Overview of Equatorial Guinea
Lush and lovely, but hiding a complicated past, Equatorial Guinea is certainly off the beaten tourist track. Wealthy in natural resources such as oil, the country has had a troubled past with failed coups and severe corruption. However, adventurous visitors will find plenty of charm on these beautiful shores.
The country consists of a mainland territory, Rio Muni, and five island territories within the Gulf of Guinea, the largest of which is Bioko Island. Rio Muni, despite being the largest region, is not the epicentre of the country. Rather, this is the home of gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants, and many more fascinating species that call reserves such as the Monte Alen National Park their home.
By a strange quirk, the beating heart of Equatorial Guinea lies to the north, off the coast of Cameroon. The beautiful volcanic isle of Bioko Island plays host to the capital city of Malabo, a city of contrasts where fascinating colonial architecture contrasts with sleek high rise buildings and the traditional African markets and bustling port. Small villages populate the north of the island, while further south the rainforest takes hold. Rare primates live in the dense forests around Luba Crater, while Ureca is the breeding ground for four different types of turtle.
Equatorial Guinea is a beautiful country, rewarding exploration for those brave enough to visit, but it is not a well-known tourist destination and travel through its rich jungles and islands is not risk-free. Officials make travel difficult by frequently demanding to see papers and sometimes expecting bribes. Tourism infrastructure is almost non-existent and visitors should come prepared to travel rough, but those in search of an adventure will find stunning beaches and pristine rainforest to reward their curiosity.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Spanish and French are the official languages of Equatorial Guinea, although the majority of the population speak African languages.
- Passport/Visa:
-
All foreign visitors to Equatorial Guinea require two passport-sized photographs for police control, if arriving there for the first time, and must provide evidence of their ability to financially support themeselves during their stay. It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
-
The Central African CFA Franc (XAF) is the official currency of Equatorial Guinea (along with five other central African countries). It is divided into 100 smaller units called centime. Equatorial Guinea is largely a cash economy and credit cards are seldom accepted. Foreign currency can be exchanged at hotels and banks in major cities but the process is expensive and time consuming and travellers are advised to bring funds in the local currency.
- Electricity:
- Electrical outlets in Equatorial Guinea usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs with round or flat pins are standard.
Travel to Equatorial Guinea
Overview
Equatorial Guinea is relatively unexplored by tourists due to the lack of infrastructure and the difficulty of getting around, not to mention the official penchant for demanding bribes and permits frequently along the way. For those brave enough to take on the inconveniences and delays which are sadly quite inevitable on a trip to Equatorial Guinea, the beautiful rainforests and beaches will compensate. Although the big cities of Malabo and Bata have a handful of interesting landmarks and markets for sightseers, the country's attractions are primarily natural, luring conservationists, animal lovers and adventurers.
From Bata it is possible to explore the lovely coastline of the mainland, and it is only a short trip to Monte Alen National Park and all the wonders of the rainforest. Here aspiring naturalists can seek out many different primate species, including mountain gorillas, and enjoy long hikes and rustic campsites in the jungle.
Malabo, the capital, is generally the starting point for a holiday in Equatorial Guinea and the city can keep tourists happily occupied for a day or two with its colonial charm and oil-fuelled expat scene. However, the real paradise lies beyond the city, in the Bioko rainforest and along the black beaches of the volcanic island, where turtles have their nesting grounds. A visit to the small village of San Antonio de Ureca, on the southern coast of Bioko, is a great adventure. For shorter excursions out of Malabo, hiking up one of the three inactive volcanoes near the city is popular and fun, earning visitors amazing views.
Climate in Equatorial Guinea
As the country's name suggests, Equatorial Guinea has an equatorial or tropical climate which means high temperatures year-round, heavy rainfall and dense cloud cover for most of the year. This means that while it is almost always hot, it is not necessarily sunny. There are variations in climate according to altitude and proximity to the coast and the mainland differs somewhat from the island territories. On the mainland the wet season runs from February to June and from September to December. Rainfall is higher in the coastal regions. The average annual temperature, which fluctuates very little throughout the year, is about 79°F (26°C). Bioko island is slightly less humid and a little cooler, with an average annual temperature of 77°F (25°C) that also remains fairly constant all year. Bioko has a dry season between November and March (although it is seldom completely dry) and is rainy for the rest of the year. Most of the time it is cloudy and overcast.
