Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include Chickenpox (Varicella) Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, Tdap, or Td) Flu (influenza) Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Polio Shingles
Maximum Alerts / Equatorial Guinea
Level published by the State Department on 06.10.2025 · read 16 October 2026 · source checked daily
Equatorial Guinea — official level as of 16 October 2026: Level 2/4 ("Exercise Increased Caution"), from the U.S. Department of State. Maximum Insurance covers this country: hospital settled directly, unlimited repatriation, EUR 1.5M, certificate on payment.
Every country has its own scale, so we ask them all the same question: is the whole country advised against?
An advisory covering only areas of the country does not raise the answer: it stays “No”, and the area is shown in the relevant column.
The level shown on this page — and across this site — is the one published by the U.S. State Department, from 1 (normal precautions) to 4 (do not travel). France and the United Kingdom publish their own advisories, with their own rules: they add to that level, they do not replace it.
You will be alerted only on the day the official level of this country changes.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: +41 22 ••• •• •• — 24/7 support number, an adviser stays with you to the end.
The 207 country pages — hospitals, pharmacies, police, embassies, emergency numbers, official advice from four governments, health, safety in figures, events in progress — read around the city you name. Your policy — benefits, the six steps, claims, articles. The site — prices, certificate, subscription. Nothing else: what it does not know, it says so and hands you to an adviser.
What I say on the phone
What to do, in this order
In immediate danger, call local emergency services first. Then contact assistance without delay; before engaging a service, seek approval under your policy. Cover is confirmed by the insurer.
Ask assistance where to get care and whether direct cover can be arranged. It confirms the facility and seeks the insurer's approval under your policy. In immediate danger, call local emergency services first.
Even for a pain you meant to shrug off. Without a medical certificate written on the spot, the same day, the insurer cannot cover the event — a certificate written after you return does not count.
The hospital desk sends the request to assistance. Direct payment depends on the insurer's approval and the policy; the call alone does not guarantee it. Have the response confirmed before relying on no up-front payment.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services immediately. For an arranged transfer or repatriation, contact assistance: the insurer's medical team decides on measures under the policy. A medical flight booked without approval may not be reimbursed.
Even if everything went well on the ground. Send your invoices and the medical report within 30 days; after that, compensation may be reduced or refused.
Reading hospitals, doctors and pharmacies around this point…
Malabo
440 Calle del Presidente Náser
85 Calle de Kenia Malabo
42 Avenida de la Libertad
near Avenida de la Libertad
Calle del Rey Malabo
near Calle de Enrique Nvó
near Calle de Enrique Nvó
calle Semu Malabo
307 Avenida Hasán 2 Malabo
300 Calle de Enrique Nvó
near Avenida de las Naciones Unidas
Avenida Hasán II Malabo
Carretera del Aeropuerto Malabo
Carretera del Aeropuerto Malabo
Mo-Fr 09:00-13:00, 15:30-17:30
2 Carretera del Aeropuerto
near Calle de Nigeria
Carretera Malabo - Sipopo
No named airport, station, bus or taxi in the radius read.
Forecast: MET Norway (Norwegian Meteorological Institute, CC BY 4.0), grouped by day and formatted by Maximum.
10-16 0.3 · 10-17 0.3 · 10-18 0.2 · 10-19 0.2 · 10-20 0.2 · 10-21 0.2 · 10-22 0.2 m³/s
Simulated discharge: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Emergency Management Service information 2026. For information only: this is not a flood warning; only national or regional authorities issue those.
No geolocated event in this country at this reading.
No geolocated UCDP incident in this country.
No news located around Malabo in this reading.
National numbers (Wikidata, 2026 reading). On site, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: the insurer sends its payment guarantee to the hospital.
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include Chickenpox (Varicella) Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, Tdap, or Td) Flu (influenza) Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Polio Shingles
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Equatorial Guinea. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series. Travelers allergic to a vaccine component should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Equatorial Guinea.
CDC recommends that travelers going to Equatorial Guinea take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take. Transmission areas All Drug resistance 1 Chloroquine Species P. falciparum (primarily) P.
Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.
Monkeypox vaccination is recommended for any adult who anticipates any of the following activities during travel: Sexual or intimate contact with a new partner Sexual or intimate contact at a commercial sex venue, like a sex club or bathhouse Sexual or intimate contact in exchange for money, goods, drugs, or other trade Sexual or intimate contact in association with a large public event, such as a rave, party, or…
Dogs infected with rabies are commonly found in Equatorial Guinea. If rabies exposures occur while in Equatorial Guinea, rabies vaccines may only be available in larger suburban/urban medical facilities.
