February 9, 2004

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Equatorial Guinea is a developing country in central Africa. Its capital, Malabo, is located on the island of Bioko, off the coast of Cameroon. Its principal port, Luba, is also on Bioko. The mainland territory of Equatorial Guinea is located between Cameroon and Gabon. The principal city on the mainland is Bata. Facilities for tourism are limited. Official languages are Spanish, which is widely spoken, and French, which is sometimes used in business dealings and with government officials.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and evidence of a yellow fever vaccination is required to enter Equatorial Guinea. U.S. citizens are not required to have visas to enter Equatorial Guinea for short visits. However, travelers should obtain the latest information and details from the Embassy of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, 2020 16 th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, telephone (202) 518-5700, fax (202) 518-5252. Overseas, inquiries may also be made at the nearest Equatoguinean embassy or consulate.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian if not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

DUAL NATIONALITY: In addition to being subject to all Equatorial Guinea laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on Equatorial Guinea citizens. For additional information, see the Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov for our Dual Nationality flyer.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: It is not uncommon for a uniformed member of the security forces to stop motorists on the pretext of minor or nonexistent violations of the local motor vehicle regulations in order to extort small bribes. Visitors are advised not to pay bribes, and to request that the officer provide a citation to be paid at the local court. Although large public demonstrations are uncommon, U.S. citizens should avoid large crowds, political rallies, and street demonstrations.

CRIME: Violent crime is rare and the overall level of criminal activity is low in comparison to other countries in the region. However, there has been a rise in non-violent street crime and residential burglaries. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, help find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help U.S. citizens understand the local criminal justice process and find an attorney if needed.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and to the U.S. Embassy in Malabo (call (240) 273-193), the U.S. Consular Agent in Bata (call (240) 275-193), or the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde, Cameroon. U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlets A Safe Trip Abroad and Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. Both are available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities are extremely limited. Pharmacies in Malabo and Bata stock basic medicines including antibiotics, but cannot be counted on to supply advanced medications. Outside of these cities, many medicines are unavailable. Travelers are advised to carry any special medication that they require. The sanitation levels in even the best hospitals are very low. Doctors and hospitals often require immediate payment for health services, and patients are expected to supply their own bandages, linen and toiletries.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of 50,000 dollars ( U.S. ). Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page, http://travel.state.gov.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Malaria is prevalent in Equatorial Guinea. P. falciparum malaria, the serious and sometimes fatal strain in Equatorial Guinea, is resistant to the anti-malarial drug chloroquine. Because travelers to Equatorial Guinea are at high risk for contracting malaria, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise that travelers should take one of the following antimalarial drugs: mefloquine (Lariam™), doxycycline, or atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone™), as well as other protective measures to prevent insect bites, such as the use of insect repellent. The CDC has determined that a traveler who is on an appropriate antimalarial drug has a greatly reduced chance of contracting the disease. Travelers who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in a malaria-risk area and up to one year after returning home should seek prompt medical attention and tell the physician their travel history and what antimalarials they have been taking. For additional information on malaria, protection from insect bites, and antimalarial drugs, please visit the CDC Travelers' Health web site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/malinfo.htm.

There are periodic outbreaks of cholera in Equatorial Guinea. Yellow fever can cause serious medical problems, but the vaccine, required for entry, is very effective in preventing the disease.

CDC may recommend other vaccinations for your protection. For information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or the CDC's Internet site at www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Equatorial Guinea is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Equatorial Guinea 's road networks, both paved and unpaved, are underdeveloped and unsafe. During the rainy season, many roads are passable only with four-wheel-drive vehicles. New road construction and repair is taking place in Malabo, Bata, and a few outlying areas, but only a fraction of the roadways have been affected. There are few road and traffic signs. Livestock and pedestrians create constant road hazards.

Travelers outside the limits of Malabo and Bata may expect to encounter occasional military roadblocks. These are in place largely for the control of illegal immigration and smuggling. Travelers should be prepared to show proper identification (for example, a U.S. passport) and to explain their reason for being at that particular location. The personnel staffing these checkpoints normally do not speak or understand English or French; travelers who do not speak Spanish would do well to have their reason for being in the country and their itinerary written down in Spanish before venturing into the countryside.

For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at road_safety.html

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service between the United States and Equatorial Guinea by local carriers at present, nor economic authority to operate such service, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Equatoguinean Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the United States at tel. 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet website at http:// www.intl.faa.gov.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For further information, regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the DOD at tel. (618) 229-4801.

There are no navigational aids at Bata Airport. At Malabo Airport, there are navigational aids, and the airport accommodates night landings. Special clearances are required to land in or to overfly Equatoguinean territory.

Commercial air travel to and from Equatorial Guinea can be difficult, but is improving. The island of Bioko and the mainland are connected by several small airlines offering daily service. Malabo is served by European airlines that fly in and out of the country a few times per week from Madrid, Amsterdam, Paris and Zurich. The airlines of nearby Cameroon and Gabon also fly there, although their schedules are subject to change or cancellation without notice, and their flights tend to be extremely crowded.

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS: The Government of Equatorial Guinea has established stringent currency restrictions. Visitors for business or tourism must declare any currency in excess of 50,000 Central African francs (CFA) (approximately $90) upon arrival. Although this requirement is not clearly posted, travelers who fail to disclose their excess currency risk the forfeiture of any amount over the CFA 50,000 limit upon departure. They may also be frisked and have their bags searched to ascertain whether they are attempting to take excess currency out of the country.

Equatorial Guinea has a strictly cash economy. Credit cards and checks are not accepted; credit card cash advances are not available and there are no ATMs. In addition, most local businesses do not accept travelers' checks, dollars or euros. However, dollars can be changed at local banks for C FA. Cash in CFA is usually the only form of payment accepted throughout the country.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those of the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law in Equatorial Guinea can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Equatorial Guinea 's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.

PHOTOGRAPHY RESTRICTIONS: Special permits from the Ministry of Information and Tourism (or from the local delegation if outside Malabo ) are required for virtually all types of photography. Police or security officials may charge a fine, attempt to take a violator into custody, or seize the camera and film of persons photographing the Presidential Palace and its environs, military installations, airports, harbors, government buildings, and other areas.

CUSTOMS RESTRICTIONS: Travelers are advised that the possession of camouflage-patterned clothing, large knives, binoculars, firearms, or a variety of other items may be deemed suspicious by the security forces and grounds for confiscation of the item and detention of the carrier.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international partental child abduction, please telephone the Bureau of Consular Affairs Office of Children's Issues at 202-736-7000 or see its website: http:// travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html.

U.S. REPRESENTATION: The United States reopened its Embassy in Malabo in October 2003. However, due to limited staffing, it can offer only emergency services to U.S. citizens in distress. The U.S. Embassy in Malabo can be contacted at (240) 273-193. U.S. citizens in distress may also contact the U.S. Consular Agent in Bata at (240) 275-507. All U.S. citizens are encouraged to register their presence in Equatorial Guinea with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde, Cameroon, or with the Embassy Branch Office in Douala, Cameroon. Travelers may also obtain updated travel and security information from these offices. The U.S. Embassy in Yaounde is located downtown, on Rue Nachtigal, tel.: (237) 223-40-14, fax: (237) 223-07-53. The Embassy Branch Office in Douala is located on Rue Flatters, in the Citibank building, tel.: (237) 342-53-31, fax: (237) 342-77-90.

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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated March 6, 2003, to update the information on Entry/Exit Requirements, Crime, Other Health Information, Aviation Safety Oversight, Currency Restrictions, Children's Issues, and U.S. Representation.

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