Guinea

🇬🇳

Phone Code

+224

Capital

Conakry

Population

14 Million

Native Name

Guinée

Region

Africa

Western Africa

Timezone

Greenwich Mean Time

UTC±00

Guinea is a West African country rich in natural resources, known for mountainous terrain, diverse wildlife, and being the source of several West African rivers including the Niger. Conakry, the capital and largest city, sits on the Atlantic coast. Guinea has significant bauxite reserves (world's largest), abundant iron ore, gold, and diamonds. Visitors are drawn to Fouta Djallon highlands, Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve (UNESCO site shared with Ivory Coast and Liberia), Îles de Los islands near Conakry, traditional villages, waterfalls, and wildlife. Tourism infrastructure is limited compared to other West African countries. French is the official language, a legacy of French colonial rule.

Visa Requirements for Guinea

Guinea requires visas for most foreign nationals. Citizens of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) member countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. All other visitors must obtain visas in advance through Guinean embassies or consulates as Guinea does not offer visa on arrival or e-visa services for most nationalities. Visa applications require a valid passport (minimum 6 months validity), completed application forms, passport photos, yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory), proof of accommodation, return or onward ticket, and visa fees. Processing times vary by embassy. Business visas require invitation letters from Guinean companies. Due to limited tourism infrastructure and visa requirements, Guinea receives relatively few international tourists compared to neighboring countries.

Common Visa Types

ECOWAS Visa-Free Entry

Up to 90 days; no visa required; passport must be valid; freedom of movement within ECOWAS region; yellow fever certificate required.

For citizens of ECOWAS states (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo) for any purpose.

Tourist Visa

30-90 days typically; apply through Guinean embassy or consulate; requires passport, photos, yellow fever certificate, hotel booking, return ticket; processing varies.

For tourism, sightseeing, visiting friends/family for nationalities requiring advance visa application.

Business Visa

30-90 days; requires invitation letter from Guinean company, business registration documents, proof of business purpose; apply through embassy.

For business meetings, conferences, trade negotiations, or establishing business relationships in Guinea.

Transit Visa

Up to 7 days typically; requires proof of onward travel and visa for final destination if required; apply through embassy in advance.

For travelers transiting through Guinea to another destination.

Important Travel Information

Yellow fever vaccination: Certificate is mandatory for all visitors regardless of origin. Strictly enforced at airport. Bring physical certificate - digital not accepted.

Visa in advance required: No visa on arrival or e-visa available for most nationalities. Must obtain visa before travel through embassy. Plan well ahead.

Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date with blank pages for stamps.