{"slug":"equatorial-guinea","title":"Equatorial Guinea travel advice","updated_at":"2026-01-08T10:25:07+00:00","reviewed_at":"2026-01-08T10:25:07Z","change_description":"Updated information on commercial disputes (‘Safety and security’ page).","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/equatorial-guinea","entry_requirements_html":"<p>This information is for people travelling on a full <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality\">‘British citizen’ passport</a> from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Equatorial Guinea’s current rules for the most common types of travel.</p>\n\n<p>The authorities in Equatorial Guinea set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Equatorial Guinea Embassy in the UK:</p>\n\n<p>Telephone: +44 7918 289 393 </p>\n\n<p>Email: <a href=\"mailto:info@embareage-londres.uk\">info@embareage-londres.uk</a></p>\n\n<h2 id=\"passport-validity-requirements\">Passport validity requirements</h2>\n\n<p>To enter Equatorial Guinea, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.</p>\n\n<p>Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport/renew\">Renew your passport</a> if you need to.</p>\n\n<p>You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"dual-nationals\">Dual nationals</h2>\n\n<p>When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports\">British passport</a> or <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/right-of-abode/apply-for-a-certificate-of-entitlement\">certificate of entitlement</a>. See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/dual-citizenship\">Dual citizenship</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"visa-requirements\">Visa requirements</h2>\n\n<p>You must have a visa to visit Equatorial Guinea. Short-term visas are valid for 90 days. For longer stays you must apply at local police stations.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"applying-for-a-visa\">Applying for a visa</h3>\n\n<p>Complete the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://equatorialguinea-evisa.com/\">online visa application form</a> and upload the required documents. The processing time is 72 hours. Print out the e-visa letter to present on arrival, and border officials will issue your visa.</p>\n\n<p>You can also apply in person at the embassy and get the visa before you travel.</p>\n\n<div role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Warning\" class=\"application-notice help-notice\">\n<p>Make sure you get your passport stamped.</p>\n</div>\n\n<p>Make sure the border control officer issues your visa and puts a stamp in your passport. Travellers have reported being delayed or threatened with detention because their passports have not been properly processed.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"residence-permits\">Residence permits</h3>\n\n<p>Long-term visitors must get a residence permit of one-year validity from the Ministry of National Security. If you have a residence permit, you will not need a visa.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"vaccine-requirements\">Vaccine requirements</h2>\n\n<p>You must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination, due to a risk of yellow fever transmission.</p>\n\n<p>For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, including yellow fever, see <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/73/equatorial-guinea#Vaccine_Recommendations\">TravelHealthPro’s Equatorial Guinea guide</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"health-screening\">Health screening</h2>\n\n<p>You may have to fill in a health questionnaire about any recent travel to Ebola-affected countries, including Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"customs-rules\">Customs rules</h2>\n\n<p>You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.</p>\n\n","safety_html":"<h2 id=\"terrorism\">Terrorism</h2>\n\n<p>There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.    </p>\n\n<p>UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/runhidetell/\">staying safe</a> and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad\">how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"terrorism-in-equatorial-guinea\">Terrorism in Equatorial Guinea</h3>\n\n<p>Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Equatorial Guinea, attacks cannot be ruled out.  </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"political-situation\">Political situation</h2>\n\n<p>The political situation has been calm in recent years, but police, military or security forces respond swiftly to any political protests on the streets. Avoid any political rallies, demonstrations or large public gatherings.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"commercial-disputes\">Commercial disputes</h2>\n\n<p>The authorities can stop you from leaving the country if you’re involved in a commercial dispute. There have been occasions when expatriate staff of foreign companies have been detained or confined to the country for prolonged periods. If you are detained, you could face months or years of imprisonment. Legal processes can be lengthy and complex.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"crime\">Crime</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"protecting-yourself-and-your-belongings\">Protecting yourself and your belongings</h3>\n\n<p>Crimes range from petty theft and mugging to carjacking and armed robbery, risks can be greater in remote areas of towns, particularly after dark including around Malabo and Bata. You can reduce your personal risk by: </p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>staying alert in public places</li>\n  <li>not wearing expensive-looking jewellery or watches</li>\n  <li>not travelling by road after dark</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3 id=\"taxis\">Taxis</h3>\n\n<p>There have been reports of robberies and violent assaults on passengers travelling by taxi in Malabo and Bata, particularly at night. You should:  </p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>use pre-booked taxis or taxi apps</li>\n  <li>ask your hotel or travel operator to arrange taxis</li>\n  <li>avoid taking taxis with groups or strangers</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h2 id=\"laws-and-cultural-differences\">Laws and cultural differences</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"personal-id\">Personal ID</h3>\n\n<p>Always carry your passport or residence permit (or copies) with you throughout the country. Security checks have increased across the country. Follow all official advice and remain non-confrontational if stopped by authorities. If you fail to show identification documents on request, you could be arrested and detained.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"illegal-drugs-and-prison-sentences\">Illegal drugs and prison sentences</h3>\n\n<p>Possession of drugs is a serious offence and punishments can be severe, including prison sentences.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"using-cameras-in-secure-areas\">Using cameras in secure areas</h3>\n\n<p>Photographing government or military buildings or airports is illegal and you could be arrested and detained.  </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"behaviour-in-public\">Behaviour in public</h3>\n\n<p>Showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention. It is uncommon for opposite or same-sex couples to show affection in public.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"lgbt-travellers\">LGBT+ travellers</h3>\n\n<p>Same-sex relationships are not illegal in Equatorial Guinea, but there is no legal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation. Society is very conservative and discrimination can be a problem for those open about their sexual identity. Same-sex marriage is not recognised in Equatorial Guinea. </p>\n\n<p>Read more <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-foreign-travel-advice\">advice for LGBT+ travellers</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"money\">Money</h3>\n\n<p>You can only pay by credit card at a few major hotels including the Hilton and Sofitel. There are a limited number of ATMs in Malabo and Bata – some accept international bank cards. Local banks will exchange cash euros, British pounds and US dollars.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"transport-risks\">Transport risks</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"road-travel\">Road travel</h3>\n\n<p>If you are planning to drive in Equatorial Guinea, see <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad\">information on driving abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<p>Most major roads on Bioko Island and the Rio Muni mainland are now paved. In some isolated rural areas the condition of the roads is likely to be poor.</p>\n\n<p>Public transport facilities, particularly on the mainland, are extremely limited.</p>\n\n<p>Drink-driving is a serious offence in Equatorial Guinea.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"roadblocks\">Roadblocks</h3>\n\n<p>Police and military roadblocks are common. You may be asked to show your passport or vehicle registration documents and explain your reason for being in the area. Failure to comply can lead to detention.</p>\n\n<p>There are regular reports of police and uniformed security forces at roadblocks asking for bribes. If this happens, you can ask for a ticket, detailing alleged offences or violations, which you can pay at a local court.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"air-travel\">Air travel</h3>\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-air-safety-list\">UK Air Safety List</a> (ASL) lists all known airlines in Equatorial Guinea that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.caa.co.uk/Commercial-Industry/Airlines/Licensing/Requirements-and-guidance/Third-Country-Operator-Certificates\">UK Civil Aviation Authority</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"sea-travel\">Sea travel</h3>\n\n<p>There have been armed attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Gulf of Guinea. Take extreme care when sailing in coastal waters.</p>\n\n<p>If you’re travelling by sea, <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sea-river-and-piracy-safety\">read about the regional risks at sea</a>.</p>\n\n","customs_snippets":["You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.","Local banks will exchange cash euros, British pounds and US dollars.","The UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in Equatorial Guinea that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK."]}
