Briefing de orientación en Guinea

La herencia musulmana profunda de Guinea llegó a través del Imperio almorávide, vecino, en el siglo XI. Tras el declive de los almorávides, Guinea quedó en la periferia de varios reinos africanos, todos ellos en competencia por el dominio regional. En el siglo XIII, el Imperio de Malí tomó el control de Guinea y fomentó la fe musulmana, que ya estaba en crecimiento. Tras la caída de los imperios de África Occidental, diversos reinos más pequeños controlaron Guinea. En el siglo XVIII, musulmanes fulani establecieron un Estado islámico en el centro de Guinea, que constituyó uno de los primeros ejemplos de constitución escrita y de alternancia en el liderazgo. Los comerciantes europeos llegaron por primera vez en el siglo XVI, y Francia consiguió el dominio colonial en el siglo XIX.

En 1958, Guinea logró la independencia de Francia. Sekou TOURE se convirtió en el primer presidente de Guinea tras la independencia; instauró un régimen dictatorial y gobernó hasta su muerte en 1984, tras la cual el general Lansana CONTE dio un golpe de Estado y se hizo con el gobierno. Él también instauró un régimen autoritario y manipuló las elecciones presidenciales hasta su muerte en 2008, momento en que el capitán Moussa Dadis CAMARA encabezó un golpe militar, tomó el poder y suspendió la constitución. En 2009, CAMARA resultó herido en un atentado y fue exiliado a Burkina Faso. En 2010 y 2013, respectivamente, el país celebró sus primeras elecciones presidenciales y legislativas libres y justas. Alpha CONDE ganó las elecciones presidenciales de 2010 y 2015, y su primer gabinete fue el primer gobierno íntegramente civil de la historia de Guinea. CONDE ganó un tercer mandato en 2020 tras una reforma constitucional de los límites de mandato. En 2021, el coronel Mamady DOUMBOUYA encabezó otro golpe militar con éxito, que dio lugar al Comité Nacional para la Reconciliación y el Desarrollo (CNRD), suspendió la constitución y disolvió el gobierno y la legislatura. DOUMBOUYA juró el cargo como presidente de transición y nombró a Mohamed BEAVOGUI primer ministro de transición. El Consejo Nacional de Transición (CNT), que actúa como órgano legislativo de la transición, se constituyó en 2022 y está integrado por miembros designados que representan a un amplio sector de la sociedad guineana.

While the political environment is currently stable, there is ongoing tension between the government and opposition parties.    

Protests linked to economic challenges, such as electricity shortages, occur from time to time. Tensions can rise quickly. Public gatherings and demonstrations can start with little or no warning and may turn violent. In the past, protestors have damaged public buildings, and there have been fatalities and injuries among protestors and bystanders. 

Stay away from demonstrations, especially near military installations, and monitor reliable, local and international media for updates. If you see crowds forming or signs of unrest, move promptly to a safe location.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.    

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Guinea

Terrorist attacks in Guinea cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities. 

Political situation

While the political environment is currently stable, there is ongoing tension between the government and opposition parties.    

Protests linked to economic challenges, such as electricity shortages, occur from time to time. Tensions can rise quickly. Public gatherings and demonstrations can start with little or no warning and may turn violent. In the past, protestors have damaged public buildings, and there have been fatalities and injuries among protestors and bystanders. 

Stay away from demonstrations, especially near military installations, and monitor reliable, local and international media for updates. If you see crowds forming or signs of unrest, move promptly to a safe location.

Security situation

Border areas of Guinea are often tense with an increased military presence. Security has improved but things can still be tense, particularly at big events such as elections.

Crime

For assistance or to report a crime in Conakry, call the local police Commissaire on +224 622 86 94 71.  

Vehicle crime

Criminals posing as police or military, armed with military weapons, have robbed drivers and their passengers at gunpoint, particularly at night. Violent carjackings are a threat, especially in the outlying suburbs of Conakry. Reduce the risk of vehicle crime by:

• getting security advice before travelling by road
• travelling in convoy
• using reputable travel operators and taxis, arranged in advance
• keeping doors locked and windows closed while driving

There are occasional reports of hold-ups and armed robbery on the roads to:

• Mamou
• Faranah
• Kissidougou
• Guékédou
• Macenta
• N’zérékoré

If you plan to arrive in Conakry on a flight after dark, arrange your airport transfer before you travel.

