Guinea - Consular Information Sheet
December 17, 1993

Country Description:  Guinea is a developing coastal West African country.  
Facilities for tourism are minimal.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and a visa are required.  Evidence of yellow 
fever immunization is required, and the Guinean government recommends the 
taking of malarial suppressants.  There is a departure tax of $10 payable at 
the airport.  Further information may be obtained from the Embassy of the 
Republic of Guinea, 2112 Leroy Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008; 
telephone (202) 483-9420.

Areas of Instability:  During the tense preelection period (presidential 
elections are scheduled for December 19), there have been civil disturbances 
and sporadic clashes between ethnic groups and between rival political party 
supporters, sometimes involving intervention by members of the military.  On 
September 28 and 29 inter-communal violence in Conakry resulted in numerous 
deaths and injuries.  In November and December, clashes between rival 
political party supporters resulted in several deaths and numerous injuries 
in Kindia, Mandiana, Siguiri and Conakry. Civil unrest in the area between the airport and downtown Conakry, as well as in other cities of 
Guinea, has affected travel in those areas.  There are numerous checkpoints 
and roadblocks in Conakry at night.  Travel in the city and up-country after 
dark may be dangerous.  Americans and members of the expatriate community 
have not been the target of any violence.

On November 29, 1993, the government of Guinea announced that all Guinean 
land borders would be closed until further notice.  The Guinean government 
also announced the closing of the Conakry International Airport for a one-
day period on December 18 and the closing of the seaport December 18 - 21.  
The U.S. Embassy will provide current information to Americans contemplating 
travel in Conakry or up-country.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities are limited.  Diseases such as 
malaria, including cerebral malaria, hepatitis and intestinal hepatitis 
disorders are endemic.  Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment 
for health services.  U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the 
United States.  In some cases, travelers have obtained supplemental medical 
insurance that specifically covers overseas treatment.  Additional health 
information may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's 
international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.

Information on Crime:  Street crime is very common.  Criminals particularly 
target visitors at the airport in Conakry.  Pickpockets or persons posing as 
officials will offer assistance and then make off with bags, purses or 
wallets.  Being met at the airport by travel agents, business contacts, 
family members or friends helps to avoid this possibility.  In addition, 
there is a high incidence of residential break-ins.  Commercial scams or 
stings have targeted foreigners, including U.S. citizens.  These scams 
potentially involve the U.S. citizen business partner in illegal activity 
that may lead to threats of extortion.  The ability of U.S. Embassy officers 
to extricate U.S. citizens from unlawful business deals is extremely limited.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately 
to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  The pamphlets 
"A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa," provide 
useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad 
and on travel in the region in general.  Both are available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, 
D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in 
which they are traveling.  Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strict.  Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and 
fines.

Restrictions on Photography:  Permission from the Guinean government's 
security personnel is required for photographing government buildings, 
airports, bridges or official-looking buildings.

Currency Regulations:  Credit cards are rarely accepted in Guinea.  Inter-
bank fund transfers are frequently difficult, if not impossible, to 
accomplish.

Telephones:  The communication system is poor.  The limited telephone and 
fax lines are usually available between 6:00pm and 6:00am local time.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in Conakry may 
obtain updated information on travel and security in Guinea.

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is located in the capital city of 
Conakry at Second Boulevard and Ninth Avenue.  The mailing address is B.P. 
603.  The telephone number is (224) 44-15-20/21/23.  The fax number is (224) 
44-15-22.

No. 93-331

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated December 3, 1993, to add 
additional information about the areas of instability.