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Practical Information about Equatorial Guinea
Your trip
The best time to visit Equatorial Guinea is during the dry seasons, from December to February and from June to August. While the wet seasons (from March to May and from September to November) can make travel more challenging, they also enhance the country’s natural beauty, with lush landscapes, flowing rivers and waterfalls.
Everyone must take out travel and health insurance before leaving for Equatorial Guinea. Whether Equatorial Guinea is covered by your policy differs per insurance policy. In most cases this will not be a problem. At CultureRoad we recommend: IATI Travel Insurance, a reliable company that has different insurance options that fits your personal needs. Book now to get a 5% discount!
Since July 2023, people from all countries can apply for an Equatorial Guinean e-visa. You can apply at this website. The e-visa costs $75 USD. To get the e-visa, you must plan your travels to arrive to Malabo International Airport. Please note that Americans, who didn’t need a visa before, now have to apply for one.
People from these countries do not need a visa to visit Equatorial Guinea:
Barbados, Tunisia, Turkey, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, Chad, and the Republic of Congo.
Equatorial Guinea uses the time zone UCT +1.
Equatorial Guinea does not practice daylight savings – there is no difference between summer and winter time.
Equatorial Guinea primarily operates as a cash economy. Credit cards are rarely accepted, and ATMs can be unreliable, so it’s important to carry enough local currency to cover your expenses. The official currency is the Central African CFA franc (XAF). Exchanging money is easy if you know where to go. Banks and authorised exchange offices offer the most reliable services with competitive rates and genuine currency. Avoid exchanging money on the street to avoid scams or counterfeit bills.
While ATMs are available, they may not always work in more remote areas. If you plan to use a credit card, check with your bank about international fees. It’s still a good idea to carry cash, especially for smaller purchases or tipping
Food is a significant part of your daily budget. Local meals at small eateries cost around $5–$10, while dining at mid-range restaurants may cost $15–$30 per person. Street food is an affordable and tasty option.
Daily expenses depend on your travel style. Budget travelers might spend around $30–$50 per day, mid-range travelers could expect to spend $70–$100, and luxury travelers may spend $150 or more.
We are always available to advise you on booking a flights for a tour with us. However, most customers prefer to book their flights themselves as this is often the most economic option and allows for some flexibility according to your personal preferences.
Practical information
For Equatorial Guinea there are two associated plug types, types C and E. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type E is the plug which has two round pins and a hole for the socket’s male earthing pin. Equatorial Guinea operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Buying a eSIM before you travel can be a convenient way to stay connected as soon as you arrive in Equatorial Guinea. You may also purchase a local SIM card. Having an appropriate SIM lets you avoid high roaming charges while ensuring you have mobile data, can make local calls, and send texts at local rates during your visit.
Local culture
We carefully select our tour destinations and activities based on current security situations and official travel advice. We also work with local partners who understand the local conditions and can offer assistance if needed. Our goal is to provide everyone with an unforgettable tour, but the local guide will always have the final say on any changes to the itinerary.
Equatorial Guinea is generally safe for tourists when basic precautions are taken. Many Western countries have lifted their previous “reconsider” and “avoid all travel” warnings. Although Equatorial Guinea is quite underdeveloped, which can make travel challenging, its authenticity more than compensates for this.
Some of the safety measures to follow on our tours:
– We do not share details of the itinerary or hotel names with anyone. While such questions may be asked simply out of curiosity, we refrain from disclosing this information as a precaution.
– On days with long journeys, we ensure a timely start to avoid being stranded after dark in case of a car breakdown.
– We recommend avoiding wearing expensive jewellery or watches—please leave them at home.
In general, you can take photos freely. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
– Always ask permission before taking a photo of a person, particularly in cultural ceremonies.
– Do not take pictures of military personnel, military installations, police officers or government buildings.
Equatoguinean food uses local ingredients like plantains, sweet potatoes, breadfruit, cassava, and yams.
Equatorial Guinea’s food is not very vegetarian or vegan-friendly, as many dishes include meat, fish, and palm oil. However, in bigger cities like Malabo and Bata, there are more options for vegetarians and vegans. If you have any dietary requirements, our guide will be able to help you find suitable options.
Equatorial Guinea has a tropical climate. Bring lightweight, breathable clothes and a raincoat or umbrella for the rainy season. Don’t let the rain ruin your plans!
Dress Code: While casual attire is generally acceptable in urban areas, it’s advisable to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural communities. Revealing clothing may be considered disrespectful.
Equatorial Guinea is a developing country with a very turbulent history. Healthcare is very limited. The local hygiene standard naturally differs from that of Europe or North America. Make sure you have enough hand sanitiser, sunscreen and insect repellent with you.
Always bring your prescription medicine in its original packaging and with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the government of Equatorial Guinea to make sure your medicine is allowed. Tap water is not safe to drink in many areas. Bottled water and drinks are safe, but be careful, as many hotels and restaurants serve tap water unless you ask for bottled water. Ice in drinks may also be made from tap water.
We always recommend staying informed about the latest health risks in the region you plan to visit. For the most up-to-date information about your destination, check with your government.