Travel and Currency
Transport infrastructure is continually improving in Equatorial Guinea, making even the most remote areas more accessible to travellers and tourists. The government has invested in over 800 construction projects, mainly upgrading roads, airports, ports and water and electricity infrastructure, with the aim of promoting tourism in the region. At the centre of the country, a new airport has been built at Mongomeyen to allow flights closer to cities located in-land.
Equatorial Guinea’s main international airport is Malabo, on the island of Bioko. International airlines, including Iberia, Air France, Ceiba Intercontinental, Lufthansa, SwissAir, Ethiopian Airlines, KLM, and Royal Air Maroc and Euroguineana de Aviacion regularly fly in and out of the country.
The currency of Equatorial Guinea is the CFA franc; one pound equates to around 760 CFA francs. Only some businesses and banks in the country accept cheques or credit/debit cards, so it is advisable to use cash where possible. If you would like to transfer money to the country, it is recommended that you seek advice from the Embassy on the best method.
Climate
Equatorial Guinea enjoys a tropical climate, with warm temperatures for most of the year. In the island region of Bioko, the dry season runs from November to March, with the rainy season from April to October. The warm ocean currents ensure a pleasant climate, with an average annual temperature of 25 C. The island of Annobón has a dry season from June to October and a wet season from November to May, with a slightly higher average annual temperature of 26 C. The continental region has two dry seasons, from December to mid-February, and again from July to September. Rainy seasons occur in March and September-November. The average annual temperature sits at 20 C, providing the perfect climate for the lush forests that cover the country. The dry seasons are usually the best time to visit Equatorial Guinea.
National holidays
National bank holidays are held on the President’s birthday (5 June), the Freedom Day (3 August), the Day of the Constitutional Chart (15 August) and the Independence Day (12 October). Religious bank holidays are held on New Year’s Day, Easter Holy Week, Corpus Christi Feast, Immaculate Conception Feast and Christmas Day. Labour Day (1 May) is an international bank holidays observed in Equatorial Guinea.*
Visas
Tourist visas are obtained through an appointment at the Embassy, where you must present a valid passport, correct visa forms, two passport photos, a cheque or postal order for the processing fee of £85.20 , criminal record certificate and records of vaccination against yellow fever (vaccinations against malaria, cholera, typhoid fever, hepatitis and tetanus-diphtheria are not mandatory but are recommended). If you are travelling for business, a letter from the relevant company stated the nature and duration of the visit must also be provided. More information on visas can be found here.
Health and safety advice
As in most places, comprehensive health insurance is recommended for travel to Equatorial Guinea.
A vaccination certificate is required for yellow fever to all passengers coming from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Depending on where you intend to travel, vaccinations may be advisable for Cholera, Meningococcal disease (if you plan to maintain close contact with people in crowded places), Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Tetanus-diphtheria. Anti-malarial medication is also recommended.
Always consult with a qualified medical practitioner or travel vaccination specialist for up-to-date advice.
* When any of these bank holidays fall on a non-working day, the holiday will be moved to the following working day.