Equatorial Guinea travel advice

Latest updates: Health – updated information on chikungunya

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Risk level

Equatorial Guinea - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Equatorial Guinea due to crime.

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Safety and security

Border with Cameroon

The border with Cameroon is prone to violent clashes due to contested border areas. A cross-border pact was signed with Cameroon in 2020 to help resolve the issue but the border can still close unexpectedly.

Check the border status before travelling to the area.

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and theft from unattended vehicles, occurs.

Violent crimes, such as armed robbery and residential break-ins, occur, particularly in Bata and Malabo. The threat increases at night.

  • Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
  • Avoid walking alone, especially after dark
  • Do not carry large amounts of cash
  • Remain vigilant near ATMs and banks, as there have been robberies targeting these facilities

Demonstrations

Demonstrations must be approved by the government; therefore they rarely occur. Security forces have used tear gas to disperse crowds during illegal protests in the past.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

  • Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities
  • Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Road safety

Road conditions

Road conditions are good throughout the country. Most roads are paved, but some may be poorly lit. Traffic signs are adequate.

Road safety

Drivers can be aggressive and reckless. They often drive at excessive speeds. Drinking and driving is prevalent.

  • Avoid travel after dark
  • Don’t pick up hitchhikers
  • Keep doors locked and windows rolled up while driving
  • Remain alert for pedestrians and livestock
  • In the event of an accident, don’t move your vehicle until the police arrives

Roadblocks and checkpoints

Roadblocks and checkpoints are common, especially in and around the cities of Malabo and Bata.

It’s common for security forces to extort small bribes from motorists. If you are stopped:

  • cooperate with local authorities
  • carry proper identification at all times
  • be prepared to explain the purpose of your travel
  • when travelling outside of Bata and Malabo, carry a letter from your employer or other organization stating the purpose of your travel
  • do not pay bribes, instead, request a citation that you can pay at a local court

Public Transportation

Public transportation facilities are limited.

Public buses are not safe.

Taxis

Shared taxis (bush taxis) are a common way of getting around. However, they are poorly maintained and drivers are often reckless. There have been incidents of taxi drivers robbing their passengers.

  • Avoid using taxis unless the driver is personally known or recommended to you
  • Avoid sharing a taxi with strangers
  • Ensure that the driver does not pick up other passengers along the way to your destination

Fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs in Equatorial Guinea. When using debit or credit cards:

  • pay careful attention if other people are handling your cards
  • use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
  • avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
  • cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
  • check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Women’s Safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Advice for women travellers

Swimming

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common. Many beaches don’t offer warnings of dangerous conditions and they don’t always have lifeguards on duty.

Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards. Several drownings occur each year.

Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities.

Water safety abroad

Piracy

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters, and in some cases, farther out at sea.

Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

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Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the authorities of Equatorial Guinea. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules. 

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Equatorial Guinea.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

Visas

Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required

Canadians must have a visa. You must also obtain a police clearance certificate for personal or tourist travel.

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section). 

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

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Health

Relevant Travel Health Notices

This section has information and advice about health risks you might face when travelling. Following this advice can help reduce your risk of getting sick. Not all risks are listed here.

It's best to talk to a healthcare provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before your trip to get personalized health advice. Even if your travel date is coming up soon, it's still worthwhile to make an appointment.

Routine vaccines

Make sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel, no matter where you’re going.

These may include vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, varicella (chickenpox), meningococcal disease, seasonal flu, and others.

Provincial and Territorial Immunization Information

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

When travelling in this destination, you might be at risk for diseases that can be prevented with vaccines or medications. Talk to a travel health care provider about which ones are right for you based on your travel plans.

The highlights below will also tell you if your destination may require that vaccine for entering or exiting.

Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

Risk

  • There is a risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

Recommendation

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

Hepatitis A

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

 

Practise safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Malaria

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.

Malaria is a risk to travellers to this destination.
 
Antimalarial medication is recommended for most travellers to this destination and should be taken as recommended. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving. 
 
Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times: 

  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.
  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows.
  • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.
  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing. 

 If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

Rabies

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions, including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Polio

Polio (poliomyelitis) is an infectious disease that can be prevented by vaccination. It is caused by poliovirus type 1, 2 or 3. Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus 2 (cVDPV2) is present in this country.

