What the governments of the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada tell their own citizens about travelling to Equatorial Guinea, in their own words, plus practical help with packing.
Each government rates the risks for its own citizens, on its own scale. The levels are shown exactly as published; they are not equivalent to each other and are not combined here.
Does not advise against travel
No numbered levels
Updated 8 January 2026
Latest change, in the source's words: Updated information on commercial disputes (‘Safety and security’ page).
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Level 2 of 4
Updated 7 October 2025
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Exercise a high degree of caution
Level 2 of 4
Updated 24 September 2026
Latest change, in the source's words: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
From the section “Emergency services in Equatorial Guinea” of the UK government's travel advice for Equatorial Guinea, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Ambulance: 3101
Police: 666 404040 or 666 303030
Emergency numbers and emergency response are unreliable. Emergency help can be limited in some places that are hard to reach. You may need to get local advice and arrange private transport.
From the section “Laws and cultural differences” of the UK government's travel advice for Equatorial Guinea, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Always carry your passport or residence permit (or copies) with you throughout the country. Security checks have increased across the country. Follow all official advice and remain non-confrontational if stopped by authorities. If you fail to show identification documents on request, you could be arrested and detained.
Possession of drugs is a serious offence and punishments can be severe, including prison sentences.
Photographing government or military buildings or airports is illegal and you could be arrested and detained.
Showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention. It is uncommon for opposite or same-sex couples to show affection in public.
Same-sex relationships are not illegal in Equatorial Guinea, but there is no legal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation. Society is very conservative and discrimination can be a problem for those open about their sexual identity. Same-sex marriage is not recognised in Equatorial Guinea.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
You can only pay by credit card at a few major hotels including the Hilton and Sofitel. There are a limited number of ATMs in Malabo and Bata – some accept international bank cards. Local banks will exchange cash euros, British pounds and US dollars.
From the section “Medication” of the UK government's travel advice for Equatorial Guinea, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. Pharmacies in Malabo and Bata stock basic medication.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
The UK government's travel advice for Equatorial Guinea has no section on this topic. Read the full advice on GOV.UK.
Practical suggestions from Trip Rulebook, based on open data and fixed rules. They are not safety or legal advice: rules on clothing, medicines and restricted items are covered only by the official text on this page.
Plug and voltage data: Wikipedia, “Mains electricity by country”, CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence), retrieved 2026-09-29. Sockets in hotels can differ; the label on your charger (for example “INPUT 100–240V”) tells you which voltages it accepts.
Rainfall Average temperature
National averages for 1991-2020. Coasts, mountains and regions can be very different, and any given year can be warmer, colder or wetter. Suggestions come from fixed rules based on these averages. Climate data: World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal, observed climate data (CRU TS), CRU TS (cru_ts4.09), Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia, CC BY 4.0 (licence).
What is acceptable to wear is a matter of local law and custom: read Local laws and customs.
A general list for any trip. Ticks are not saved.
Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change often, so Trip Rulebook does not summarise them. Each government explains the rules for its own citizens. If you travel on another passport, check with the embassy or the official immigration website of Equatorial Guinea.
This page is guidance, not legal advice. Laws and advice change without notice and are written for each government's own citizens, so they may apply to you differently. Confirm everything with the official source before you travel. Terms of use.