The best time to visit Equatorial Guinea is in the dry season. In the rainy seasons many of the roads become impassable without a 4x4 due to mud and flooding and even with a capable vehicle traversing the country is difficult.
Health Notes when travelling to Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea is a malaria area and malaria medication is essential - consult your doctor to decide which prophylaxis will suit you best. Vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid. Those who will be spending a lot of time outdoors and may be at risk of animal bites should also consider a rabies vaccination. Yellow fever certificates are required for any travellers arriving from infected areas in Africa or the Americas, and a yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all visitors to Equatorial Guinea. Travellers should not drink tap water in Equatorial Guinea unless it has been boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected. Don't drink anything with ice in it, don't eat fruit and vegetables unless they have been peeled or cooked, and ensure that meals are eaten while hot and not left to cool. Travellers should note that food bought from street vendors can be hazardous.
Medical facilities are extremely limited in Equatorial Guinea and the country suffers frequent shortages of essential medications and supplies. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended but most doctors will expect payment in cash. Visitors should bring along any medicine they require, in the original packaging and with a signed and dated letter from their doctor detailing what the medication is and why it is necessary.
Safety Notes when travelling to Equatorial Guinea
There is little threat of terrorism in Equatorial Guinea and violent crime is rare. The overall level of criminal activity is low compared to other countries in the region, but petty crime and theft is on the rise and has become common. As tourism is rare there is little evidence of tourist scams. Official corruption, however, is very common and it is not unusual for foreigners to be stopped by uniformed officers and confronted with various 'violations' that will go away with a bribe. Visitors are not advised to encourage this corruption and it is best to request an official citation of the violation to be paid at the local court, or to demand a receipt stating the violation, the amount paid and the officer's name.
There is a risk of piracy off the coast of Equatorial Guinea.
Customs in Equatorial Guinea
Both the people and the customs of Equatorial Guinea are friendly and welcoming. Greetings are important, and may last longer than foreign visitors are accustomed to. People tend to stand close together when conversing. Always ask permission before photographing someone; photographing military personnel or buildings is prohibited. Various things may make officials suspicious in Equatorial Guinea, including camouflage gear, weapons, binoculars and radios, and these things may be confiscated or lead to questioning.
Duty Free in Equatorial Guinea
Visitors to Equatorial Guinea may import the following goods into the country: 200 cigarettes; 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco, one litre of wine and one litre of spirits, and an amount of perfume reasonable for personal use.
Doing Business in Equatorial Guinea
Businesses in Equatorial Guinea tend to shut down daily between 1pm and 4pm for a long lunch break and siesta; working hours are generally 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 7pm, Monday to Saturday. Lightweight suits are acceptable attire for meetings and shaking hands is an appropriate greeting. Greetings tend to be formal. Business cards should be in Spanish or French and a translator may be necessary if you only speak English.
Communication in Equatorial Guinea
Landline telephone penetration is low in Equatorial Guinea and there is only one GSM mobile telephone operator which has coverage in Malabo, Bata, and several other mainland cities. Internet is available in the major cities and some internet cafés do operate but internet usage is not yet widespread among the local population. The international access code for Equatorial Guinea is +240.
Tipping in Equatorial Guinea
Small tips for good service are appreciated and often expected in Equatorial Guinea. Service charges are not usually included in restaurants and tips of about 10 percent for waitrons are customary. Taxi fares should be rounded up if the service is good.
Passport/Visa Note
All foreign visitors to Equatorial Guinea require two passport-sized photographs for police control, if arriving there for the first time, and must provide evidence of their ability to financially support themeselves during their stay. It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
-
US citizens must have a valid passport to enter Equatorial Guinea. No visa is required.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
-
Canadian citizens require a valid passport and a visa to enter Equatorial Guinea.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
-
British citizens require a valid passport and a visa to enter Equatorial Guinea.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
-
Australian citizens require a valid passport and a visa to enter Equatorial Guinea.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
-
Irish citizens require a valid passport and a visa to enter Equatorial Guinea.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
-
New Zealand citizens require a valid passport and a visa to enter Equatorial Guinea.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
-
South African citizens require a valid passport and a visa to enter Equatorial Guinea.
Equatorial Guinea Embassies
- In the United States:
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Equatorial Guinea Embassy, Washington DC. United States (also responsible for Canada): (202) 518 5700.
- In the United Kingdom:
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Equatorial Guinea Embassy, London. Tel: (020) 3752 6626.
- In South Africa:
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Equatorial Guinea Embassy, Pretoria. Tel: (012) 342 9945.