Polio is spread from person to person and through contaminated food and water. Infection with the polio virus can cause paralysis and death in individuals of any age who are not immune.

Recommendations:

  • Be sure that your polio vaccinations are up to date before travelling. Polio is part of the routine vaccine schedule for children in Canada.
  • One booster dose of the polio vaccine is recommended as an adult.
Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Hepatitis B

 Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

COVID-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Safe food and water precautions

Eating or drinking unsafe food or water, or swimming in contaminated water can make you sick while travelling. Take precautions by following these tips:

  • Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it (only eat food that is prepared safely)
  • Avoid, if possible, getting water in your eyes, mouth, or nose when swimming in freshwater (like streams, lakes, or canals), especially after heavy rain or flooding - the water might look clean but can still be contaminated 
  • Don’t swallow water when bathing, showering, swimming in pools, or using hot tubs 

Eat and drink safely abroad

Typhoid

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Schistosomiasis

There is a risk of schistosomiasis in this destination. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by tiny worms (blood flukes) which can be found in freshwater (lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands). The worms can break the skin, and their eggs can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, or urinary problems. Schistosomiasis mostly affects underdeveloped and rural communities, particularly agricultural and fishing communities.

Most travellers are at low risk. Travellers should avoid contact with untreated freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and ponds (e.g., swimming, bathing, wading, ingesting). There is no vaccine or medication available to prevent infection.

Tick and insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by bites from infected ticks and insects like mosquitoes, fleas, or flies. Before you travel, find out what types of ticks or insects are in the area, when they’re most active, and what diseases they can spread.

To protect yourself from bites:

  • use an approved bug spray (insect repellent) on exposed skin
  • wear light-coloured, loose clothing made of tightly woven materials like nylon or polyester
  • wear socks and closed-toe shoes
  • sleep under mosquito netting if you’re outdoors or staying in places that aren’t fully enclosed
  • do a full body tick check on yourself, your children, your gear, and any pets you’re travelling with when you return from outdoor activities

Insect bite and pest prevention
Personal insect repellents

Chikungunya

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The level of risk may vary by:

  • season
  • year
  • region
  • elevation

The virus that causes chikungunya is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times.

Insect bite and pest prevention

A vaccine for the prevention of chikungunya (IXCHIQ) is approved in Canada. Talk to your healthcare provider about how best to prevent chikungunya, including the benefits and risks of vaccination based on factors such as your age, itinerary and personal preferences.  

Learn more:

Chikungunya

Dengue
  • In this country, risk of dengue is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
  • Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
  • The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
  • Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
  • Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication available in Canada to prevent dengue.

Learn more:
Dengue
Insect bite and pest prevention

African trypanosomiasis

African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of a tsetse fly. Tsetse flies usually bite during the day and the bites are usually painful. If untreated, the disease is eventually fatal. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from bites especially in game parks and rural areas. Avoid wearing bright or dark-coloured clothing as these colours attract tsetse flies. There is no vaccine available for this disease.

Onchoceriasis

Onchocerciasis (river blindness) is an eye and skin disease caused by a parasite spread through the bite of an infected female blackfly.  Onchocerciasis often leads to blindness if left untreated. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from blackfly bites, which are most common close to fast-flowing rivers and streams. There is no vaccine available for onchocerciasis although drug treatments exist.

Animal precautions

Some infections, like rabies and bird flu (avian influenza), can be spread from animals to humans. Certain activities can increase your chances of coming into contact with animals, like:

  • travelling in rural or forested areas
  • camping, hiking, or visiting caves
  • visiting places where live animals are sold or killed for food, like wet markets

To reduce your risk of getting sick, avoid contact with animals like stray dogs, livestock (such as pigs and cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Avoid eating undercooked meat.

Make sure to closely watch children; they are more likely to try to touch animals.

Person-to-person infections

When travelling, you can reduce your risk of getting or spreading respiratory infections, like the flu or COVID-19, by:

  • staying at your accommodation and limiting contact with others if you’re sick
  • wearing a well-fitting mask, especially: 
    • if you’re sick and need to be around others 
    • when you’re at large indoor events or in crowded settings, like sporting events, concerts, and airports
  • cleaning your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
  • covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, not your hands

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Clean your hands to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases
Respiratory infectious diseases: How to reduce the spread with personal protective measures

To lower your risk of getting sexually transmissible infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox, you can:

  • get vaccinated against mpox if you’re eligible
  • have fewer sexual partners
  • use protection during sexual activity, like condoms and dental dams.

