Safety and Security

Political Situation

Following a coup in Guinea on 5 September 2021, a transitional government is in place. Political tensions are high. Demonstrations occur frequently throughout the country, may be  called with little or no notice and can quickly turn violent. You should avoid large demonstrations or rallies (both political and non-political), particularly those close to military barracks and regularly monitor local and international media reports.

It is strongly recommended that Irish citizens travelling in Guinea register with our Embassy in Sierra Leone.

Crime

For assistance or to report a crime, the local police number for downtown Conakry is +224 622 039 258.

Motorists have encountered theft at gun point, particularly at night. These crimes are often carried out by individuals dressed in police or military uniforms and carrying military weapons. There have been incidents of violent car-jackings, especially in the outlying suburbs of Conakry. Burglaries and break-ins are common.

There are regular reports of robberies on the roads to Mamou, Faranah, Kissidougou, Guékédou, Macenta, N’zérékoré.

Terrorism

There is a global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which can target areas frequented by foreign tourists.

Transport

The roads in Guinea are hazardous, particularly during the rainy season from May to October. If you are planning to drive, you should plan your route before any journey, particularly outside of Conakry, and you should avoid travelling outside of cities at night. Carry your Irish driving licence and International Driving Permit at all times.

Taxis and long distance buses are poorly maintained, and the drivers often unqualified. Few motorists have any form of insurance. Most major hotels and travel agencies offer cars for hire, with a chauffeur if required.

The standard of road maintenance is low. Beware of deep potholes. Many roads are not metalled and are not repaired after the rainy season. Roads within Conakry and other principal towns can quickly become flooded and impassable.  

Emergency Assistance

If there is an emergency, or if you need help and advice, you can contact our Consular Assistance Unit at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin on +353 1 408 2000.

As there is no Irish Embassy or Consulate in Guinea, we are limited in the help we can offer in an emergency. The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.

Under the EU Consular Protection Directive, Irish nationals may seek assistance from the Embassy or Consulate of any other EU member state in a country where there is no Irish Embassy or permanent representation. Contact details for EU member state embassies in Guinea may be found here.

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

As Ireland does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Guinea, we are limited in our ability to provide up-to-date information on local laws and customs in Guinea. We advise Irish citizens to seek advice on this from their employer, tour operator or other local contacts.

Health

The availability and quality of medical services in Guinea is poor. Citizens should be aware that you may have difficulty accessing even basic medical services, particularly in remote areas.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition or underlying health concerns, you should note that it may not be possible to get appropriate drugs or treatment during your stay.

If you choose to travel, bring enough medication with you for the duration of your visit and for any unexpected delays. You may wish to also bring copies of your prescription in case you lose your medication.

Tropical illnesses are extremely common in Guinea. If you develop fever, unexplained fatigue, diarrhoea or any other severe symptoms while in Guinea, or in the weeks following your departure from Guinea, you should telephone your GP or Accident and Emergency Department mentioning your symptoms and your travel history; you may require immediate investigation and treatment.

Travel Insurance

Before travelling, the Department strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Vaccinations

Check what vaccinations you may need for your trip at least eight weeks before you travel. We cannot provide advice on vaccinations, but you can get information about vaccinations from your local GP or an International Health and Travel Centre.

Evidence of vaccination (in the form of a certificate) is a requirement for entry to some countries. A yellow fever vaccine certificate is typically required for entry into countries in West Africa. 

Ebola, Lassa Fever and the Marburg Virus

Ebola, Lassa fever and Marburg viras are acute viral haemorrhagic fever illnesses transmitted to humans via contact with contaminated food or household items; or through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person.

In February 2021, there was confirmation of anoutbreak of Ebola in Guinea close to the border with Sierra Leone. Following increased surveillance and preventative measures, this outbreak was declared over in June 2021.  More information about Ebola is available from the World Health Organisation.

Lassa fever is endemic in West Africa.  Between January and March 2022, a total of 20 cases of Lassa fever were reported, which resulted in 11 deaths.  If you are concerned that you might have been exposed to, or are showing symptoms of Lassa fever, you should seek immediate medical advice.    Further information on Lassa fever is available from the World Health Organisation.

Guinea recorded an outbreak of the Marburg virus in August 2021, however this was declared over in September 2021. You can find more information on Marburg virus from the World Health Organisation.

We advise Irish citizens working in medical facilities or caring for sick people in Guinea to take particular care and seek expert advice on infection prevention.

If you develop fever, unexplained fatigue, diarrhoea or any other severe symptoms while in Guinea, or in the weeks following your departure, you should telephone your GP or Accident and Emergency Department mentioning your symptoms and your travel history; you may require immediate investigation and treatment.

Additional Information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

Irish citizens need a visa to enter Guinea.

Passports should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of your application for a visa to enter Guinea and must be valid for at least the duration of your stay in Guinea.

It’s advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you when travelling to Guinea and you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times during your stay.

If your passport is lost or stolen while you’re abroad you should contact the Irish Embassy in Sierra Leone . We’ll do our best to help you as quickly as possible but this can take some time. Your location and circumstances may limit the help we can give you.

What we can do:

• Issue an emergency travel document that will get you home,
• If required, provide advice on applying for new passport.

You will need a police report if you want to make a claim on your travel insurance. We will not provide you with a travel document without a police report.