Recommended for most travelers. Typhoid vaccine is not 100% effective. Practicing safe food and water habits , including washing hands at key times , can also help prevent typhoid fever .
CDC recommendations: Vaccine is recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old. Country entry requirements: Direct travel from United States: Vaccine is not required. Travel from countries with risk for YF virus transmission: Vaccine is required for travelers ≥9 months old. 3 Updated April 23, 2025 See footnotes
CDC Travelers' Health, re-read weekly — the recommendation depends on your age, vaccines and itinerary: confirm it with a doctor or a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before departure.CDC ↗read 10.10.2026
High incidence: a long stay or time in care settings warrants a test on return.
Coverage too low to stop the virus circulating: check your two MMR doses before leaving.
Strong transmission: discuss preventive treatment with a doctor before leaving; bed net and repellent on site.
World Bank — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
Source: France Diplomatie (health advice, in French).
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
WHO: no outbreak reported for this country in the last 24 months (Disease Outbreak News).who.int ↗read 16.10.2026
FDFA (Switzerland) — medical care, in French
En dehors des villes de Malabo, Mongomo et de Bata, les soins médicaux de base ne sont pas assurés. Les hôpitaux exigent un paiement d'avance avant de commencer un traitement. Le matériel nécessaire au traitement, ainsi que les médicaments doivent habituellement être fournis par les patients eux-mêmes (respectivement par leur proches). En cas de maladie ou de blessure grave, il est recommandé de retourner en Suisse pour se faire soigner. Si vous prenez régulièrement des médicaments , emportez-en une quantité suffisante avec vous. N’oubliez toutefois pas que l’importation de médicaments contenant des stupéfiants (p. ex. méthadone) ou l'importation de substances utilisées pour traiter des troubles psychiques est soumise à des prescriptions spéciales dans de nombreux pays. Le cas échéant, renseignez-vous à ce sujet, avant le départ, auprès de la représentation étrangère compétente (ambassade ou consulat) et consultez la rubrique Liens voyages , où vous trouverez, entre autres, de plus amples informations sur ce thème ainsi que sur la médecine du voyage en général. Les informations concernant la propagation de maladies et les éventuelles mesures de protection à prendre sont fournies par le personnel médical et les centres de vaccination. Liens voyages
France Diplomatiesource ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Consulter si besoin son médecin traitant ou un centre de vaccinations internationales (médecine des voyages) pour faire une évaluation de son état de santé et bénéficier de recommandations sanitaires, notamment sur les vaccinations. Consulter éventuellement son dentiste avant le départ.
Constituer sa pharmacie personnelle en conséquence et n’emporter dans ses bagages que les médicaments strictement nécessaires ; ne jamais consommer de médicaments achetés dans la rue (risque de contrefaçons). Les médicaments doivent être dans leur emballage d’origine avec les étiquettes originales, accompagnés d’une ordonnance portant le nom des médicaments en dénomination commune internationale (DCI). Il est indispensable de vérifier que les médicaments concernés sont autorisés dans le pays visité : pour plus d’informations, consulter la fiche Informations pratiques .
Les vaccins recommandés en France sont également indispensables lors d’un séjour à l’étranger : les maladies qu’ils préviennent circulent partout dans le monde, parfois même plus fréquemment qu’en France. Avant tout départ, le voyageur (adulte et enfant) doit donc d’abord s’assurer d’être à jour du calendrier vaccinal français, en particulier des vaccins contre la diphtérie, le tétanos, la poliomyélite, la coqueluche mais aussi contre la rougeole. Le carnet de vaccination peut être demandé à l’arrivée de certains pays.
Des vaccinations complémentaires peuvent être nécessaires :
Il est donc conseillé de consulter son médecin traitant ou un centre de vaccinations internationales (médecine des voyages) suffisamment de temps avant le voyage.
La chikungunya est une maladie virale transmise par l’intermédiaire de moustiques infectés. Cette maladie se manifeste par l’apparition de symptômes grippaux (fièvre, douleurs musculaires et articulaires). En cas de signes cliniques, il est impératif de consulter immédiatement un médecin ; le traitement est uniquement symptomatique. Les moyens de prévention reposent sur la vaccination et la protection contre les piqûres de moustiques. Il est conseillé avant le départ de se référer à son médecin traitant et/ou à un centre de vaccination internationale.
Pour plus d’informations , consulter la rubrique risques sanitaires .
