Safety and Security

While Equatorial Guinea remains relatively safe, westerners are increasingly targeted for petty crime, harassment by officials, and similar situations that have the potential to turn violent. There is no indication that U.S. citizens are being specifically targeted.

Although large public demonstrations are uncommon, you should avoid large crowds, political rallies, and street demonstrations.

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and check for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Although violent crime is rare, there has been a rise in violent burglaries/home invasions and in overall hostility directed at westerners by police and other officials. Many situations, including petty or street crime and official harassment, have the potential to turn violent. U.S. citizens are advised to carry copies of their passports and other pertinent documents at all times. It may be useful to have notarized copies of biographical documents as these are often perceived by the authorities to be more official than non-notarized copies.

Since July 2013, there has been a significant increase in attacks against women, including U.S. citizens, by small groups posing as taxi drivers and passengers. The attacks have been most severe in the continental city of Bata and surrounding areas, but have also occurred in Malabo. Victims typically are held captive for up to an hour, threatened at knife-point, and robbed. We strongly recommend taking taxis only in groups, using taxi drivers personally known to you, or avoiding the use of taxis altogether, especially in Bata. In August 2015, shortly after getting into a taxi, a non-U.S. citizen expatriate was robbed and raped on her way to the airport. In the same month, another expatriate was robbed by four locals while exiting a taxi at approximately 6:00 AM.

You should avoid dark alleys, remote locations, and traveling alone. Sexual assault is rare against westerners. There is little evidence of racially-motivated hate crimes or crime targeted against elderly travelers or the LGBT community. Generally, the police are responsive to reports of crimes by U.S. citizens, but it is common to be asked to pay a substantial sum of money (between US $50 to $100) in order to file a police report or obtain a copy of a police report on file.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, we can contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

There is no local equivalent of the “911” emergency system in Equatorial Guinea. To reach local police in Malabo, you can call 113. The National Security number is 666 555 532.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States