Mpox vaccines
Sexual health and travel
HIV and AIDS: Travel health advice

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Marburg virus disease

Sporadic outbreaks of Marburg virus disease (MVD) may occur in this country.

Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people or objects contaminated with these fluids. The disease is serious and often fatal, and there is currently no vaccine or specific treatment. The risk of getting the virus is low if proper precautions are followed.

  • Avoid contact with people who have symptoms of MVD (fever, rash, muscle pain), and anything that could be contaminated with their bodily fluids. 
  • Avoid contact with the bodies of people who have died of MVD or an unknown illness during funerals and burials.
  • Avoid close contact with live (especially sick) or dead animals, as both can spread the virus. 
  • Clean your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

Learn more:
Marburg virus disease

HIV

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). 

High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.

Medical services and facilities

Health care is inadequate and supplies are limited. You will likely need medical evacuation in case of serious illness or injury.

Medication

Medicine is not always available outside Bata and Malabo. If you take prescription medication with you to Equatorial Guinea, you’re responsible for determining their legality in the country.

  • Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
  • Always keep your medication in the original container
  • Pack them in your carry-on luggage
  • Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

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Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect prison sentences.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Photography

It is strictly prohibited to photograph sensitive installations, such as:  

  • military and government buildings, such as the presidential palace and surrounding areas
  • airports
  • harbours

You may require a special permit for other photography or filming.

2SLGBTQI+ persons

The law of Equatorial Guinea does not criminalize sexual acts or relationships between individuals of the same sex. Same-sex marriage is not recognized.

2SLGBTQI+ persons could be discriminated based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dress and behaviour

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

  • dress conservatively
  • behave discreetly
  • avoid public displays of affection
  • respect religious and social traditions

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Equatorial Guinea.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Equatorial Guinea, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Equatorial Guinea.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Equatorial Guinea by an abducting parent:

  • act as quickly as you can
  • consult a lawyer in Canada and in Equatorial Guinea to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
  • report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

Travel to Bioko Island

You must obtain a security permit to visit the following areas on Bioko Island:

  • Moka
  • Pico Basilé
  • San Antonio de Ureca

Driving

An Equatorial Guinean driver’s licence is mandatory for residents. The licence is renewable each year.

As a traveller, you must carry an international driving permit.  

If you rent a car, make sure you have the vehicle’s registration, your passport and your international driving permit with you at all times.

International Driving Permit

Money

The official currency in Equatorial Guinea is the Central African Franc (CFA).

The economy operates mainly on a cash basis. Credit cards are not accepted except by major airlines and hotels.

There are a limited number of ATMs, located in Malabo and Bata. You may need to declare all currency you are carrying on arrival and departure. Certain import and export limits may apply.

  • Only exchange foreign currency at banks
  • Make sure you have enough cash to cover your trip

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Natural disasters and climate

The climate is hot and humid in Equatorial Guinea. Severe windstorms occur occasionally.

Rainy season

On the mainland, there are two rainy seasons:

  • from April to May
  • from October to December

On Bioko Island, the rainy season extends from July to January.

Seasonal flooding can slow down overland travel and reduce the delivery of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

If you travel to Equatorial Guinea during this time:

  • keep up to date with the latest regional weather forecasts
  • follow the advice and instructions of local authorities

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Need help?

Local services

Emergency services

In case of emergency, dial:

  • police: 113
  • firefighters: 115

Consular assistance

There is no Canadian government office in Equatorial Guinea. You can obtain consular assistance from the High Commission of Canada to Nigeria, in Abuja.

Abuja - High Commission of Canada
Street Address13010G, Palm close, Diplomatic drive, Central Business District, Abuja, NigeriaPostal AddressP.O. Box 5144, Abuja, NigeriaTelephone+234 (209) 461 2900Fax+234 (209) 461 2901Emailabuja@international.gc.caInternethttps://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/nigeria/abuja.aspx?lang=engFacebookHigh Commission of Canada to NigeriaTwitter@CanHCNigeriaConsular district

Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe

Appointment Book your appointment online

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada to Nigeria, in Abuja, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

Disclaimer

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services.

Risk Levels

  Take normal security precautions

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT:The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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