La dengue est une maladie virale transmise par piqûres de moustiques. Les symptômes sont de type grippal (fièvre, maux de tête, courbatures, parfois éruption cutanée). En cas de signes cliniques, il est impératif de consulter immédiatement un médecin. Il n’existe pas de traitement curatif. La prise en charge médicale repose uniquement sur le traitement des symptômes. Il faut impérativement éviter la prise d’anti-inflammatoire. La prévention individuelle repose essentiellement sur les moyens de protection contre les piqûres de moustiques. La vaccination des voyageurs peut être indiquée dans certains cas. Il est conseillé de se référer, avant son départ, à son médecin traitant et /ou à un centre de vaccination internationale.
Pour plus d’informations, consulter le site du ministère de la Santé et le site de l’Organisation mondiale de la Santé .
Il s’agit d’une maladie virale transmise par piqûres de moustiques. Les symptômes sont variables, allant du syndrome pseudo-grippal (fièvre, frissons, douleurs musculaires, maux de tête…) à des formes plus graves (vomissements de sang, jaunisse, convulsions, coma…)…
Le choléra est une infection digestive bactérienne qui se transmet par ingestion d’aliments mal cuits (fruits de mer, par exemple) ou souillés (fruits et légumes) et/ ou ingestion d’eau contaminée. Cette maladie, dite « des mains sales », se traduit par des troubles digestifs sévères (diarrhée liquide abondante, crampes abdominales, vomissements), un état de faiblesse générale et parfois de la fièvre.
La prévention repose sur la vaccination et le respect des règles d’hygiène alimentaire (se laver régulièrement les mains, ne consommer que de l’eau en bouteille, peler les fruits et légumes, manger de la nourriture cuite ; utilisation des installations sanitaires). Les personnes présentant les signes de la maladie doivent consulter un médecin en urgence.
Pour plus d’informations, consulter le site Santé publique France et le site du ministère de la Santé .
L’hépatite A est une maladie virale du foie provoquée par l’ingestion d’eau ou d’aliments contaminés. La prévention repose sur la vaccination et le respect de règles d’hygiène alimentaire.
La MVM est une fièvre hémorragique due à un virus transmis par la chauve-souris (déjections, salive) ou par contact direct avec les liquides corporels (sang, salive, vomissures…) de personnes infectées, ou indirect par des surfaces ou des objets contaminés. Les symptômes associent une forte fièvre, des maux de tête intenses, des vomissements et diarrhées. La maladie peut être mortelle. Il n’existe ni traitement spécifique ni vaccin. Les mesures de prévention sont essentielles :
Pour plus d’informations, consulter le site du ministère en charge de la Santé et le site de l'Assurance Maladie .
Pour plus d’informations, consulter le site du ministère en charge de la Santé .
Health — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 08.01.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Before you travel check that:
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Call 3101 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in Equatorial Guinea including:
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Equatorial Guinea. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro .
In June 2023, the outbreak of Marburg virus disease was declared over by the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) and the Equatorial Guinea government. No new cases have been reported.
Check the latest situation with local authorities before travelling. You can find more information on Marburg virus disease from the WHO , and TravelHealthPro .
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. Pharmacies in Malabo and Bata stock basic medication.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .
Medical facilities are generally poor, apart from the La Paz hospital in Malabo. Emergency facilities are extremely limited. For serious medical treatment, evacuation to Europe is likely. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .
Places read from OpenStreetMap, within a circle of about 12 km: phone, email, address, website and hours when the source publishes them. No customer reviews, that source has none. Straight-line distances.
Notices vary by bank and vintage — yours prevails. On the right: the Maximum contract (public documents).
No region is advised against by the official readings checked (Global Affairs Canada, Foreign Office and France Diplomatie): the national advice applies everywhere.
The levels each government publishes, unsummarised: their texts, linked below, prevail.
no region is advised against by these readings; the trip follows the national advice. A new regional advisory would call for a new, written decision.
Global Affairs Canada — Open Government Licence – Canada (24.09.2026) · Foreign Office — Open Government Licence v3.0 · France Diplomatie (06.03.2026) · Natural Earth
No located event in this reading.
Last change: Updated information on commercial disputes (‘Safety and security’ page).
Updated 06.10.2025
Exercise increased caution in Equatorial Guinea due to risk of crime , health , and arbitrary enforcement of laws .
Crime
Petty crime is common throughout the country. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to reports of crime, even serious crime.
Health
Medical services in Equatorial Guinea are limited. There are no adequate trauma or ambulance services. Even minor health issues may require medical evacuation at the traveler’s expense. Be sure to bring enough prescription medications to last the entire duration of your trip. Make sure you have medical or travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. Review our information on Travel Insurance .
Other
Travelers face the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws that may result in harassment and detention.
