Guinea

Översikt

Capital: Conakry (pop. 2.111 million)
Population: 15,099,727 (2025 est.)
Religions: Muslim 89.1%, Christian 6.8%, animist 1.6%
Languages: French, Pular, Maninka, Susu, other native languages; note: about 40 languages are spoken; each ethnic group has its own language
Time Zone: UTC 0
Driving side: Right
Calling code: +224
Electrical plug(s): Type C, Type F and Type K

Pengar

The local currency in Guinea is Guinean francs (GNF). As of 6 October 2026 100 GNF is equal to 0.01 USD. In addition to the local currency, USD may be accepted for payment in some places.

Currency exchange can be done at banks.

Travellers should be prepared to use credit or debit card payments in urban areas and cash in rural areas. Credit cards are accepted in some establishments but cash remains the preferred payment method. Credit cards are accepted in upscale and/or tourist areas only. ATMs are only available in urban and/or tourist areas.

Banking hours extend from 0800-1230hrs and 1430-1700hrs, Monday to Friday. Travellers also are only allowed to carry money no more than 100,000 GNF or $5,000 USD or the equivalent in Euros upon exit.

Tips are appreciated, but not expected. In restaurants, if no service charge has been added, 10% is acceptable for a gratuity.

El

The power supply in Guinea is less than reliable. Electricity operates on 220V at 50Hz using plug type(s) C, F and K. Frequent power outages occur, and a substantial portion of the population lacks access to electricity.

Pass

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Guinea. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of departure and have one blank page.

Nationals of ECOWAS countries, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger can enter Guinea with a valid ECOWAS travel certificate or passport, which is different from ordinary passports.

Visum

Visa-free entry is available for certain travellers who qualify based on nationality and purpose of travel. All other travellers will need to obtain a visa from the nearest embassy or consulate or apply online (e-visa) prior to travel.

Entry visa requirements vary based on nationality, purpose of travel and other factors. Individual travellers are responsible for ensuring that they comply with all visa requirements, which should be confirmed with authorities at their destination prior to travel.

Visa Free Travel

Visa-free travel to Guinea: Nationals from Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and ECOWAS countries can enter Guinea visa-free. Authorities did not specify the maximum duration of stay.

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger formally left the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). ECOWAS will continue to allow nationals of these countries to enjoy the bloc’s privileges, namely visa-free travel to member states.

e-Visas

E-visa single-entry: Foreign nationals from select countries can apply for a single-entry e-visa valid up to 90 days.

Lokal resor

Overview

Due to the poor condition of the roads and driving in Guinea, and the lack of viable public transport across the country, foreign visitors are strongly advised to hire a car and driver for the duration of their stay. Taxis are the most commonly used mode of transport by travellers, but these are generally more expensive. Unlicensed transport operators are common; while public transport, including buses, mini-buses and bush taxis are usually in a very poor state, overcrowded and unsafe. Ahmed Sékou Touré International Airport (CKY/GUCY) in Conakry offers a number of domestic and international flights.

Travel Safety

Air Travel

Ahmed Sékou Touré International Airport (CKY/GUCY), also known as Gbessia International Airport, is the main airport in Guinea serving the capital Conakry. The airport caters for a number of domestic and international flights and there are a number of airlines flying regularly from Europe and other West African nations, including Royal Air Maroc, Brussels Airlines, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Tap Air Portugal, Ethiopian Airlines and Air France. Domestic air services are intermittent.

Taxis are available at the airport; however, it is safer to have a trusted driver or a vehicle rental company meet you at the airport. The major hotels in the city operate shuttle services to the airport and it is safer to take these.

Borders and Entry

Health-related surveillance measures:

• Authorities implemented mpox surveillance measures at the country’s entry points.
• Authorities implemented Ebola surveillance measures at the country’s entry points.

Identification

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Guinea. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of departure and have one blank page.
Travellers with passports where gender is indicated as "neutral" are not allowed entry. The country's laws on LGBTQ people are conservative, and overall social acceptance is low. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer travellers in Guinea might face legal and social difficulties.

Road Travel

Traffic moves on the right in Guinea. The speed limits are 50kph (31 mph) in urban areas, 80kph (50 mph) outside urban areas and 100kph (62 mph) on motorways. The legal threshold for driving under the influence of alcohol is 0.8 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood. Drivers in Guinea tend to be poorly trained and routinely ignore road rules. Guinea's road network is underdeveloped and unsafe. Most roads are unpaved, unlit and poorly maintained. Only around 30 percent of the roads are paved. Livestock frequently wander onto roads outside the capital, making nighttime travel hazardous. Guinea has many roadblocks set up by the police or the military, making inter- and intra-city travel difficult, particularly at night. During the rainy season from May through October, flash floods make already poor roads worse, some temporarily impassable. Roadside assistance is not available in Guinea, and fuel shortages are common throughout the country.

Rail Travel

The Conakry Express rail service operates through multiple stations across Conakry. However, the train does not have a stable or regular schedule and it frequently suffers from long, multi-month operational halts. Travellers are advised to exercise caution for travel by this service; petty theft and crime rates are high in around rail stations, and the service can be erratic.

Public Transport

Buses: Guinea has an inadequate and poorly organised public transport system. Nevertheless, a few bus lines operate, particularly between the port and the suburbs. The buses are often poorly maintained, slow and run infrequently. Other public transport is generally comprised of unregulated and undeclared private and individually-owned vehicles.

Minibuses: Mini-buses, or 'magbanas', are slightly cheaper than taxis but are slower, prone to overcrowding and have a high accident rate. They also only depart once full and generally run along the main roads.

Taxis brousses or shared taxis are the primary means of getting around Conakry and between cities. Most commonly, they include small cars and larger vans, are generally not very safe, poorly maintained and overcrowded.

Taxis: Taxis are available and can be used in Conakry and for inter-city travel. These are generally affordable, but travellers are advised to negotiate fares before setting off and should never pay for the journey until they reach the destination. If you have to use a motorbike or moped, it is advisable to wear a helmet. Ride-hailing apps, such as Yango and Taarki, are safer and more reliable than traditional taxis.

Vehicle Hire: Car rentals are available in Conakry, but are generally expensive. Due to dangerous driving conditions and poor road infrastructure, travellers are advised to only rent cars with drivers. If renting a car without a driver, travellers are advised to rent 4WD drive vehicles and drive only during the day.