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TRAVEL REPORT
Equatorial Guinea

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 5 has been updated (telephone number for the Consulate of Canada in Bata).

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

You are advised to exercise a high degree of caution in Equatorial Guinea. Travellers should maintain a high level of security awareness at all times and avoid public gatherings and street demonstrations. They should also ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times.

On February 17, 2009, an attack occured near the presidential palace in Malabo. Military personel were deployed throughout the city to ensure general security and airports and seaports were closed for a few hours. Although such incidents are not common, travellers are advised to remain vigilant, monitor local news reports and follow the advice of authorities.

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. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Although the crime rate is lower than other countries in the region, petty crime and corruption occur and is more common in Bata and Malabo. Armed robberies and muggings involving foreigners have increased in Malabo. Avoid walking alone after dark and avoid groups of young men who may congregate near bars and restaurants.

Police and military checks and roadblocks are common. If stopped for a small traffic violation, cooperate with local authorities and request a citation, to be paid at the local court.

When travelling outside of Bata and Malabo, we recommend that Canadians carry a letter from their employer or organization stating the purpose of their travel. Proper identification must be carried at all times .Failure to do so may result in detention. Canadians should contact local authorities before travelling outside main cities. A security permit issued by the government is required to visit the Bioko Island of Pico Basile, Moka and Ureca.

Tourist facilities are limited and often fully booked. Travel arrangements should be made well in advance and reconfirmed before departure.

In case of emergency, dial 2878 for the police and 3101 for medical emergencies.

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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 Equatorial Guinea 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 Equatorial, c/o the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea to the United Nations, based in New York, New York, (U.S.A.) for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Equatorial Guinea. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. Equatorial Guinea now requires a Police Clearance Certificate for personal or tourist travel. An HIV test certificate may also be required, and HIV-positive status could lead to refusal of entry or deportation. Please contact the Equatorial Guinean authorities for more information on these new entry requirements.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required

Travellers are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination.

Travellers arriving with a domestic animal must present an international certificate of vaccination against rabies for the animal.

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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:

Equatorial Guinea - Bata, Consulate of Canada
Address: Carretera del Seminario Mayor, Bata, Litoral, Apt. 598, Equatorial Guinea
Tel.: 240 222 56 26 55 or 240 222 62 11 06
E-Mail: honconeg@yahoo.es

The High Commission of Canada in Yaoundé, Cameroon, has consular responsibility for Equatorial Guinea. The address is as follows:

Cameroon - YAOUNDÉ, High Commission of Canada
Address: Immeuble Stamatiades, Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Postal Address: P.O. Box 572, Yaoundé, Cameroon,
Tel.: 237 2223-2311
Fax: 237 2222-1090
E-Mail: yunde@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.cameroon.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Yaoundé (Cameroon), and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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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.

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 and supplies are extremely limited. Medicines are not always available outside Malabo and Bata.  Bring your own medical supplies, including a first aid kit and prescription medicine. In case of serious illness, a mecical evacuation would be necessary.

Sanitation levels are low and travellers should regard all water as potentially contaminated. Water used for consumption should be previously boiled or otherwise sterilized.

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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.

Although Equatorial Guinea recognizes dual nationality, dual nationals are considered Equatorial Guinean citizens and are subject to Equatorial Guinean laws.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict.

Homosexuality is not widely accepted and displays of intimate affection are illegal.

Photography of the presidential palace and surrounding areas, airports, military installations, harbours, and other sensitive areas is strictly prohibited. Special permits may be needed for other photography or filming. For more information, contact local authorities.

The import or possession of camouflage clothing, large knives, binoculars, firearms, or similar items may be deemed suspicious by authorities. These items could be confiscated and you could be detained. Satellite phones are legally permissible, but not all immigration officials may be aware of this. If stopped, make an effort to speak to a higher authority, or if you are forced to leave the satellite phone with an official, ensure that you receive a receipt or some other identification of the confiscator to facilitate the return of the item at a later date.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Most roads in Equatorial Guinea are paved and traffic signs are adequate. Excessive speeds, increased traffic, and driving habits pose risks. Avoid travel after dark. Do not pick up hitchhikers. In the event of an accident, you should not move your vehicle until the police arrive. Minibuses and taxis are available throughout the country. Car rental companies also exist.

An Equatorial Guinean driver's licence is mandatory for residents. The licence is renewable each year.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for visitors.

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

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The official currency is the Central African franc (CFA), issued by the Banque Centrale des États d’Afrique Centrale (BEAC). You may be required to declare all currency you are carrying on arrival and departure. As certain import and export limits may apply, you should contact local authorities for information. Travellers should exchange foreign currency at banks. The economy operates on a cash basis. Credit cards and traveller's cheques are not accepted.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The climate is hot and humid. On Bioko Island, the rainy season extends from July to January. On the mainland, there are two rainy seasons - one from April to May  and one from October to December. Severe windstorms occur occasionally. Some roads may be impassable to all but four-wheel-drive vehicles during the rainy season. 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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