Guinea Flag
Why visit Guinea?
Known for beaches, forests, hiking, jungles, mangrove swamps, mountains, and waterfalls.
Bissau, Guinea. Photo Credit: Valéria Rodrigues/Pixabay
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Leather goods, musical instruments, pottery, and wood carvings.
Fun Facts
- In 1958, became independent from France.
- Since 1984, every Spring hundreds of Catholics walk from Conakry to Boffa (90 miles) in honor of Ahmed Sékou Touré (1922-1984), late President who died after a heart operation in the United States.
- In 1977, women led market riots banning the farm produce sales policy.
- Referred as "Water Castle of West Africa".
- Has rich deposits of diamonds and gold.
- Home to the world's bauxite reserve.
- Their rice is imported from Asia.
- Emerging regional producers of apples and pears.
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (March) Macao Art Festival, (April) Festival des Arts de Conte, and (December) Festival International Kora et Cordes de Conakry.
- Holidays: New Year's Day, Second Republic Day, Easter Monday, May Day, Africa Day, Assumption of Mary, Independence Day, All Saints' Day, Christmas Day, Mouloud, Qadr Night, Korité, and Tabaski.
Good to Know
- Poor infrastructure.
- Malnutrition is a problem.
- Avoid borders along the Ivory Coast, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
- Avoid Conakry, Kissidougou, and Nzerekore.
- Theft amongst airport baggage handlers is known to occur.
- Local police are known to bribe tourist travelers.
- Do not drink tap water.
- Sanitation is often considered below our standards.
- Medical facilities and practitioners are extremely limited; shortages and limitations exist.
- Skin infections are common.
- Due to parasitic disease Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) do not stand or swim in still waters.
- Official language is French.
- Homosexuality is illegal. Subject to a fine and/or up to three years in prison.
- Most vehicles are 20+ years old.
- A special Export Permit may be required on goods purchased.
- Photography of government buildings, military, police, or transportation facilities is not welcomed.
- Prevalent diseases include Dengue, Malaria, Measles, Meningoccocal Meningitis, Rabies, and Yellow Fever.
- Air quality poses an issue (October - May).
- Avoid driving or exploring after dark.
- Avoid demonstrations.
- Crime is known to occur ranging from armed robbery, carjacking, pickpockets, purse-snatch, sexual assault, and theft.
- Carry a copy of your passport with you at all times.
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
- Tourist VISA required.
- Yellow Fever Vaccination required.
- Currency Restrictions for Exit: $5,000USD.
Rainy Season is May - October.
- Best Time to Visit: November - March
- Coolest Month: January
- Hottest Month: April
Your Must-See & Do
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve
Photo Credit: Yaayaa Diallo/Pixabay
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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
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