
Guinea covers an area of 245 857 km². The population is 13.6 million and the capital is Conakry. The country gained independence from French rule in 1958 and, as a colonial legacy, the official language is French. English is poorly spoken. The people make their living from agriculture, but the country also benefits from vast mineral resources such as bauxite. Tourism is non-existent.
Climate: Guinea has a tropical climate. The rainy season lasts from April to October and the dry season from November to March. June is the wettest month, with the highest rainfall on or near the coast. The average annual temperature is fairly constant and in Conakry, for example, it is around 27 degrees Celsius.
Security: Guinea is a safe country to visit, but in large crowds it's a good idea to beware of pickpockets. Be careful with photography, especially around the authorities (police, military etc.).
Visa: With the exception of some African nationalities, visas are required for everyone. You can obtain a Guinean visa either from the embassy of the country or, more easily, by applying for an e-visa on the official website of the Guinean government. The current price is 80 USD. Please note that visa policies and prices are subject to change without notice. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of application for the e-visa and for the entire period of stay in the country.
Currency: Guinea's currency is the Guinean franc (GNF), which cannot be exchanged in Europe, so you should take euro banknotes with you and exchange them on arrival or withdraw cash from an ATM.
Vaccinations and malaria: Guinea requires proof of a yellow fever vaccination. In addition, hepatitis a and b vaccinations are recommended. Please ensure that your basic vaccinations are up to date. Malaria is prevalent throughout the year, so anti-malaria medication is recommended.
Travel insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.