Guinea

Recommended Vaccinations For Guinea

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Cholera Vaccine

**The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions.**

Rabies Vaccine

Pre-travel vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Persons with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Meningitis Vaccine

Because this country is located in the sub-Saharan meningitis belt, vaccination against meningitis is recommended if travelling during the dry season (December to June).

Yellow Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in this country. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. It is also required for all arriving travelers from all countries if traveler is 9 months of age and above and arriving at Ahmed Sékou Touré International Airport in Conakry.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Recommended Medications For Guinea

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Recommended anti-malaria medications include atovaquone-proguanil, mefloquine or doxycycline. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Guinea

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Guinea through contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Guinea.

Cholera

Cholera outbreaks occur in Guinea. The risk to travellers is low unless living or working in poor sanitary conditions, drinking untreated water or eating poorly cooked or raw seafood in this country.

Dengue Fever

Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

For Some Travellers

Ebola Viral Disease

This disease may occur in the country.

African Tick Bite Fever

This disease may occur in the country.

Sleeping Sickness (Type 1)

There is an increased risk for travellers spending a lot of time outdoors or visiting game parks. Travellers to urban areas are not at risk.

Yellow Fever

There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in this country. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. It is also required for all arriving travelers from all countries if traveler is 9 months of age and above and arriving at Ahmed Sékou Touré International Airport in Conakry.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Guinea, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Schistosomiasis

This disease is present in Guinea and is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Zika Fever

This disease may occur in the country.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Guinea. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in Guinea. Travellers to Guinea are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Meningitis

Meningitis outbreaks may occur in Guinea. Travellers who visit during the dry season (December to June) or expect to have prolonged contact with the local population are especially at risk.

Malaria

All areas of Guinea are at risk for malaria.

Safety & Security in Guinea

Personal Safety

Petty crime and incidents of armed assault, robbery, mugging and carjacking, often by armed people in military or police uniforms, are increasing in Guinea. Petty crime can include pickpocketing, purse-snatching, and general theft. Groups of children may also target foreigners for theft.

Road travel can be difficult since road conditions are poor, vehicles may be poorly maintained and reckless driving is common. If you must travel by road, carry necessary supplies, including fuel and basic medical supplies. Armed groups may set up roadblocks for the purpose of robbery.

There is not official public transportation system. Do not take information public transportation.

You may encounter police checkpoints across the country, therefore, carry identification at all times.

Same-sex relations are illegal in Guinea; penalties include fines and prison terms.

Electricity, water and fuel shortages may pose a risk to the traveller.

Do not take photos of government or military establishments.

Dress conservatively to respect local sensitivities.

Tourist infrastructure is limited outside of the capital city.

Travellers should take note of whether they will be travelling during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. During this time, respect the religious practices of the country and avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Always dress conservatively to respect local customs.

Political Unrest

There is a risk of political violence, riots and ethnic violence in Guinea. Avoid all public gatherings or demonstrations to minimize safety risk. Demonstrations may disrupt the provision of essential services and transportation.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid areas that border Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia and Sierra Leone due to ethnic and armed conflict.

Avoid the south-eastern Guinea Forestiere and the north-eastern Mamadou regions due to inter-ethnic conflict.