Guinea

Guinea is a developing country in western Africa with minimal facilities for tourism. Travelers who plan to stay in Conakry, the capital, should make reservations well in advance. French is the official language; Pular, Malinké, and Soussou are also widely spoken. Read the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Guinea for additional information on U.S.-Guinea relations. 

Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Guinea, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Guinea is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Drivers in Guinea routinely ignore road safety rules. Guinea's road network, which is only partly paved, is underdeveloped and unsafe. Roads and vehicles are poorly maintained, road signs are insufficient, and roads and vehicles are frequently unlit. Livestock and pedestrians create constant road hazards and make nighttime travel inadvisable. The police and the military often set up roadblocks, making inter/intra-city travel difficult from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. During the rainy season (July through September), flash floods make some roads temporarily impassable. There is also a significant increase in banditry along the roadways between towns and upcountry during evening hours. U.S. citizens and other foreigners are strongly discouraged from traveling after dark outside of populated areas. Roadside assistance is not available in Guinea.

Guinea has no reliable safe public transportation. Taxis, including small cars and larger vans, are often poorly maintained and overcrowded. Taxis frequently stop and start without regard to other vehicles, making driving hazardous. Hired vehicles and drivers are available from agencies at major hotels in Conakry.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Guinea, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Guinea’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Safety and Security

Guinea’s first democratically elected President was inaugurated in December 2010, with the next election scheduled to be held in October 2015. The presidential election was supposed to be followed by timely elections for the national legislature, but was repeatedly delayed causing demonstrations and protests, some of which became violent and resulted in loss of life. In addition, electricity outages have exacerbated unrest and led to demonstrations in some neighborhoods. In both cases, demonstrators attempted to block traffic and caused property damage. Travelers should note that even the most disciplined demonstration could devolve into unpredictable, scattered, independent actions. While the Embassy attempts to alert U.S. citizens in the country to potential safety and security events in advance, this is not always possible with fast-breaking developments.

While not specifically targeted, U.S. citizens have been victims of crime. Motorists traveling outside of Conakry have encountered improvised checkpoint-barricades manned by persons in military uniforms who demand money and search through personal belongings, confiscating items of value. On rare occasions, persons, including U.S. citizens, have reported abusive treatment by security forces and being taken into custody for purposes of extortion.

Civilian groups occasionally stage impromptu strikes or demonstrations, a practice that usually takes place when legislative elections occur. In some instances and in some locales, these demonstrations may involve violence. While U.S. citizens have not been targeted in past outbreaks of violence, being in the wrong place at the wrong time can be very dangerous. During periods of civil unrest, public services such as transportation and medical care, as well as the availability of goods and services, can be affected. During many demonstrations, crowds of people gather and burn tires, create roadblocks, and damage vehicles by throwing rocks and bricks. The military has also been known to demonstrate and incite unrest due to their grievances with the government. U.S. citizens should avoid large crowds, political rallies, and street demonstrations. They should also avoid sensitive government installations, including the Presidential Palace, official government buildings, and military bases. U.S. citizens should maintain security awareness at all times.

Most border crossings are controlled jointly by Guinean armed forces, gendarmes, police, and immigration officials but are lightly patrolled because of the length of the land borders, and the military’s lack of physical and monetary resources. U.S. citizens considering travel to the border regions with Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, or Côte d’Ivoire should consult the latest Travel Warnings and Country Specific Information for these countries. Complete paperwork and visas are required to cross land borders.

 To stay connected:

• Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• Take some time before travel to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Guinea is pro-United States and pro-West, in general. However, expatriates and members of the diplomatic community are exposed to the realities of the criminal threat without consideration of nationality or affiliation. Several diplomats and expatriates have been victimized by residential burglaries and vehicle break-ins. These crimes are not uncommon and the risks are assumed across the spectrum of those perceived to have some level of wealth. Routine personal security considerations such as locking doors, windows, and employing technological security measures can significantly reduce exposure to risk. Careful consideration of means of transportation, and specific times and locations deemed dangerous may also help reduce the instances of crime.

Travelers should avoid unsolicited offers of assistance at the airport or hotels as these individuals may be seeking opportunities to rob visitors of their bags, purses, or wallets. Security at Gbessia International Airport was nearly non-existent several years ago. However, the creation of a new modern terminal, use of access badges, and heightened security has improved the situation. Visitors who arrange to be met at the airport by hotel personnel or business contacts can reduce vulnerability to these crimes. Commercial scams and disputes with local business partners have occasionally created legal difficulties for U.S. citizens. The ability of the U.S. Embassy to extricate U.S. citizens from unlawful business deals is extremely limited. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local authorities and to the U.S. Embassy.

It is essential to keep car doors locked at all times. Failure to do so has resulted in carjacking and vehicle intrusion. It is also advisable to keep windows up, and to only roll them down enough to communicate when necessary. Soldiers staffing checkpoints at night and police at intersections during the day will often solicit bribes. Display requested documents, but do not surrender them, as officials may take them if bribes are not paid. Travelers may wish to keep a laminated copy of their documents with them that can be shown in place of their actual passports or identification cards.

Computer scams are also on the rise usually by email solicitation or fax. These scams target private business personnel and non-governmental organization employees. In general, if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Stay away from these scams; many business personnel have lost large quantities of money and have put themselves in danger by engaging in such deals.

Political Violence: Guinea has experienced over three years of relative political calm. After enduring a tumultuous recent past politically, Guinea has taken steps in furtherance of a more stable democracy. In 2013 Guinea held legislative elections. Although the electoral process was flawed and the election was delayed by several weeks, the Electoral Commission managed to carry out an election with results that were acceptable to both the government and opposition groups. In late 2013, the new legislative assembly was seated without incident. President Conde wasted no time in announcing Guinea [re]opened for business and encouraging mining sector and other international investment. The country has come a long way since the assassination attempt and subsequent medical evacuation of former President Captain Moussa Dadis Camara in 2009.

Guinea remains a country with a fragile government and a tenuous relationship with its citizens. Poor infrastructure and lack of basic utilities has led to occasional protests and the associated disruptions to traffic and commerce. There was an increase in the number and frequency of protests aimed at improving, or drawing attention to, this lack of basic services in 2014. In addition to an increase in protests against the country’s failing infrastructure, Guinea’s forest region also experienced local turmoil brought on by labor disputes between local communities and the mining companies, and among local tribal interests

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, 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 emergency assistance in Guinea similar to the “911” system in the United States. 

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