Protecting yourself and your possessions

Break-ins are common, and burglars may be armed. There is also a high level of street crime – mugging, pickpocketing and bag-snatching. Take precautions by:

• ensuring your accommodation is secure and has security guards
• taking a pre-arranged taxi if you are changing money or visiting a bank
• not wearing expensive-looking jewellery or watches and keeping mobiles out of sight
• avoiding emptier parts of towns and cities
• not walking alone at night

Scams and extortion

The British Embassy in Conakry is aware of police extorting cash from foreigners and Guineans.

Take particular care if you trade gold and diamonds. This trade attracts criminal gangs and can involve kidnapping and extortion. There are reports of trading scams involving diamonds, gold export and gold certification.

Detention

The criminal justice process in Guinea falls below international standards. If you are arrested or detained due process may not be followed and delays should be expected. Pre-trial detention is common and can last for many months.

Local prison conditions are harsh, often without regular food and water. The main prison in Conakry suffers from serious overcrowding.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Always carry photo ID such as a passport.

Illegal drugs

Do not become involved with illegal drugs of any kind. 

If you commit a drugs crime, you are likely to be prosecuted. There are heavy penalties for those convicted.

Using cameras in secure areas

Photography and filming in many areas is highly restricted. This includes:

• military bases and checkpoints
• the President’s residence and offices
• police and gendarmerie HQs

It’s illegal to photograph or film anything of strategic value such as airports and bridges. Do not photograph military or police installations or government buildings, or you could be arrested.

Individuals may prefer not to be photographed. If in doubt, ask, or do not take pictures.

Money

Credit cards are not widely used in Guinea and obtaining hard currency is very difficult. There are a few ATMs in Conakry that accept foreign cards, but they give only small amounts of currency. They are also unreliable. Banks in Conakry accept international credit cards and exchange money.

Exchanging foreign currency on the street is illegal. Foreign nationals have been arrested and held in military custody for using unofficial money changers even for small amounts, including at the airport.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal. Penalties range from 6 months to 3 years in prison and a fine of 500,000 to 1 million Guinean francs.

Same-sex relationships are not widely accepted or understood. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Precious stones

You need an export licence to take precious stones out of Guinea. Gem smuggling is illegal, and anyone convicted can expect a severe prison sentence. Local prison conditions are harsh.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Guinea, see information on driving abroad.

You’ll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

Most major hotels and travel agencies offer cars for hire, with a driver if required.

Driving conditions

Road travel can be hazardous, especially during the rainy season from May to October. Roads, even within Conakry and other principal towns, can be flooded and become impassable.   

The standard of road maintenance is low. Many roads are unmetalled and have deep potholes as damage caused during the rainy season goes unrepaired.

Fuel is not always available at petrol stations. Carry an emergency supply on long journeys.

British Embassy staff avoid road travel outside the Conakry region at night. If staff choose to hire transport for personal journeys, they are encouraged to satisfy themselves in advance of the vehicle’s roadworthiness and the driver’s competence. The use of moto-taxis and shared taxis/tuk-tuks is not advised.

Buses and taxis

Taxis and long-distance buses are generally poorly maintained, overcrowded, and the drivers are often unqualified.

Roadblocks and checkpoints

Police and local militia maintain checkpoints across the country. They check vehicle and passenger documentation and baggage. Corruption and extortion are common at roadblocks. Occasionally, checkpoints can be a pretext for armed robbery.

The authorities may close the Guinea-Sierra Leone border at short notice.

Sea travel

There have been reports of piracy attacks against vessels in Guinean territorial waters.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical numbers

In remote areas you will have to arrange local transport. In Conakry, call local clinics.

Clinique Pasteur: +224 621 35 01 01 or +224 664 26 98 53

International Clinic: +224 654 05 55 55 or +224 654 09 99 99

Clinique Ambroise Paré: +224 631 40 10 40

Hôpital de l’Amitié Sino-Guinéenne: +224 621 08 88 62

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Guinea
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Guinea, including:

• yellow fever
• Zika virus
• malaria and dengue
• chikungunya

There are occasional outbreaks of Ebola in Guinea. The last one was in 2021. Cholera and malaria are also present in Guinea and have similar early symptoms to Ebola. You can read more information on Ebola and similar diseases.

Medication

There are some well-stocked pharmacies in Conakry but few outside the capital. Check that medicine is genuine.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Guinea

Medical facilities are poor. Equipment is basic and often not sterile. Carry basic medical supplies and a first aid kit.

For serious medical treatment, medical evacuation to Europe is necessary. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Guinea where some staff will speak English. 

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.