This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Civil Unrest/Political Tension (Volatile security situation). The overall level of the advice has increased.

Summary

Safety and Security

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

We strongly advise against all travel to Guinea because of the volatile security situation in the country. Violent civil unrest has occurred in the capital, Conakry, and elsewhere in the country, related to the Presidential elections scheduled for 31 January 2010. On 28 September 2009 a large number of people were killed in clashes between protesters and soldiers in Conakry.

Tensions are expected to escalate in the lead up to and period surrounding the Presidential elections on 31 January 2010. Guinean authorities have forbidden all public gatherings. There is a high military presence in Conakry and ad hoc roadblocks are common.

If you are in Guinea you should consider leaving. Australians remaining in Guinea should be extremely vigilant, monitor the media and other local sources of information about possible new safety or security risks and avoid unnecessary movement in Conakry and throughout Guinea.

The security situation could deteriorate quickly and without warning and Australians could be caught up in violence directed at others. In these circumstances, departure options may be severely restricted. We encourage you to have your own contingency plan for independent departure if the situation warrants. You should ensure that your documentation remains up-to-date. Valid passports and visas are essential should there be a need to depart Guinea.

Because of possible disruptions to the supply of goods and services, we recommend you have with you a supply of water and food to last several days, cash, medications and a basic first-aid kit. Ensure your vehicle has an adequate supply of fuel and ensure mobile phones are fully charged. The Australian Government's ability to provide consular services may be limited.

You should avoid demonstrations, street rallies and public gatherings as they may turn violent and attract a heavy response from security forces. You could get caught up in attacks directed at others.

Border regions with Sierra Leone, Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire: We strongly advise you not to travel to the border regions with Sierra Leone, Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire because of the continuing unstable security situation, and military and rebel activity in these regions. Past or ongoing conflicts in these countries have left the border areas tense, with displaced persons and refugees from neighbouring countries continuing to travel through Guinea. Banditry is also a risk in these border areas.

Guinea Forestiere region: We also strongly advise you not to travel to the Guinea Forestiere region around Nzerekore in the south because of the risk of ethnic violence.

Crime

Assault, muggings, armed robbery and break-ins, as well as minor theft, are prevalent in Conakry, and in most other parts of the country. Criminals are known to target tourists, particularly at the airport, in markets and near hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners. Criminals have been reported wearing military-style uniforms and carrying military weapons.

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

Commercial and internet fraud is prevalent and often originates in west African countries. Victims have been defrauded and those who travel to the originating country have had their lives endangered. Some victims have been killed. Criminals have been known to seek details of 'safe' bank accounts overseas in which to transfer large sums of money (as a donation or for a percentage of the amount involved). They may also provide fake cashier cheques for 'urgent' shipments of large quantities of goods, request sizeable fees for a fake government contract and extort money from individuals they have convinced to travel to Africa for a business opportunity. If you are a victim of a financial scam, we advise you to obtain legal advice and not to travel to Africa to seek restitution as there is a risk of physical assault from the perpetrators. Our information on International Financial Scams provides more detail on these types of scams.

Some Australian citizens have also been defrauded or had their lives endangered by bogus internet friendship, dating and marriage schemes operating from west African countries. These scams typically result from connections made through internet dating schemes or chat rooms. Once a virtual relationship develops, the Australian citizen is asked by their friend or prospective marriage partner to send money to enable travel to Australia. Once the money has been received, the relationship is usually terminated and any chance of recovering the funds is highly unlikely. In some instances, foreigners who have travelled to Africa to meet their friend or prospective marriage partner have been kidnapped and held to ransom.

Piracy has been reported in the coastal waters off Guinea. See our travel advice on Travelling by Sea for further information. The International Maritime Bureau issues weekly piracy reports on its website.

Local Travel

The airport could close without notice and flights may be cancelled or postponed. Australians intending to travel should confirm with their airline the latest situation on flights.

It is a legal requirement to carry original identity documents at all times and original vehicle documents, registration and car ownership papers when driving.

Roads and vehicles are poorly maintained in Guinea and public transportation is limited. For further advice on road safety, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety. Fuel shortages often occur.

Army or other roadblocks may be encountered in Conakry and across the country at any time, and particularly at night.

Airline Safety

Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.

If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.

The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.

Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate

The rainy season is May to October when flooding may occur and unpaved roads can become impassable. Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Wildlife

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

Money and Valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas. Travellers' cheques and credit cards are accepted at most major hotels in Conakry but generally not elsewhere in the country. Australian currency is generally not an acceptable means of foreign exchange in West Africa.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

For Parents

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling Parents brochure.

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.

Local Laws

When you are in Guinea, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

It is a legal requirement to carry original identity documents at all times.

Penalties for serious offences, such as murder and armed robbery, may attract the death penalty.

Penalties for drug offences are severe and may include imprisonment.

Homosexual acts are illegal and penalties include imprisonment.

A licence is required to export precious stones from Guinea. Failure to supply a licence on demand can lead to imprisonment.

Photography and filming of military establishments and government buildings is prohibited.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.

Local customs

There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in Guinea and you should take care not to offend.

Information for Dual Nationals

Guinea does not recognise dual nationality. This may limit our ability to provide consular assistance to Australian/Guinean dual nationals who are arrested or detained.

Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Visa conditions change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Guinea for the most up to date information.

A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required for entry into Guinea.

Guinea is listed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as endemic for yellow fever. Some airlines may require passengers to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate before being allowed to board flights out of the country. If in doubt, check with your airline.

If you have visited Guinea in the last six days prior to your date of return to Australia, Australian Customs officials will ask you to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate on entry into Australia.

Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.

Health Issues

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 has spread throughout the world. The World Health Organisation (WHO) provides useful information for individuals and travellers on its website. For further information and advice to Australians, including on possible quarantine measures overseas, see our travel bulletin on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009.

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our Travelling Well brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.

Health facilities are limited in Conakry and inadequate in rural areas. Facilities are poorly equipped and pharmaceuticals are in short supply. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for medical care. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate facilities would be necessary. Medical evacuation costs could exceed $A100,000.

Malaria is endemic in Guinea. Other insect-borne diseases (including yellow fever and filariasis) also occur. We encourage you to take prophylaxis against malaria and take measures to avoid insect bites, including using insect repellent at all times.

Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, tuberculosis, lassa fever and rabies) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. We recommend you boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Do not swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to certain water-borne diseases such as bilharzia (schistosomiasis). Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.

Where to Get Help

Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Guinea. If you require consular assistance you should contact the Australian High Commission in Ghana. By agreement between the Canadian and Australian governments, the Canadian Embassy in Senegal also provides consular assistance to Australians in Guinea. This service does not include the issue of Australian passports. Contact details are:

Canadian Embassy (Senegal)
Corner Rue Galleni and Rue Briere de l'Isle
Dakar, Senegal
Telephone: 221 889 4700
Facsimilie: 221 889 4720
Email: dakar@international.gc.ca
Website: http://www.senegal.gc.ca

You can obtain consular assistance from the nearest Australian High Commission in Ghana:

Australian High Commission
2, Second Rangoon Close
(cnr Josef Broz Tito Ave)
Cantonments, Accra
Ghana
Telephone: +233 21 216 400
Facsimile: +233 21 216 410
Email: AccraHC.Enquiries@dfat.gov.au
Website: www.ghana.highcommission.gov.au

If you are travelling to Guinea, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the High Commission in Ghana or Canadian Embassy, you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.