Guinea

Visitor Information

Climate | Latest Travel Advice | Visas & Immigration | Money | Local Time | Getting Around | Public Holidays | Electrical Power | Travel Insurance

CLIMATE

The climate is tropical but relatively mild for the latitude. Climatic differences between various parts of the country are affected by the sun's journey north or south of the equator and the corresponding position of the intertropical convergence \one, the boundary between the moist southwesterly winds and the dry northeasterly winds. Except in the north, there are two rainy seasons, from April to June and from September to November. In the north squalls occur in March and April, followed by occasional rain until August and September, when the rainfall reaches its peak.

Temperatures range between 21°C and 32°C (70°F - 90°F), relative humidity between 50% and 80%. Rainfall ranges from 30 to 80 inches a year. The harmattan, a dry desert wind, blows from the northeast from December to March lowering the humidity and causing hot day and cool nights in the north. The effect of this wind is felt in the south during January. In most areas, temperatures are highest in March and lowest in August after the rains. Variation between day and night temperatures is relatively small, but greater in the north, especially in January, on account of the harmattan.

Climate Chart for Conakry

For today's weather forecast see     CNN - Africa Weather Forecasts

LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department - Travel Warnings

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

Visas are required by all visitors apart from nationals of Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Egypt, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Romania, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Tunisia. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended departure date.

On visa application you may be asked to show you have sufficient funds to support your stay and an onward ticket. If you are travelling overland be sure to state this on your application.

NB: Visa requirements change fairly regularly so it is advisable to check with your Consulate or Embassy.

Listing of Guinea Embassies, Consulates and/orTourist offices located around the world

MONEY

Official Currency:    Guinea Franc=100 centimes
Current Exchange Rate:    Today's Exchange Rate

Very few places accept credit cards.

Banks in Guinea:

Central bank of the Republic of Guinea
Avenue de la République. PO Box 692 Conakry.
Tel: +(224) 443963

International Bank for the Commerce and Industry
Avenue de la République, PO Box 1484 Conakry.
Tel: +(224) 415011 - Fax: +(224) 413962
Branches in Conakry, Boke, Kamsar, Labe, Kankan, N'Zérékore, Macenta, Guéckédou.

Islamic Bank of Guinea
BP 1247 Conakry.
Tel: +(224) 445073 - Fax: +(224) 445071

People's Morrocco and Guinean Bank
Avenue de la république. PO Box 4400 Conakry.
Tel: +(224) -412360 - Fax: +(224) -413261
2 in Conakry and one in Kindia.

International Banks Union in Guinea
5ème Boulevard angle 6ème avenue Centre Ville PO Box 324 Conakry.
Tel: +(224) 412096 - Fax: +(224) 444277

BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS

Banking:    Monday to Friday 08:30 - 12:30 and 1430-1630

LOCAL TIME

Guinea has the same time as GMT

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

Air:	Domestic Flights Domestic flights are available, a couple of times a week, between Conakry, Boké, Kissidougou, Kankan, Siguiri, Labé and Koudara. Schedules change regularly.
Rail:	There is a limited and slow rail service between Conakry, Kindia and Kankan.
Public Transport:	All the main towns are served by the government bus company, "Sogetrag" from Conakry. Some of the larger buses are fairly comfortable
Self Drive / Car Hire:	The Africa Guide's recommended Map Guinea Map   (Maps Worldwide) Published by Institut Geographique National (IGN) Format Folded Map, Scale 1:1 000 000 very clear road maps with a key and index included in a range of languages. Major towns often have a small street map as well. Other Maps & Atlases for Sale
	Roads are generally in poor condition and impassable during the rains. Traffic drives on the right and an International Driving Licence is required

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Electrical Power

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Guinea, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.

	Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected while you're away.
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	Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55 years of age.