🇬🇶 Equatorial Guinea · Complete Travel Profile

Passport A valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of entry is required for all visitors .

Visa All visitors (except nationals of some neighbouring countries) must obtain a visa before travel . Visa-on-arrival is not available . The official e-Visa portal is equatorialguinea-evisa.com, which can be used for single-entry visas up to 90 days .

• Required Documents: In addition to the visa application, you will typically need: a valid passport, two passport photos, a return/onward ticket, proof of accommodation, a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate, and an invitation letter ("Carta de Llamadas") from a local host or organisation, which must be approved by the Ministry of National Security .
• Registration: Upon entry, fingerprints and a photo will be taken .
• Additional: Travelers must be able to prove sufficient funds for their stay .
• Digital copies: Keep scans of all travel documents, including your passport and visa, in your email/cloud.

Official sources: Equatorial Guinean Government Press · Contact the nearest Equatorial Guinean embassy for the latest information .

Mandatory Vaccination An International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever is mandatory for entry. The vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before arrival .

Recommended Vaccinations Consult a travel health specialist 4-6 weeks before travel. Recommended vaccines include:

• Hepatitis A – risk is high due to food and water contamination .
• Hepatitis B – risk is high through bodily fluids .
• DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio) – ensure you are up to date .
• Measles – if you were born after 1965 and have not been vaccinated or had the disease .
• Rabies – recommended for travellers who may have contact with animals .
• Typhoid – recommended for most travellers.

• Travel Health Insurance is essential and must cover hospitalisation and medical evacuation (repatriation), as public hospitals are of insufficient quality and private facilities in Malabo are expensive .
• Malaria: There is a high risk of malaria in all areas. Take chemoprophylaxis (anti-malaria tablets) and use mosquito repellent containing DEET at all times .
• Other Health Risks: Schistosomiasis (avoid fresh surface water) ; mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue .
• Medical Care: Adequate medical facilities are limited to Malabo and Bata. Outside these cities, facilities are very basic or non-existent .

Links: WHO · CDC Equatorial Guinea.

Current Situation The country has a Security Level 2 (increased caution) . There is a high risk of armed robbery, burglary, and petty theft, especially in the cities of Malabo and Bata . Police and military checkpoints are frequent; they may be demanding bribes (so-called "passage rights") .

• Crime: Petty crime has increased recently . Be especially careful when leaving bars, restaurants, and nightclubs .
• Checkpoints: Always stop at roadblocks. Carry a photocopy of your passport (keep the original in your hotel safe), as identity checks are frequent . If a bribe is demanded, ask for a written report of the alleged offence .
• Photography: Taking photographs of public buildings, military installations, or police checkpoints is strictly prohibited and can lead to confiscation of equipment and arrest .
• Demonstrations: Avoid all political gatherings and demonstrations .
• LGBTQ+ Travellers: Discrimination and aggression are possible. Travel is not recommended for LGBTQ+ persons .
• Maritime Piracy: There is a high risk of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. The waters adjacent to Bioko Island are prohibited to pleasure craft . Avoid travelling between the island and the mainland by ferry due to attacks; use air transport instead .
• Emergency plan: Save emergency numbers, embassy contacts, and your accommodation address in Spanish.

Official travel advisories: U.S. State Department · UK FCDO · Ireland.

• General Emergency (Police): 666 30 30 30 and 666 40 40 40
• Police: 114
• Traffic Police: 116
• Ambulance: 115 or 3101
• Fire brigade: 112

Ministry of National Security: Contact information is available through the government press site.

US Embassy in Malabo: Malabo II Highway (between the headquarters of Sonagas and UN offices) · gq.usembassy.gov · +240 333 09 57 41

French Embassy in Malabo: Carretera del Aeropuerto · gq.ambafrance.org · Consular services by appointment

Spanish Embassy in Malabo: Parque de las Avenidas de Africa s/n · +240 09 20 20

Indian Embassy in Malabo: KM5, Front of Da Vinci Building, Malabo II · +240 222 410 618

South African Embassy in Malabo: Caracolas · +240 333 099 522

N.B.: There is no Dutch embassy in Equatorial Guinea. In an emergency, contact the Dutch embassy in Cotonou, Benin, or the French/Spanish embassies in Malabo .

🔍 Full list of embassies and consulates in Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea is a small but resource-rich country on the west coast of Central Africa, comprising a mainland region (Río Muni) and several islands, including Bioko, where the capital Malabo is located. It is the only Spanish-speaking country in mainland Africa and has been ruled by one family since independence from Spain in 1968.