10-16 0.3 · 10-17 0.3 · 10-18 0.2 · 10-19 0.2 · 10-20 0.2 · 10-21 0.2 · 10-22 0.2 m³/s
Simulated discharge: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Emergency Management Service information 2026. For information only: this is not a flood warning; only national or regional authorities issue those.
The level is national. Risk areas are in the state advisories below.
No major event in progress is located in this country at this morning's check.
Reading: On the road, 12 times more deaths than in Switzerland: road crashes are the leading cause of death of healthy travellers (CDC) — seat belt, no night driving, a driver or a taxi from a rank.
World Bank (UNODC for homicides, WHO for roads) — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
What we locate on the map are events in progress that have real coordinates: USGS earthquakes, GDACS disasters, NOAA storms and open NASA EONET events. Hover a dot for details, click to open it in this briefing.
French passport — France Diplomatie
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
The security page lists no red or orange area.France Diplomatie ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026
- Présentation de la Guinée équatoriale
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Dernière actualisation le 06/03/2026, information toujours valable à la date du jour
L’intégralité du pays est en vigilance renforcée. Il convient, en particulier, de se tenir à l’écart des rassemblements, notamment à proximité des édifices publics. Il est recommandé d’éviter de fréquenter seul et la nuit les promenades « paseos » de Malabo et de Bata.
Il est recommandé d’exercer une vigilance particulière dans les zones frontalières de la partie continentale du pays, notamment à la frontière nord avec le Cameroun, ainsi que dans la région nord-est, dite des « 3 frontières » autour de la ville d’Ebebiyin.
Depuis le début de la crise économique qui frappe la Guinée équatoriale, une recrudescence des actes délictueux et criminels a été constatée dans la capitale, Malabo, sur l’île de Bioko, et à Bata, ville principale de la partie continentale du pays. À Malabo, cette délinquance affecte notamment les quartiers de Semu, Ela Nguema et Ewaiso.
Même si ces actes restent isolés et ne visent pas spécifiquement la communauté expatriée, les conseils de prudence détaillés dans les recommandations générales s’imposent en toutes circonstances et dans tout le pays.
Une attention particulière doit être portée aux taxis – qu’ils soient légaux ou non - dont plusieurs ont été impliqués dans des vols et des agressions, en particulier contre des femmes.
Les contrôles d’identité étant fréquents, il convient de toujours se munir de ses documents d’identité, de son titre de séjour ou de son passeport revêtu du visa à jour (ou de copies).
Sur les routes et les pistes, le comportement imprévisible de nombreux conducteurs nécessite une attention de tous les instants. Il est vivement recommandé d’éviter de circuler la nuit en raison de l’insécurité routière et de la possibilité de contrôles policiers abusifs.
Il n’y a pas de compagnie de transport collectif en Guinée équatoriale. En cas de recours à une compagnie de transport privée, il est nécessaire de veiller à ce que celle-ci soit recommandée ou référencée.
Les risques liés à la piraterie maritime dans le Golfe de Guinée sont élevés. La navigation de plaisance y est fortement déconseillée, et a fortiori le mouillage près des côtes. Les eaux territoriales équatoguinéennes adjacentes à l’île de Bioko sont interdites à la navigation de plaisance.
En raison d’attaques contre les ferries assurant la liaison entre l’île et le continent, il est vivement recommandé de privilégier les moyens de transports aériens plutôt que maritimes.
Il est recommandé de :
Compte tenu de la faible capacité de réponse des structures médicales, il est conseillé de faire preuve de prudence lors d’activités de plongée sous-marine ou d’excursions en forêt et de veiller à solliciter les services de guides ou agences expérimentés.
Il est recommandé de prévoir des chaussons de plage ou de plongée pour les baignades en raison du risque élevé de présence de raies en bordure de plages.
En forêt et dans certaines zones urbaines qui se trouvent en bordure de zones boisées, la présence de serpents particulièrement dangereux et la difficulté de disposer d’un sérum antivenimeux dans un court délai doivent inciter le randonneur à la plus grande prudence.
Full text of the Security pagediplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Swiss passport — FDFA (Switzerland), in French
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
FDFA update note — Ces conseils pour les voyages ont été publiés avec des modifications marginales. L’appréciation de la situation reste valable de manière inchangée. (published 29.06.2026)
La situation politique est tendue. En cas de troubles, les autorités peuvent décréter l'état d'urgence, ce qui permet au gouvernement de restreindre certains droits fondamentaux, tels que la liberté de réunion, la liberté de la presse et la liberté de circulation, ou encore d’instaurer un couvre-feu. En dehors des grandes villes, les contrôles de sécurité sont fréquents. Dans ce pays comme ailleurs, le risque d’attentats terroristes ne peut être exclu. La rubrique terrorisme et enlèvements attire l'attention sur les risques liés au terrorisme. Terrorisme et enlèvements Faites-vous accompagner si possible d'une personne de confiance pour les déplacements en province (sur l'île ainsi que sur le continent). Avant et pendant votre voyage, informez-vous dans les médias, auprès de votre tour-opérateur ou de vos contacts sur place sur l'évolution de la situation. Évitez les rassemblements de foule et les manifestations de tout genre.
On signale sporadiquement des cambriolages ainsi que des agressions violentes et des attaques à main armée. Des agressions contre des personnes utilisant des taxis se sont produites à plusieurs reprises sur le continent. Il est conseillé d'observer les précautions suivantes:
Dans le Golfe de Guinée des actes de piraterie sont commis. Consultez les informations spécifiques: Risques maritimes et piraterie
De fortes pluies surviennent fréquemment. Ces intempéries peuvent provoquer des inondations et des glissements de terrain et endommager les infrastructures. La circulation peut s’en trouver temporairement perturbée. Consultez les prévisions météorologiques et suivez les avertissements et les instructions des autorités locales.
FDFA travel advice, in French, valid on 16.10.2026eda.admin.ch ↗updated 29.06.2026 · read 16.10.2026
British passport — Foreign Office (UK)
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Warnings — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 08.01.2026 · read 16.10.2026
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
Safety — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 08.01.2026 · read 16.10.2026
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.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Equatorial Guinea, attacks cannot be ruled out.
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.
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.
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:
There have been reports of robberies and violent assaults on passengers travelling by taxi in Malabo and Bata, particularly at night. You should:
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.
Possession of drugs is a serious offence and punishments can be severe, including prison sentences.
Photographing government or military buildings or airports is illegal and you could be arrested and detained.
Showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention. It is uncommon for opposite or same-sex couples to show affection in public.
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.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .
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.
If you are planning to drive in Equatorial Guinea, see information on driving abroad .
Most major roads on Bioko Island and the Rio Muni mainland are now paved. In some isolated rural areas the condition…
American passport — U.S. Department of State
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Equatorial Guinea - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution 2025-10-06travel.state.gov ↗updated 06.10.2025 · read 16.10.2026
Exercise increased caution in Equatorial Guinea due to risk of crime , health , and arbitrary enforcement of laws .
Crime
Petty crime is common throughout the country. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to reports of crime, even serious crime.
Health
Medical services in Equatorial Guinea are limited. There are no adequate trauma or ambulance services. Even minor health issues may require medical evacuation at the traveler’s expense. Be sure to bring enough prescription medications to last the entire duration of your trip. Make sure you have medical or travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. Review our information on Travel Insurance .
Other
Travelers face the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws that may result in harassment and detention.
Global Affairs Canada — additional reading
Exercise a high degree of caution
Open Government Licence – Canada · September 24, 2026 08:53 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Global Affairs Canada — written for Canadian travellers, valid for all
You must abide by local laws. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect prison sentences. Drugs, alcohol and travel
It is strictly prohibited to photograph sensitive installations, such as:
You may require a special permit for other photography or filming.
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
To avoid offending local sensitivities:
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:
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.
You must obtain a security permit to visit the following areas on Bioko Island:
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
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.
Open Government Licence – Canada · September 24, 2026 08:53 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Foreign Office — laws and cultural differences
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.
Possession of drugs is a serious offence and punishments can be severe, including prison sentences.
Photographing government or military buildings or airports is illegal and you could be arrested and detained.
Showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention. It is uncommon for opposite or same-sex couples to show affection in public.
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. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
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.
Open Government Licence v3.0gov.uk ↗updated 08.01.2026 · read 16.10.2026
FDFA (Switzerland) — laws and customs, in French
Entre autres, sont punissables:
Les infractions à la loi sur les stupéfiants, y compris la détention de minimes quantités de drogue quelle qu'elle soit, sont durement réprimées. Les conditions de détention sont précaires. Les personnes en voyage pour affaires et d’autres investisseuses potentielles ou investisseurs potentiels sont invités à contacter l’Ambassade de Suisse à Yaoundé avant tout engagement d’affaires, un voyage d’affaires en Guinée équatoriale inclus.
Adaptez le comportement aux us et coutumes locaux. Renseignez-vous dans les guides de voyages, auprès de votre agence ou directement sur place, sur les codes de conduite et les conventions à respecter. Les relations homosexuelles sont réprouvées de manière générale.
FDFA travel advice, in Frencheda.admin.ch ↗updated 29.06.2026 · read 16.10.2026
What it changes for you: Air acceptable at this hour: nothing special to plan. Very high UV: sunscreen, hat and shade between 11 am and 4 pm; sunstroke and dehydration are travellers' first reasons to see a doctor.
Reading 06:00 (Africa/Malabo)Open-Meteo ↗updated 16.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Air quality and UV: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information 2026. Neither the European Commission nor ECMWF is responsible for any use that may be made of the Copernicus information or data it contains.
No value published by the World Bank in the last eight years for Equatorial Guinea: hospital beds per 1,000 people.
Reading: With 0.1 physicians per 1,000 people (98% fewer than Switzerland), the nearest hospital does not always have the capacity for a serious case: evacuation to an adequate centre is the rule, not the exception — that is what unlimited evacuation and repatriation cover. Health spending of 234 USD per person (Switzerland: 11,784) goes with private hospitals that bill foreigners in hard currency and ask for a guarantee before admission: the direct payment guarantee is what avoids the deposit.
World Bank — latest published value, year per indicatordata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
French passport — France Diplomatie
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
- Présentation de la Guinée équatoriale
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Les ressortissants français sont soumis à l’obligation de visa pour la Guinée équatoriale.
Le visa s’obtient :
Il n’est pas possible d’obtenir le visa à l’arrivée en Guinée équatoriale.
La demande de visa devra comporter les pièces suivantes (en fonction de la situation du demandeur, des compléments pourront être demandés) :
Pour toute information complémentaire, il convient de s’adresser à l’ambassade de Guinée équatoriale à Paris.
Lors de l’entrée sur le territoire équatoguinéen, le carnet de vaccinations doit être présenté. Les empreintes digitales et une photo sont enregistrées au passage à la Police aux frontières.
Une carte de séjour (« Residencia ») ou un permis temporaire de séjour (« Permanencia ») accompagné d’un visa à entrées multiples (« Alternativo ») sont nécessaires pour pouvoir séjourner au-delà de 90 jours sur le territoire équato-guinéen.
L’obtention d’une carte de…
Les devises doivent être déclarées à l’entrée et à la sortie du territoire. Les virements internationaux sont soumis au contrôle des changes.
Tous les possesseurs d’animaux domestiques doivent présenter à leur entrée sur le territoire national le carnet de vaccinations internationales du pays d’origine. Le vaccin contre la rage est obligatoire ; les rappels se font tous les ans à une date précise.
Entry and stay pagediplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Swiss passport — FDFA (Switzerland)
The FDFA does not publish entry requirements: they are set out by the destination's embassy or consulate in Switzerland — check them before booking, passport in hand. As a guide, the French and British requirements below describe the same rules as seen by two other governments.eda.admin.ch ↗updated 29.06.2026 · read 16.10.2026
British passport — Foreign Office (UK)
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Entry requirements — rules for a British passportForeign Office ↗updated 08.01.2026 · read 16.10.2026
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport 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.
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:
Telephone: +44 7918 289 393
Email: info@embareage-londres.uk
To enter Equatorial Guinea, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
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.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement . See Dual citizenship .
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.
Complete the online visa application form 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.
You can also apply in person at the embassy and get the visa before you travel.
Make sure you get your passport stamped.
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.
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.
You must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination, due to a risk of yellow fever transmission.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, including yellow fever, see TravelHealthPro’s Equatorial Guinea guide .
You may have to fill in a health questionnaire about any recent travel to Ebola-affected countries, including Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone.
You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
American passport — U.S. Department of State
The State Department publishes the requirements ("Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements") on its country page, which our servers cannot read. Read it before you go; as a guide, the French and British requirements below describe the same rules as seen by two other governments.travel.state.gov ↗updated 06.10.2025 · read 16.10.2026
For each risk, the official texts themselves: what is happening, then, where they say so, what to do.
What the texts say · 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. There have been reports of robberies and violent assaults on passengers travelling by taxi in Malabo and Bata, particularly at night.
What the texts say · Police and military roadblocks are common. There are regular reports of police and uniformed security forces at roadblocks asking for bribes.
What the texts say · 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.
What the texts say · Photographing government or military buildings or airports is illegal and you could be arrested and detained. Possession of drugs is a serious offence and punishments can be severe, including prison sentences.
What the texts say · Credit card and ATM fraud occurs in Equatorial Guinea.
What the texts say · Demonstrations must be approved by the government; therefore they rarely occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time.
