Welcome to Guinea

With its surprising natural beauty and off-the-radar status, Guinea is the Africa destination for those who truly want to escape into the wild. You won’t find a lot of other tourists here, but you will find waterfalls, tiny hillside villages, mountain peaks, wide grasslands and thick forests – all of which are ripe for your discovery.

In the capital of Conakry, visit St. Mary’s Cathedral and the National Museum of Guinea to center yourself, then move on to the Iles de Los for the archipelago’s golden-sand beaches and mangroves. Venture into the National Park of Upper Niger or the Fouta Djallon Highlands to commune with chimpanzees or marvel at ancient sandstone rock and meet the Mande peoples in their rustic farming communities.

Unique Facts

• Guinea boasts 200 miles of coastline and beautiful beaches. The most famous are those at Cape Verga and Les de Los.
• Guinea used to be French Guinea – it was a French colony for almost 70 years before gaining independence in 1958.
• Much of Guinea is protected for conservation of wildlife and forest – about 33,793 square miles. This includes three national parks.
• Twenty-two West African rivers have their origins in Guinea, including the Niger, Gambia and Senegal rivers.
• The capital city of Conakry, the electricity is on only a few hours a day.

Language

Guinea’s official language is French.

When To Go

The best time to go to Guinea is November to April.

Airports

Conakry International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Yes

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccine for all travelers when visiting Guinea: Measles and routine vaccinations. Most travelers should receive the Hepatitis A, Malaria, Yellow Fever and Typhoid vaccines. Some travelers should receive the Hepatitis B, Meningitis and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C, F and K. Standard voltage: 220V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Guinea Franc

Getting Around

The road network in Guinea is undeveloped, with only partially paved roads. Roads and vehicles are both poorly maintained, the road signage is insufficient and roads are often unlit. Livestock and pedestrians share the roadways. Do not drive after dark.

There is no reliable, safe public transportation in Guinea. Taxis, which include small cars and large vans, are not generally well maintained and are often overcrowded. Consider a hired vehicle and driver.

Driver’s License

An international driving permit is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Conakry, Guinea
The U.S. Embassy is located in Koloma, Conakry, east of Hamdallaye Circle near Bambeto Circle at the following address:
P.O. Box 603
Transversale No. 2
Centre Administratif de Koloma
Commune de Ratoma Conakry, Republic of Guinea
Telephone: +(224) 655-10-4000
Emergency after-hours telephone: +(224) 657-10-4311
Fax: +(224) 655-10-42-97
Conconakry@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

n/a

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Police: 122
Ambulance: 422-020
Fire: 1717

Safety and Security

The crime rate is high in Guinea. Purse snatching and other petty street robberies are common. Take standard safety precautions. Keep car doors locked at all times. Do not leave belongings unattended.