• Political system: Presidential republic (authoritarian regime).
• Main income: Petroleum, natural gas, timber.
• Nature: Tropical rainforests, beaches, and the volcanic landscapes of Bioko Island.

Society is shaped by its colonial history and the influence of the oil industry. Government Press Site.

Climate Tropical: hot and humid, with heavy rainfall. Seasons alternate between rainy and dry seasons.

• Rainy seasons: February to June and September to December.
• Dry seasons: December to February and June to September.
• Temperature: Generally ranges from 25°C to 32°C year-round, with high humidity.
• Clothing: Light, breathable fabrics are essential. A raincoat or umbrella is recommended during rainy seasons. When visiting official buildings or religious sites, dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered).

Malabo weather forecast.

Official Spanish (most widely spoken), French, and Portuguese (official languages).

• Useful phrases (Spanish): Hola (hello), Gracias (thanks), Por favor (please), Perdón (excuse me), ¿Habla inglés? (do you speak English?) – English is not widely spoken.
• Mentality: Formal and hierarchical. It is important to show respect to officials.
• Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic.
• Internet/Wi-Fi: Limited and expensive. Mobile data is available through local providers. Getting a local SIM card may be complicated.

Voltage 220 V · Frequency 50 Hz

Plug types C (Europlug) and E/F (Schuko).

• Adapter needed? No, for most European devices (Type C/E/F).
• Converter? Not needed for 220 V devices. For 110 V devices (US, Japan), a step-down converter is required.

Currency Central African CFA Franc (XAF). Current exchange rate.

• Cash: Equatorial Guinea is predominantly a cash economy. Credit cards are only accepted in a few luxury hotels for international guests . It is essential to bring a sufficient amount of cash (Euros or US Dollars are widely exchangeable).
• Cards: Visa and Mastercard are rarely accepted outside major hotels.
• ATMs: Very limited. Withdrawing cash is often difficult, so plan accordingly.
• Price level: High, especially for imported goods and services.
• Tipping: Tipping is not expected.

Airports Malabo International Airport (SSG) – main hub on Bioko Island. Also Bata Airport (BSG) on the mainland.

• Getting around: Air transport is recommended between the island and the mainland .
• Taxis: Taxis are available but can be unsafe. It is strongly advised to use a private hire car with a driver rather than taking taxis alone, even during the day . If you must use a taxi, travel in groups .
• Car rental: Rental services are available, but driving can be challenging due to poor road conditions and frequent police checkpoints. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
• Ferries: Ferry services between Malabo and Bata operate but are not recommended due to the risk of pirate attacks. Use air transport instead .

Official transport information is not widely available online.

Hotel types Hotels providing acceptable comfort and hygiene are limited to Malabo, Bata, and Djibloho (the new capital). Outside these areas, accommodation is very basic .

• Safety: Keep doors and windows locked. Do not leave valuables unattended .
• Opening hours: Shops generally open from 10:00 to 22:00.
• Local regulations: The import of pornographic materials, books and films about wars and terrorism, camouflage clothing, binoculars, and professional cameras is prohibited .

Must-try dishes Local cuisine is based on cassava, plantains, yams, and fish. Try "Sopa de pescado" (fish soup) or "Pollo con cacahuete" (chicken with peanuts).

• Drinks: Local palm wine and imported drinks (beers, soft drinks) are available.
• Street food: Not recommended for hygiene reasons.
• Tap water: Do not drink tap water. Use only bottled water.

Time zone UTC+1 (West Africa Time – WAT).

• Public holidays (date varies based on Islamic lunar calendar): 1 Jan (New Year), 15 Aug (Independence Day), 12 Oct (National Day), 25 Dec (Christmas), and various religious and regional holidays.
• Closing days: Many shops and museums are closed on public holidays.

Government calendar.

Places Malabo (capital on Bioko Island), Bata (mainland city), and the beaches along the coast.

• Cultural/Historical: A visit to the historic centre of Malabo is a must. The cathedral and colonial-era buildings are main sights.
• Nature: The volcanic landscapes of Bioko Island, the Monte Alen National Park (mainland), and the pristine beaches.
• Important: Tours to attractions, especially on Bioko and outside Bata, often require special permits that can be difficult to obtain .

Official tourism information is limited.

Nightlife Malabo has a few bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. However, exercise extreme caution when leaving these establishments, as they can attract criminals .

• Events: Local festivals are held during public holidays.

Event calendar.

• Government of Equatorial Guinea Press
• Embassy Pages – Equatorial Guinea
• Google Maps — Equatorial Guinea
• YouTube — Equatorial Guinea travel & documentaries
• Google News — Equatorial Guinea