Sentences copied word for word from the official texts cited, chosen for the destination; the level is our reading. The full texts, at each source:Foreign Office ↗updated 08.01.2026 · read 16.10.2026 (updated 08.01.2026 · read 27.09.2026)Global Affairs Canada ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026 (updated 24.09.2026 · read 27.09.2026)
Reading: On the road, 12 times more deaths than in Switzerland: road crashes are the leading cause of death of healthy travellers (CDC) — seat belt, no night driving, a driver or a taxi from a rank.
World Bank (UNODC for homicides, WHO for roads) — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
Time zone: IANA and timezone-boundary-builder (ODbL) · RESTCountries · EmergencyNumberAPI · Wikidata · European Central Bank
Places: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), Photon search by komoot.
FDFA (Switzerland) — transport and specific advice, in French
Les axes principaux sont asphaltés et la plupart sont en bon état. Un véhicule tout-terrain peut être un avantage, surtout sur les routes secondaires non goudronnées. La nuit, renoncez aux déplacements à travers le pays. Il arrive que les points de passage des frontières soient temporairement fermés à court terme, par exemple afin d’endiguer la propagation de maladies. Par ailleurs, pour des raisons de sécurité, le gouvernement peut fermer temporairement et sans préavis les frontières du pays. Cependant, cela ne s’applique pas automatiquement aux voyageurs qui entrent par avion. Informez-vous auprès des autorités locales ou directement auprès des postes-frontières. Bien souvent, l’entretien des avions pour les vols internes ne correspond pas aux normes européennes et internationales.
Une autorisation des autorités locales est nécessaire pour se rendre dans certaines régions du pays. Renseignez-vous avant le départ auprès de l'Ambassade de Guinée Équatoriale à Paris sur les dispositions pertinentes. Portez toujours vos documents d'identité sur vous car les contrôles routiers effectués par l'armée ou la police sont fréquents. En cas d'absence de pièce d'identité, une arrestation peut avoir lieu.
FDFA travel advice, in Frencheda.admin.ch ↗updated 29.06.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Maximum policyholder: before paying anything, call the 24/7 number. If you are admitted for more than 24 h, Maximum sends its direct payment guarantee to the hospital (art. 2.12).
+41 22 ••• •• •• — Full number in your client areaThe hospital list has not been read from OpenStreetMap for this page yet: the medical-network map loads it when opened. Maximum's assistance directs you to the right facility, 24/7. The medical-network map ↗
CDC Travelers' Health recommendations, most important first. They depend on your age, vaccines and itinerary: confirm them with a doctor or a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before departure. Details, disease by disease ↗cdc.gov ↗read 10.10.2026
The health system — With 0.1 physicians per 1,000 people (98% fewer than Switzerland), the nearest hospital does not always have the capacity for a serious case: evacuation to an adequate centre is the rule, not the exception — that is what unlimited evacuation and repatriation cover. Health spending of 234 USD per person (Switzerland: 11,784) goes with private hospitals that bill foreigners in hard currency and ask for a guarantee before admission: the direct payment guarantee is what avoids the deposit.
Back home — a fever in the following weeks should be told to a doctor, naming the country.
Forecast: MET Norway (Norwegian Meteorological Institute, CC BY 4.0), grouped by day and formatted by Maximum.
French passport — French embassy and consulates
Carretera del Aeropuerto, Malabo
Useful contacts listed by France Diplomatie (in French)diplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Updated: 15 September 2026
OpenStreetMap
Swiss passport — Swiss embassy and consulates
Numéro d’urgence de police: 113 Numéro d’urgence de la gendarmerie: 114 Représentations suisses à l’étranger: En cas de situation d’urgence à l’étranger, vous pouvez vous adresser à la représentation suisse la plus proche ou à la Helpline DFAE. Ambassade de Suisse au Cameroun Helpline DFAE Représentations étrangères en Suisse: Pour obtenir des informations sur les prescriptions d'entrée (documents d'identité admis, visa, etc.), veuillez-vous adresser aux ambassades et consulats étrangers compétents. Ceux-ci peuvent également vous renseigner sur les dispositions douanières pour l'importation et l'exportation d'animaux et de marchandises: appareils électroniques, souvenirs, médicaments, etc. Représentations étrangères en Suisse Evisa
OpenStreetMap · DFAE
American passport — U.S. embassy and consulates
phone not published
OpenStreetMap
OpenStreetMap
Getting help — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 08.01.2026 · read 16.10.2026
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Ambulance: 3101
Police: 666 404040 or 666 303030
Emergency numbers and emergency response are unreliable. Emergency help can be limited in some places that are hard to reach. You may need to get local advice and arrange private transport.
