US Travel Advisory for Guinea

United States Department of State

Bureau of Consular Affairs

Washington, DC 20520


GUINEA

December 3, 2010

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Guinea as the political situation there remains unpredictable. This Travel Warning replaces that of June 16, 2010, to update information on the security situation and note that children of U.S. citizen employees of the Embassy have not yet been authorized to return to post.

Although Guinea has been relatively calm since the interim government declared a State of Emergency on November 18 to deter violence and protests following the disputed November 7 presidential election, large crowds of demonstrators have continued to block major intersections throughout the capital, and pelt passing vehicles with rocks. Additionally, an upsurge in property crime has resulted in the issuance of a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew. U.S. citizens are advised that, although the U.S. Embassy in Conakry returned to full staffing on March 29 after a six-month evacuation of family members and non-emergency staff, minor children of U.S. citizen employees of the Embassy have not yet been authorized to return. This restriction will be periodically reevaluated.

The U.S. Embassy in Guinea is open. The Embassy’s consular section continues to provide emergency and other services to U.S. citizens. However, citizens should be aware that the Embassy may be forced to suspend all operations, including emergency services, without advance notice if the security situation deteriorates. The international airport in Conakry is operating normally at this time, but flights may be suspended if the current security situation worsens. Land borders are also open, but may close without warning. U.S. citizens are urged to exercise extreme caution, to be particularly alert to their surroundings, and to avoid crowds, demonstrations, or any other form of public gathering. Visitors to Guinea should be familiar with their hotel evacuation plans, policies, or procedures.

U.S. citizens in Guinea should carry their travel documents (i.e., passport, birth certificate, picture IDs, etc.) with them at all times. Additionally, U.S. citizens in Guinea are reminded to stay in contact with friends and family in the United States to keep them apprised of their current welfare and whereabouts.

All U.S. citizens traveling to or remaining in Guinea despite this Travel Warning are strongly urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP - https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/) so you can receive the most up-to-date security information. You should remember to keep all of your information in STEP up to date. It is important during enrollment or updating of information to include your current phone number and current email address where you can be reached in case of emergency.

The U.S. Embassy is located on the Transversale No. 2, Centre Administratif de Koloma, opposite the New Radio Station in Ratoma, Conakry, Guinea. You can call the Embassy switchboard at +224-65-10-4000, or reach the consular section directly by calling +224-67-10-4444. For after-hours emergencies, please call +224-67-10-4311.

Updated information on travel and security in Guinea may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada or, for callers outside of the United States and Canada, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the Country Specific Information for Guinea and the Worldwide Caution, which are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov.