No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe 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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\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Equatorial Guinea’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Equatorial Guinea set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Equatorial Guinea Embassy in the UK:
\n\nTelephone: +44 7918 289 393
\n\nEmail: info@embareage-londres.uk
\n\nTo enter Equatorial Guinea, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou must have a visa to visit Equatorial Guinea. Short-term visas are valid for 90 days. For longer stays you must apply at local police stations.
\n\nComplete the online visa application form and upload the required documents. The processing time is 72 hours. Print out the e-visa letter to present on arrival, and border officials will issue your visa.
\n\nYou can also apply in person at the embassy and get the visa before you travel.
\n\nMake sure you get your passport stamped.
\nMake sure the border control officer issues your visa and puts a stamp in your passport. Travellers have reported being delayed or threatened with detention because their passports have not been properly processed.
\n\nLong-term visitors must get a residence permit of one-year validity from the Ministry of National Security. If you have a residence permit, you will not need a visa.
\n\nYou must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination, due to a risk of yellow fever transmission.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, including yellow fever, see TravelHealthPro’s Equatorial Guinea guide.
\n\nYou may have to fill in a health questionnaire about any recent travel to Ebola-affected countries, including Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone.
\n\nYou must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"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.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nAlthough there’s no recent history of terrorism in Equatorial Guinea, attacks cannot be ruled out.
\n\nThe political situation has been calm in recent years, but police, military or security forces respond swiftly to any political protests on the streets. Avoid any political rallies, demonstrations or large public gatherings.
\n\nThe authorities can stop you from leaving the country if you’re involved in a commercial dispute. There have been occasions when expatriate staff of foreign companies have been detained or confined to the country for prolonged periods. If you are detained, you could face months or years of imprisonment. Legal processes can be lengthy and complex.
\n\nCrimes range from petty theft and mugging to carjacking and armed robbery, risks can be greater in remote areas of towns, particularly after dark including around Malabo and Bata. You can reduce your personal risk by:
\n\nThere have been reports of robberies and violent assaults on passengers travelling by taxi in Malabo and Bata, particularly at night. You should:
\n\nAlways carry your passport or residence permit (or copies) with you throughout the country. Security checks have increased across the country. Follow all official advice and remain non-confrontational if stopped by authorities. If you fail to show identification documents on request, you could be arrested and detained.
\n\nPossession of drugs is a serious offence and punishments can be severe, including prison sentences.
\n\nPhotographing government or military buildings or airports is illegal and you could be arrested and detained.
\n\nShowing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention. It is uncommon for opposite or same-sex couples to show affection in public.
\n\nSame-sex relationships are not illegal in Equatorial Guinea, but there is no legal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation. Society is very conservative and discrimination can be a problem for those open about their sexual identity. Same-sex marriage is not recognised in Equatorial Guinea.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nYou can only pay by credit card at a few major hotels including the Hilton and Sofitel. There are a limited number of ATMs in Malabo and Bata – some accept international bank cards. Local banks will exchange cash euros, British pounds and US dollars.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Equatorial Guinea, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nMost major roads on Bioko Island and the Rio Muni mainland are now paved. In some isolated rural areas the condition of the roads is likely to be poor.
\n\nPublic transport facilities, particularly on the mainland, are extremely limited.
\n\nDrink-driving is a serious offence in Equatorial Guinea.
\n\nPolice and military roadblocks are common. You may be asked to show your passport or vehicle registration documents and explain your reason for being in the area. Failure to comply can lead to detention.
\n\nThere are regular reports of police and uniformed security forces at roadblocks asking for bribes. If this happens, you can ask for a ticket, detailing alleged offences or violations, which you can pay at a local court.
\n\nThe UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in Equatorial Guinea that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
\n\nThere have been armed attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Gulf of Guinea. Take extreme care when sailing in coastal waters.
\n\nIf you’re travelling by sea, read about the regional risks at sea.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 3101 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Equatorial Guinea including:
\n\nAltitude sickness is a risk in parts of Equatorial Guinea. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nIn June 2023, the outbreak of Marburg virus disease was declared over by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Equatorial Guinea government. No new cases have been reported.
\n\nCheck the latest situation with local authorities before travelling. You can find more information on Marburg virus disease from the WHO, and TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. Pharmacies in Malabo and Bata stock basic medication.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nMedical facilities are generally poor, apart from the La Paz hospital in Malabo. Emergency facilities are extremely limited. For serious medical treatment, evacuation to Europe is likely. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nAmbulance: 3101
\n\nPolice: 666 404040 or 666 303030
\n\nEmergency numbers and emergency response are unreliable. Emergency help can be limited in some places that are hard to reach. You may need to get local advice and arrange private transport.
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
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