Travel Vaccines and Advice for Guinea
Guinea is small West African country, considered an off-the-beaten path destination for adventurous travellers. Popular areas for visitors to Guinea include Iles de Los, a trio of nearby tropical islands and Fouta Djalon, an area with green rolling downs known for excellent hiking.
The coastal city of Conakry serves as Guinea’s capital. It is known for the historical architecture of its mosques and churches, as well as the Conakry Botanical Gardens, home to many tropical flowers and tall Kapok trees that can grow up to 60 m.
Do I Need Vaccines for Guinea?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Guinea. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Guinea: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travel to most regions. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Guinea |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for travel to most regions. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Yellow fever is endemic in Guinea. the NaTHNaC recommends yellow fever vaccination for all travellers to Guinea who are over 9 months old. All visitors to Guinea arriving from countries with yellow fever must show proof of vaccination.
There is currently a measles outbreak in several areas of Guinea. Travellers should ensure they have been vaccinated against the disease.
The country of Guinea was affected by the Ebola outbreak in 2014, but was declared Ebola-free in 2016.
According to the NaTHNaC, there is also risk of Zika in Guinea. Pregnant women should avoid travelling to the area.
To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either ring or book online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Guinea?
A visa is required for all travel to Guinea. Passports must have at least six months validity. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter the country. If you do not have proof of vaccination, you may be vaccinated on site, quarantined or returned to your previous location.
Guinea Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Guinea? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Guinea and GOV.UK
What is the Climate Like in Guinea?
Guinea has a tropical climate, with both a wet and dry season. It is hot and humid, and known as one of the wettest countries in West Africa.
Monsoon season is generally between June and November. It can make travel in some remote areas difficult as roads can become muddy and impassable.
How safe is Guinea?
There is no country-wide advisory in place for Guinea. But, The government of the UK advises caution for travellers visiting the country.
Travellers should to be vigilant, especially at the borders between Sierra Leone, Liberia and Mali.
There is a risk of terrorism within Guinea. Pay attention to your surroundings whilst in public, and avoid any demonstrations or protests.
There have been instances of muggings and carjackings involving foreigners in Guinea. Avoid displaying items such as jewellery or electronics. Don’t walk alone or travel at night, if possible.
Road checkpoints are not uncommon. Keep your travel documents with you at all times. It’s also a good idea to keep car doors and windows locked during travel.
Water from local communities in Guinea should be considered contaminated and should not be used for drinking or cooking.
Guinea’s Rules, Customs and Laws
- An international motoring permit is required to operate a vehicle in Guinea.
- A licence is required to export gems. Smuggling is a serious offence with strict penalties.
- Photographing military or police sites, or the Presidential palace is forbidden.
- Islamic laws and practices are adhered to in Guinea and should be respected by all visitors. Dress conservatively and adhere to social and religious traditions.
- The laws of Guinea prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.
What Should I Take To Guinea?
Guinea has a tropical climate, so light, airy clothing will help keep you cool and comfortable.
Guinea has both a wet and dry season. If you are visiting during the wet season, between June and November, be sure to bring a rain jacket and an umbrella.
Because of the humidity and moisture, Guinea is home to the type of mosquito that carries yellow fever. Be sure to bring mosquito spray to protect yourself from bites and don’t forget your vaccine.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Guinea
If you are in Guinea and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
British Embassy Conakry
Villa 1, Residence 2000
Corniche Sud
Conakry
Guinea
Telephone: +224 626 26 4040 or 00 +224 626 26 7979 (Monday to Thursday 8 am to 4.30 pm, Friday 8 am to 1 pm)
Emergency Phone: +44 (0)1908 516 666
Email: BritishEmbassy.Conakry@fco.gov.uk
Ready to start your next journey? Ring us up at or book online now!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Guinea?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Guinea?
What is the Climate Like in Guinea?
How Safe is Guinea?
Guinea’s Rules, Customs and Laws
What Should I Take to Guinea?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Conakry
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