Guinea Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Guinea requires most foreign nationals to obtain a visa before arrival. The country has implemented an electronic visa (e-visa) system for many nationalities, though some travelers must still apply through embassies or consulates. Very few countries enjoy visa-free access to Guinea.
Citizens of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) member countries can enter Guinea without a visa
ECOWAS citizens must present a valid passport or ECOWAS travel certificate. Yellow fever vaccination certificate is still required for entry.
Most international travelers can apply for an electronic visa online before traveling to Guinea
Cost: Approximately $70-150 USD depending on visa type (tourist, business) and duration. Payment is made online via credit/debit card.
Print the e-visa approval and present it upon arrival along with your passport. The e-visa does not guarantee entry; final decision rests with immigration officers at the port of entry.
Some nationalities or special circumstances may require applying through a Guinean embassy or consulate
Required for countries without e-visa access or for special visa types such as work permits, student visas, or long-term stays. Some nationalities from countries with security concerns may face additional scrutiny.
Arrival Process
Upon arrival in Guinea, all international travelers must go through immigration and customs procedures. The process at Conakry International Airport can be time-consuming, especially during peak hours. Patience and preparation are essential for a smooth entry experience.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Guinea's customs regulations aim to control the import of goods into the country. All travelers must go through customs inspection, and certain items require declaration. It's important to be honest and declare all required items to avoid penalties or confiscation.
Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs and narcotics - severe penalties including imprisonment
- Weapons and ammunition - unless with special permit from Guinean authorities
- Counterfeit goods and pirated media - subject to confiscation
- Pornographic materials - illegal under Guinean law
- Items that may be considered subversive or against national security
- Endangered species products - without CITES permits
Restricted Items
- Prescription medications - bring only what's needed for your stay with original prescriptions and doctor's letter
- Professional camera and video equipment - may require special permits for commercial use
- Drones and radio equipment - require prior authorization from relevant Guinean authorities
- Plants, seeds, and agricultural products - require phytosanitary certificates
- Live animals and animal products - require veterinary certificates and permits
- Precious metals and stones - may require documentation proving legal acquisition
Health Requirements
Health requirements for entering Guinea are strict, particularly regarding yellow fever vaccination. Guinea is located in a region with various tropical diseases, so proper health preparation is essential for all travelers.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever - Mandatory for all travelers aged 9 months and older, regardless of country of origin. Must present International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) at entry. Vaccination must be at least 10 days old.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers due to food and water risks
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for those who may have contact with blood or bodily fluids
- Typhoid - Recommended due to contaminated food and water risks
- Meningitis (Meningococcal) - Recommended, especially during dry season (December-May)
- Rabies - Consider for those who may have contact with animals
- Polio - Ensure routine vaccination is up to date
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) - Ensure routine vaccination is up to date
- Malaria prophylaxis - Malaria is endemic in Guinea; antimalarial medication is strongly recommended
Health Insurance
Comprehensive travel health insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended, as medical facilities in Guinea are limited. Ensure your policy covers tropical diseases and emergency repatriation. Medical care often requires upfront cash payment, so insurance should include direct billing or sufficient coverage for out-of-pocket expenses.
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Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children must have their own passport and visa. Yellow fever vaccination is required for children 9 months and older. Children under 18 traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s), including contact information and authorizing the child to travel. Birth certificates may be requested. If traveling with only one parent or with a non-parent guardian, additional documentation proving custody or guardianship may be required. Keep copies of all children's documents separate from originals.
Importing pets to Guinea requires advance planning. You'll need: a valid health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel; proof of rabies vaccination (administered at least 30 days before travel but not more than 12 months prior); import permit from Guinea's Ministry of Agriculture; and the pet must be microchipped. Upon arrival, pets may be subject to quarantine inspection. Contact the Guinean embassy for current pet import regulations, as requirements can change. Airlines also have specific requirements for pet travel that must be met.
Tourist visas typically allow stays of 30-90 days. For longer stays, you must apply for a visa extension through the Direction Nationale de la Police des Frontières in Conakry before your current visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and require justification, documentation, and fees. For stays longer than 90 days or for work purposes, you'll need to apply for a residence permit (carte de séjour) and possibly a work permit. This process requires sponsorship by a Guinean entity or employer, medical examination, police clearance, and significant documentation. Begin the process well before your tourist visa expires. Overstaying your visa can result in fines, detention, or deportation.
Business visitors need a business visa, which can be obtained through the e-visa system or embassy. Required documents include an invitation letter from the Guinean company or organization, company registration documents, and proof of business relationship. Business visas may allow multiple entries. If conducting business activities beyond meetings (such as setting up operations, employment, or long-term contracts), additional permits from relevant ministries may be required. Keep all business documentation accessible during your stay.
Journalists, photographers, and media professionals must obtain special accreditation from Guinea's Ministry of Communication before arrival. A tourist visa is not sufficient for journalistic activities. Apply well in advance with detailed information about your assignment, itinerary, and local contacts. Unauthorized journalism can result in detention, equipment confiscation, and deportation. Even with accreditation, filming in certain areas (government buildings, military installations, border areas) may be restricted.
Passengers transiting through Guinea without leaving the airport international zone typically do not need a visa if their layover is under 24 hours and they hold confirmed onward tickets. However, if you need to collect and recheck baggage, or if your layover exceeds 24 hours, you may need a transit visa. Airport transit facilities are limited, so plan accordingly. Verify transit visa requirements with your airline and the Guinean embassy, as policies can vary.