Foreign Embassies in Equatorial Guinea
- American Embassy
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US Embassy, Malabo. Tel: (+240) 333 09 57 41.
- British Embassy
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British Honorary Consul, Malabo. Tel: (240) 222 277 502.
- South African Embassy
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South African Embassy, Malabo. Tel: (240) 333 099 522.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Equatorial Guinea
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hide Vaccines and Medicines
Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
| | Find Out Why | Protect Yourself |
All travelers You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel. |
| Routine vaccines | Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. |   |
Most travelers Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting. |
| Hepatitis A | CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Equatorial Guinea, regardless of where you are eating or staying. |  |
| Malaria | You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in Equatorial Guinea. |   |
| Typhoid | You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Equatorial Guinea. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater. | |
| Yellow Fever | Health recommendation: Yellow fever is a risk in Equatorial Guinea, so CDC recommends this vaccine for all travelers who are 9 months of age or older.
Country entry requirement: The government of Equatorial Guinea also requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever (this does not include the US - for complete list, see Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.)
See more information on yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Equatorial Guinea. | |
Some travelers Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US. |
| Hepatitis B | You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures. |   |
| Rabies | Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Equatorial Guinea, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups: - Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to Equatorial Guinea
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
|  |
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Equatorial Guinea, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in Equatorial Guinea.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Equatorial Guinea. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Equatorial Guinea, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
- Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to Equatorial Guinea
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
Key
- Get vaccinated
- Take antimalarial meds
- Eat and drink safely
- Prevent bug bites
- Keep away from animals
- Reduce your exposure to germs
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
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Hide Stay Healthy and Safe
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Equatorial Guinea, so your behaviors are important.
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
- Food that is cooked and served hot
- Hard-cooked eggs
- Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
- Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
- Food served at room temperature
- Food from street vendors
- Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
- Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
- Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
- Unpasteurized dairy products
- ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
- Bottled water that is sealed
- Water that has been disinfected
- Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
- Carbonated drinks
- Hot coffee or tea
- Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
- Tap or well water
- Ice made with tap or well water
- Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
- Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Hide Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Equatorial Guinea. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
- Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
- Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
- Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
- DEET
- Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
- IR3535
- Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
- Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
- Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?
Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.
For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.
Note: Zika is a risk in Equatorial Guinea. For more information, see Zika Travel Information.
Hide If your travel plans in Equatorial Guinea include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
- Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
- Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
- Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
- Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
- If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
- Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
- Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
- Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
- Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
- Do not dive into shallow water.
- Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
- To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Equatorial Guinea. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.
Hide Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
- Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
- Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
- Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
- Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
- If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
- Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
- Go to a doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Hide Reduce your exposure to germs
Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
- If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
Hide Avoid sharing body fluids
Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.
Protect yourself:
- Use latex condoms correctly.
- Do not inject drugs.
- Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
- Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
- If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
Hide Know how to get medical care while traveling
Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:
- Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
- Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
- Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
- Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Equatorial Guinea’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
- Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Malaria is a risk in Equatorial Guinea. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.
Hide Select safe transportation
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
- Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
- Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
- Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
- Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
- Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
- Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
- Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
- Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
- Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
- Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
- Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
- Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
- Wear a seatbelt at all times.
- Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
- When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
- Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Equatorial Guinea may be poor.
- Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
- Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
- If you choose to drive a vehicle in Equatorial Guinea, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
- Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
- Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
- Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
- If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
- Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.
Hide Maintain personal security
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Before you leave
- Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
- Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
- Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
- Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
- Follow all local laws and social customs.
- Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
- Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
- If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
Hide Top
Hide Healthy Travel Packing List
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Equatorial Guinea for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
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Hide Travel Health Notices
There are no notices currently in effect for Equatorial Guinea.
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If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.
For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.
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Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The Central African CFA Franc (XAF) is the official currency of Equatorial Guinea (along with five other central African countries). It is divided into 100 smaller units called centime. Equatorial Guinea is largely a cash economy and credit cards are seldom accepted. Foreign currency can be exchanged at hotels and banks in major cities but the process is expensive and time consuming and travellers are advised to bring funds in the local currency.
Malabo International Airport (SSG)
Saint Isabel International Airport
http://www.airportia.com/equatorial-guinea/malabo-airport
Location: Malabo The airport is situated five miles (8km) west of Malabo.
Time: Local time us GMT +1.
Getting to the city:
The safest and most common option for transport from the airport is to arrange a shuttle or taxi in advance through a hotel, organisation or other host.