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
Find out about call charges
For emergencies. If pronunciation fails, show the screen — or the printed page.
| Help! | ¡Ayuda! |
| Call an ambulance! | ¡Llame a una ambulancia! |
| I need a doctor. | Necesito un médico. |
| Where is the nearest hospital? | ¿Dónde está el hospital más cercano? |
| Call the police! | ¡Llame a la policía! |
| I am allergic to penicillin. | Soy alérgico (alérgica) a la penicilina. |
| I have international medical insurance. | Tengo un seguro médico internacional. |
| I want to contact my embassy. | Quiero ponerme en contacto con mi embajada. |
| Please take me to this address. | Lléveme a esta dirección, por favor. |
| Do you speak English? | ¿Habla inglés? |
Translations by Maximum Insurance, original script and transliteration.
Actions to take before each professional trip abroad.
Live alerts and level changes, each with its official source. Continuously updated.
Health – editorial change
September 24, 2026 08:53 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026No level change recorded for this country since the log opened. The live alerts above are updated continuously.
Level 2/4 — Exercise Increased Caution, U.S. Department of State, retrieved on 16 October 2026.
Sourcestravel.state.gov · updated 06.10 · read 16.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 16.10DFAE · updated 29.06 · read 16.10207-country comparison
An area advised against does not rule out the country.
SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 08.01 · read 16.10State Department · updated 06.10 · read 16.10
The rules depend on the passport, not on the destination alone.
SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 08.01 · read 16.10State Department · updated 06.10 · read 16.10
For a Schengen visa, yes: at least €30,000 of travel medical insurance (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, art. 15).
SourcesRegulation (EC) 810/2009, art. 15General conditions, policy 20 00 479
VIP Pack — €990 for twelve months, unlimited trips.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479OpenStreetMap · read 12.10
Six steps, in this order.
SourcesSpecial conditions 01.26General conditions, policy 20 00 479
Local emergency services: police 113 / 114 · ambulance 112 · fire 115
SourcesEmergencyNumberAPI · Wikidata · read 08.10OpenStreetMap · read 12.10
At today's level 2/4, card by card:
SourcesAmex Platinum France T&Cs, 01.2025 — general exclusion n° 11BNP Paribas Visa Infinite notice (policy PT7), 04.2025 — comFortuneo World Elite Mastercard notice, 01.2026 — art. 5.5 '
A health plan reimburses at home; here, the hospital asks for a payment guarantee before admission.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
The page reads hospitals, pharmacies and doctors from OpenStreetMap, around the point you choose.
The sourced detail is under Medical network › Health: vaccines, diseases present, altitude, outbreaks.
SourcesCDC Travelers' Health · read 10.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 16.10OMS · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 08.01 · read 16.10
0.1 physicians per 1,000 people (2022) versus 4.5 in Switzerland.
SourcesWorld Bank · read 10.10General conditions, policy 20 00 479
Comparable figures (homicides, roads, incidents) are under Safety & risks › Incidents.
The nearest representations, by passport (OpenStreetMap):
SourcesOpenStreetMap · read 12.10DFAE · updated 29.06 · read 16.10
No region is advised against by the official readings checked (Global Affairs Canada, Foreign Office and France Diplomatie): the national advice applies everywhere.
SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 24.09 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 08.01 · read 16.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 16.10
Local laws apply to every traveller; here is what the official texts say.
SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 24.09 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 08.01 · read 16.10
Every foreign ministry runs a 24/7 emergency line for its nationals.
Sourcesdiplomatie.gouv.fr · updated 15.09 · read 16.10eda.admin.ch · updated 29.06 · read 16.10
Emergency phrases, to show if pronunciation fails:
SourcesMaximum Insurance
Keep the entry stamp, the invoices, the prescriptions and the medical report.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
Cancellation or change up to EUR 20,000, special risk EUR 5,000 per person, crisis management and security, optional Kidnap & Ransom.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
A question not answered here? Ask Maximum below, or call the support number: every question gets a clear, actionable answer.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: +41 22 ••• •• •• — 24/7 support number, an adviser stays with you to the end.
The 207 country pages — hospitals, pharmacies, police, embassies, emergency numbers, official advice from four governments, health, safety in figures, events in progress — read around the city you name. Your policy — benefits, the six steps, claims, articles. The site — prices, certificate, subscription. Nothing else: what it does not know, it says so and hands you to an adviser.
Same advisory level: New Caledonia · Nepal · Panama · Netherlands · Philippines · Peru
The displayed level comes from the State Department, checked every morning. Before departure, always cross-check your country of residence's advisory: that is what your policy cites.
The level shown is the official U.S. Department of State level, checked daily. Maximum Insurance is an insurance distributor — general information, not personal advice.
The destination is already Malabo. A few choices, then the reading of your cover, here.
Destination · Malabo
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