Travel Report for Equatorial Guinea

Country Profile for
Equatorial Guinea

TRAVEL REPORTS:

Print Version

TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: December 4, 2006 16:23 EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 22:50 EST

Equatorial 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

Sections 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 12 of this Travel Report have been updated.

BACK TO TOP

2. ATTENTION

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Although Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada does not warn against travel to this country or region(s) of this country, Canadians are encouraged to register with the responsible Canadian government office due to the security situation and/or the absence of Canadian representation in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.

BACK TO TOP

3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Petty crime and corruption occur. Armed robberies and muggings of foreigners have increased recently in Malabo. Incidents of rape and violent attacks have been reported in Bata. Do not show signs of affluence. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. You should avoid walking alone after dark and avoid groups of young men who may congregate near bars and restaurants. You should not pick up hitchhikers.

Police and military checks and roadblocks are common. If stopped for a small traffic violation, you should cooperate with local authorities and request a citation, to be paid at the local court. When travelling outside of Bata and Malabo, we recommend that Canadians carry a letter from their employer or organization stating the purpose of their travel. Regardless of where you travel within the country, you should always carry proper identification. Failure to do so may result in detention by the local authorities. A security permit issued by the government is required to visit Pico Basile, Moka, and Ureca on the island of Bioko.

BACK TO TOP

4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Most roads in Malabo are paved. There are few road and traffic signs. Excessive speeds, increased traffic, and driving habits pose risks. Avoid travel after dark. In the event of an accident, you should not move your vehicle until the police arrive. Car rental companies exist. Minibuses and taxis are available throughout the country.

Authorities require that every driver possess an Equatorial Guinean driver's licence. The licence is renewable each year.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

BACK TO TOP

5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The climate is hot and humid. On Bioko Island, the rainy season extends from March to November. On the mainland, the rainy season extends from September to May. Severe windstorms occur occasionally. Some roads may be impassable to all but four-wheel-drive vehicles during the rainy season. You should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

BACK TO TOP

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.

Although

Equatorial Guinea

recognizes dual nationality, dual nationals are considered Equatorial Guinean citizens and are subject to Equatorial Guinean laws.

Foreign Affairs

Canada

publishes a booklet, Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict.

Photography of the presidential palace and surrounding areas, airports, military installations, harbours, and other sensitive areas is strictly prohibited. Special permits may be needed for other photography. For more information, contact local authorities.

The import or possession of camouflage clothing, large knives, binoculars, firearms, or similar items may be deemed suspicious by authorities. These items could be confiscated and you could be detained. Satellite phones are legally permissible, but not all immigration officials may be aware of this. If stopped, make an effort to speak to a higher authority, or if you are forced to leave the satellite phone with an official, ensure that you receive a receipt or some other identification of the confiscator to facilitate the return of the item at a later date.

BACK TO TOP

7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

There is no resident Canadian government office in

Equatorial Guinea

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

Cameroon - YAOUNDÉ, High Commission of Canada
Address: Immeuble SCI-TOM, Place de l'Hôtel de Ville
Postal Address: P.O. Box 572, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Tel.: 237 223 2311
Fax: 237 222 1090
E-mail: yunde@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.yaounde.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Yaoundé (Cameroon), and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

BACK TO TOP

8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the

Equatorial Guinea

authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on September 14, 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. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs

Canada

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

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Equatorial Guinea. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required

Travellers are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination.

Travellers arriving with a domestic animal must present an international certificate of vaccination against rabies for the animal.

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.

BACK TO TOP

9. MONEY

The currency is the African Financial Community franc (XAF). You may be required to declare all currency you are carrying on arrival and departure. As certain import and export limits may apply, you should contact local authorities for information. Travellers should exchange foreign currency at banks. The economy operates on a cash basis. Credit cards and traveller's cheques are not accepted.

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.

BACK TO TOP

10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Equatorial Guinea (capital: Malabo) is located in western Africa, bordered by

Cameroon

Gabon

, and the Gulf of Guinea. The country includes the islands of Bioko (formerly Fernando Poo), Corisco, Great Elobey, Small Elobey, and Annobón (formerly Pagalu). The official languages are Spanish and French. Tourist facilities are limited and often fully booked. Travel arrangements should be made well in advance and reconfirmed before departure.

BACK TO TOP

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 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.

BACK TO TOP

12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities and supplies are very limited. Medicines are not always available outside Malabo and Bata.

Sanitation levels are low and travellers should regard all water as potentially contaminated. Water used for consumption should be previously boiled or otherwise sterilized.

BACK TO TOP

13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

BACK TO TOP

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.

BACK TO TOP

15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

BACK TO TOP

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.

BACK TO TOP

17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

BACK TO TOP

18. ANNEX

N/A

BACK TO TOP