Car rental:
Car rental is available at the airport; hiring a driver with the car is recommended as driving in Malabo can be a difficult experience due to poor road conditions and many police check points.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are generally available at the airport, but travellers should be cautious when choosing them and agree on a fare before departure.
Facilities:
Visitors should anticipate limited and basic services and facilities at the airport.
Parking:
Parking is available at the airport.
Overview of the Attractions in Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea is relatively unexplored by tourists due to the lack of infrastructure and the difficulty of getting around, not to mention the official penchant for demanding bribes and permits frequently along the way. For those brave enough to take on the inconveniences and delays which are sadly quite inevitable on a trip to Equatorial Guinea, the beautiful rainforests and beaches will compensate. Although the big cities of Malabo and Bata have a handful of interesting landmarks and markets for sightseers, the country's attractions are primarily natural, luring conservationists, animal lovers and adventurers.
From Bata it is possible to explore the lovely coastline of the mainland, and it is only a short trip to Monte Alen National Park and all the wonders of the rainforest. Here aspiring naturalists can seek out many different primate species, including mountain gorillas, and enjoy long hikes and rustic campsites in the jungle.
Malabo, the capital, is generally the starting point for a holiday in Equatorial Guinea and the city can keep tourists happily occupied for a day or two with its colonial charm and oil-fuelled expat scene. However, the real paradise lies beyond the city, in the Bioko rainforest and along the black beaches of the volcanic island, where turtles have their nesting grounds. A visit to the small village of San Antonio de Ureca, on the southern coast of Bioko, is a great adventure. For shorter excursions out of Malabo, hiking up one of the three inactive volcanoes near the city is popular and fun, earning visitors amazing views.
Bata
Bata is a colourful, charming city on the mainland of Equatorial Guinea. The country's largest city is home to a vibrant nightlife, wonderful markets, and some of the best hotels in the country. Visitors can stroll down wide streets, barter at the markets, and enjoy great local bars and restaurants. The city is a great base from which to explore the mainland. Just to the north is a port with ferries sailing to Malabo and Douala. The pristine coastline, with beautiful sandy beaches, stretches north and south of the city, and is almost always deserted.
Monte Alen National Park
The Monte Alen National Park is one of Equatorial Guinea's best kept secrets. Located 37 miles (60km) southeast of Bata, on the mainland, the park boasts lush rainforest and astonishing wildlife. Visitors can see chimpanzees, forest elephants, crocodiles and even mountain gorillas if they are lucky. The reserve is known for its high diversity of primate species. It is also a paradise for bird watchers, with over 250 bird species officially recorded including some unusual specimens. Visitors should ensure that they bring along waterproof hiking gear as the rainforest can be very wet and the paths can get slippery.
Malabo
Today Malabo is booming thanks to the petroleum business. The capital, on the island of Bioko, is beautifully situated on the brink of a volcanic crater with lush rainforest visible on the horizon and a picturesque and wild coastline. Malabo has a sizable expat community which has helped energise the city's nightlife and restaurant scene. There are some markets to wander through, and some interesting colonial buildings, but Malabo is ultimately best used as a base for exploration into the Bioko rainforest, and is seldom described as a popular tourist destination in itself.
Ureca
Ureca is nestled in an unspoiled natural paradise on the coast of Bioko Island. The town has the dubious honour of being the rainiest place in Africa, but the stunning black sandy beaches and pristine rainforest make Ureca an exciting and beautiful place to visit. Bioko Island is an important nesting site for sea turtles and Ureca is possibly the best place to witness the miracle that is hatching season. The coast is the nesting ground for four different species of turtle: leatherback turtles, green turtles, Olive Ridley turtles and hawksbill turtles. Nesting season is between October and April.
Public Holidays in Equatorial Guinea
| |
2020 |
2021 |
| Good Friday |
Thu. April 10 |
Wed. April 2 |
| New Year's Day |
Wed. January 1 |
Wed. January 1 |
| Labour Day |
Thu. May 1 |
Thu. May 1 |
| President's Day |
Thu. June 5 |
Thu. June 5 |
| Immaculate Conception |
Mon. December 8 |
Mon. December 8 to Tue. December 9 |
| Corpus Christi |
Wed. June 11 |
Tue. June 3 |
| Freedom Day |
Sun. August 3 |
Sun. August 3 |
| Constitution Day |
Fri. August 15 |
Fri. August 15 |
| Independence Day |
Sun. October 12 |
Sun. October 12 |
| Christmas Day |
Thu. December 25 |
Thu. December 25 |
