Travel Report for Guinea

Country Profile for
Guinea

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: August 18, 2006 15:38 EDT
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 21:50 EST

Guinea

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. A minor editorial change has been done in section 13.

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2. ATTENTION

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the region(s) specified below. (IDW5)

You are advised against all travel to the areas bordering

, where continued cross-border military and rebel activity makes the general security situation difficult. Instability prevalent in neighbouring countries, as well as armed banditry, cause tensions and hostilities in these areas. There is a risk of renewed inter-ethnic violence in and around the town of N'Zérékoré, in Guinea Forestière. The border with

Côte d'Ivoire

is closely monitored by local authorities and the army.

Nationwide strikes and demonstrations have been conducted periodically over the last few years. Because civil disorder is still possible at all times throughout the country, Canadians should avoid large crowds and public areas where violence could take place, monitor news reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to the region(s) specified despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting other areas of the country for three months or more should also register. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

In Conakry, petty criminals, often employing children, are particularly active in the Madina,

Niger

, and Taouyah markets. Armed robbery, assaults, and burglary also occur. Foreigners may be targeted. Do not show signs of affluence. You should exercise caution in airports and hotels, where offers of unsolicited assistance may come from persons seeking an opportunity to steal luggage, purses, or wallets. Elaborate scams involving gems occur.

There have been fraud attempts through e-mail originating from western Africa, including

Guinea

. For more information, see section 17 of this report.

The Department publishes a booklet entitled Her Own Way: Advice for the Woman Traveller, specifically targeted at female travellers. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely.

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

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Driving habits, the lack of road and traffic signs, poorly maintained vehicles and roads, pedestrians, and livestock pose hazards. In the event of an accident, you should proceed to the nearest police station or medical facility, as roadside assistance and ambulance services are not available. Overland travel outside major centres should be undertaken during daylight hours with a four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with water, spare tires and a means of communication. We recommend travel by convoy. Road travel outside the capital may be difficult during the rainy season (see section 5 below).

Army or other roadblocks may be encountered at any time, including in and around Conakry, particularly after dark. Payment may be requested by roadblock authorities. You should avoid travelling after dark. It is advisable to carry the following documents and equipment to avoid unnecessary problems: copies of identity papers (passport and visa), vaccination record, vehicle registration (grey card), valid driver's licence, proof of road insurance, vehicle safety check certificate, reflective hazard triangle, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

Guinea

has no public transportation. Airline companies offer regular links from Conakry to the cities of Kankan, Siguiri, Labé and N’zérékoré.

As elsewhere along the coasts of Africa, piracy can occur in Guinean coastal waters. Mariners should seek local advice prior to travel. A Weekly Piracy Report may be found on the International Chamber of Commerce's Web site (www.iccwbo.org/ccs/imb_piracy/weekly_piracy_report.asp).

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The rainy season extends from June to November. Roads may become impassable during this period. You should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

The use of drugs is illegal and punishable by law.

A licence is required to export precious gems. Penalties are heavy for those involved in smuggling, particularly when diamonds and other gems are involved.

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country’s customs, laws, and regulations. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Visitors should dress conservatively (e.g., women should wear a headscarf and also cover their arms and legs). Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. The use of drugs and alcohol is prohibited. Transgressions could be punished by detention or other penalties.

Homosexual activity is illegal.

Videotaping and photography are forbidden in many parts of the country and should be restricted to private gatherings. You must obtain permission from the Guinean government before photographing military and transportation facilities, government buildings, or public works.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

There is no resident Canadian government office in

Guinea

. You can obtain consular assistance and further information at the following address:

Senegal - DAKAR, Embassy of Canada
Address: Corner of Galliéni Street and Amadou Cissé Dia Avenue, Dakar, Senegal
Postal Address: P.O. Box 3373, Dakar, Senegal
Tel.: 221 889-47-00
Fax: 221 889-47-20
E-mail: dakar@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.dakar.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Dakar and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885 (collect call).

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Guinean authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on May 25, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.

Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Guinea and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Guinea. The passport must be valid for at least the duration of the stay. Canadians must also obtain a visa prior to their departure for Guinea.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Transit Visa: Required
Diplomatic or Special Passport: Visa required

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required of travellers arriving from infected areas.

Canadians entering Guinea by air must arrive in Conakry. Those arriving by private or chartered aircraft or by helicopter must not enter Guinean airspace unless written overflight and landing confirmation has been obtained from the Guinean authorities. Even with this authority, the flight must first stop in Conakry. Failure to follow these procedures may result in the aircraft being fired upon and confiscated, and travellers will also face a lengthy stay in Guinea.

There is an airport departure tax, which may not be included in the price of the plane ticket. Please check with your air carrier.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the Guinean franc (GNF). The economy is cash-based. The import or export of local currency is prohibited. There are no limits on the import of foreign currency, but it should be declared on arrival. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on arrival. It is recommended that travellers carry no more than 10,000 FG (about C$10) upon departure from

Guinea

. ATMs are not available. Credit cards are rarely accepted. Traveller's cheques in USD are accepted only at banks and some hotels.

Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

The Republic of Guinea (capital: Conakry) is located in western Africa, bordering Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the Atlantic Ocean. The official language is French. Tourist facilities are limited outside the capital.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is currently monitoring an increase in cholera activity in West Africa. Further information on cholera and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site.

The PHAC is following the incidence of meningitis in and around the African meningitis belt. This belt extends from

Guinea

Senegal

in the west to

Ethiopia

and western

Eritrea

in the east. Epidemics most often occur during the dry season (December to June) in this region. Since the mid-1990s, meningitis has occurred on an unprecedented scale and has spread beyond the usual boundaries. Additional information and health recommendations concerning meningitis can be obtained through the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities are limited and medicines are scarce in Conakry and throughout the country.

Water used for consumption should be boiled first or otherwise sterilized. You should also take measures to reduce the risk of insect bites.

As the level of HIV/AIDS infection in Guinea is high, you should be cautious about activities involving the transmission of bodily fluids.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

There have been fraud attempts through e-mail originating from western Africa, including Guinea. Any unsolicited business proposal should be carefully scrutinized. Usually, the con artist sends an e-mail, or letter, offering a substantial percentage of a large sum of money to be transferred into your account in return for your "discretion" or "confidentiality". These messages often claim that the soliciting party has personal ties to senior officials. You, as the bank account owner, are promised a percentage of the huge sum, just for allowing the use of your account. You may be asked to provide blank, signed invoices, letterhead, and bank account information, or to send money for transfer taxes. Some businesses have found their accounts looted by the persons to whom they sent account information.

Should you receive such an e-mail or letter, please contact one of the organizations listed below.

CONTACT INFORMATION

International Trade Canada
Africa and Middle East Trade Division
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0G2

Ask for the Commercial Officer responsible for Guinea at (613) 944-4000. If you already have a contact name, you can also fax your request at (613) 996-9709.

Embassy of the Republic of Guinea
483 Wilbrod Street
Ottawa, ON
K1N 6N1
Tel.: 613-789-8444
Fax: 613-789-7560

Criminal Operations Branch
Economic Crime Directorate
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
1200 Vanier Parkway
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0R2
Tel.: 613-998-6050 or 613-998-6069
Fax: 613-993-4299

PhoneBusters National Call Centre
P.O. Box 686
North Bay, ON
P1B 8J8
Tel.: 1 888 654-9426 or 705-495-8501
Fax: 1 888 654-9426 or 705-494-4008
Web site: www.phonebusters.com

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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