their impact on the security of Canadians, see our Global Issues page.

Fuel shortages

The socio-economic situation is also generally unstable in Guinea. Conakry has been experiencing fuel shortages in recent months, affecting transportation as well as the power supply. Protests over the provision of public services has led to violent incidents across the country in the past, causing deaths and injuries.

General Safety Information

In the event of a strike, shops could close for long periods of time with little warning. Canadians in Guinea should ensure they maintain stores of food, water and emergency supplies sufficient to last three to four days.

Power failures are frequent throughout the country and may affect security conditions, especially in large urban centres.

Tourist facilities are limited outside the capital.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Guinean authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Guinea and its consulates for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Guinea. The passport must be valid for at least the duration of the stay. Canadians must also obtain a visa prior to their departure for Guinea.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Transit Visa: Required
Diplomatic or Special Passport: Visa required

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required of travellers arriving from infected areas.

Canadians entering Guinea by air must arrive in Conakry. Those arriving by private or chartered aircraft or by helicopter must not enter Guinean airspace unless written overflight and landing confirmation has been obtained from the Guinean authorities. Even with this authority, the flight must first stop in Conakry. Failure to follow these procedures may result in the aircraft being fired upon and confiscated, and travellers will also face a lengthy stay in Guinea.

There is an airport departure tax, which may not be included in the price of the plane ticket. Please check with your air carrier.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Guinea - CONAKRY, Consulate of Canada
Address: Descente Plage Rogbané, Taouyah Corniche, Conakry, Guinea
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1833, Conakry, Guinea,
Tel.: 224 60 236022
After hours tel.: cell 224 64 448117
Fax: 224 60 236022
E-Mail: laprade@yahoo.com

The Embassy of Canada in Dakar, Senegal, has consular responsibility for Guinea. The address is as follows:

Senegal - DAKAR, Embassy of Canada
Address: corner of Galliéni and Amadou Cissé Dia Streets, Dakar, Senegal
Postal Address: P.O. Box 3373, Dakar, Senegal,
Tel.: 221 33 889 4700
Fax: 221 33 889 4720
E-Mail: dakar@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.senegal.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Dakar and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885 (collect call).

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

This country is in the area referred to as the African meningitis belt (which extends from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east). Since the mid-1990s, meningitis has occurred on an unprecedented scale in this region. Outbreaks most often occur during the dry season (December to June). To obtain information and health recommendations concerning meningitis, please refer to the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends that travellers use personal protective measures against mosquito bites to prevent getting dengue fever. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue. People experiencing flu-like symptoms are advised to seek medical attention immediately.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities are limited and medicines are scarce in Conakry and throughout the country. Evacuation may be required for major medical emergencies.

Water used for consumption should be boiled first or otherwise sterilized. You should also take measures to reduce the risk of insect bites.

As the level of HIV/AIDS infection in Guinea is high, you should be cautious about activities involving the transmission of bodily fluids.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country’s customs, laws, and regulations. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Visitors should dress conservatively (e.g., women should wear a headscarf and also cover their arms and legs). Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. The use of drugs and alcohol is prohibited. Transgressions could be punished by detention or other penalties.

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is expected to begin on or about August 11, 2010.

A licence is required to export precious gems. Penalties are heavy for those involved in smuggling, particularly when diamonds and other gems are involved.

Homosexual activity is illegal.

Videotaping and photography are forbidden in many parts of the country and should be restricted to private gatherings. You must obtain permission from the Guinean government before photographing military and transportation facilities, government buildings, or public works.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Driving habits, the lack of road and traffic signs, poorly maintained vehicles and roads, pedestrians, and livestock pose hazards. In the event of an accident, you should proceed to the nearest police station or medical facility, as roadside assistance and ambulance services are not available.

Travellers should be careful while driving in Conakry and surrounding areas, or when they are in transit at the international airport, due to a reported increase in violent and opportunistic crimes against foreigners. The risk of robberies and armed attacks also increases after dark. Moreover, it is not rare for travellers to encounter improvised roadblocks (including on the airport road) erected by armed groups or military troops. Payment or proof of identity may be required at these roadblocks. The following documents should be carried at all times: copies of identity papers (passport and visa), vaccination record, vehicle registration (grey card), valid driver's licence, proof of road insurance, and vehicle safety check certificate.

Overland travel outside major centres should only be undertaken during daylight hours and with a four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with spare tires. The vehicle should also be equipped with water, communication means, a reflective hazard triangle, a fire extinguisher, and a first aid kit. We recommend driving in convoy. Road travel outside the capital may be difficult during the rainy season (see Section 10 below).

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

Guinea has no public transportation. Airline companies offer regular links from Conakry to the cities of Kankan, Siguiri, Labé and N’zérékoré.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Live Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.

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The currency is the Guinean franc (GNF). The economy is cash-based. The import or export of local currency is prohibited. There are no limits on the import of foreign currency, but it should be declared on arrival. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on arrival. It is recommended that travellers carry no more than 10,000 FG (about C$10) upon departure from Guinea. ABMs are not available. Credit cards are rarely accepted. Traveller's cheques in USD are accepted only at banks and some hotels.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The rainy season extends from June to November. Roads may become impassable during this period. You should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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