Safety in Guinea

On the street: Guinea is friendly on the whole, but Conakry calls for some care. Try not to walk alone after dark and stay out of unlit side streets, particularly around the markets.
Health: Malaria is present across the whole country, so taking prophylaxis is genuinely important. Use repellent, cover up in the evening and sleep under a net.
Valuables: Do not display expensive kit, large amounts of cash or gold jewellery. In crowds, wear your backpack on your front so you are not the easiest target in the street.
Checkpoints: Roadblocks where soldiers or police check documents are common. Stay polite and calm, carry a photocopy of your passport and leave the original in the safe.
Traffic: City driving is chaotic and the rules are loosely observed. Whether you hire a car with a driver or take taxis, expect sudden manoeuvres and jams, and build extra time into every plan.
Getting help: If something goes wrong, hotel security staff and bank employees are the practical first port of call. Have your insurer's contact details written down before you arrive, and read your own government's travel advisory before booking.

Guinea is a country of immense natural resources and weak infrastructure. Tourists are very few.

Conakry. Pickpockets and bag snatching at the Madina and Niger markets. Nobody walks at night.

Taxis. Shared taxis are the local norm; a foreigner is better off taking the whole car or booking through a hotel.

Checkpoints and "formalities". The main scheme a visitor meets: demands to pay for a missing paper. Keep documents in order.

Currency exchange. Use banks. Street changers short-change.

"Guides" in the Fouta Djallon. The waterfalls and trekking in the Fouta Djallon highlands are the main reason to come. Guides in Doucki and Pita work, but licensing is almost absent. Agree in advance.

Cash. Cards barely work. Bring euros in cash.

The political situation. The country has been through a military coup and restrictions on political activity apply. Demonstrations are suppressed and the internet has been shut off. A foreigner should stay clear.

Photography. Military installations, police, the presidential palace, the airport, the port, bridges and mines are categorically off limits. This is the commonest cause of detention.

Drones. Prohibited without permission.

Drugs. The law is strict.

Minerals. Guinea is the largest bauxite producer and also has diamonds and gold. Offers to sell are a criminal offence.

Roads. In poor condition and washed out in the rainy season. Nobody drives at night.

Same-sex relations are criminalised.

Dress. The country is predominantly Muslim and modesty is appropriate.

Yellow fever is compulsory. A certificate is required on entry.

Malaria. Very high risk year-round. Prophylaxis is unconditionally essential.

Vaccinations. Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, meningococcus, rabies, polio and cholera.

Ebola. Guinea was the origin of the 2014 epidemic and experienced later outbreaks. There are none now, but checking the current situation is worthwhile.

Water. Bottled only.

Healthcare is extremely weak. Conakry has basic clinics. Anything serious means evacuation to France or Morocco. Insurance with air evacuation is essential.

The sea. Currents off Conakry are strong and there are no lifeguards.

Rainy season. From June to October Conakry is among the wettest places on the planet. Roads and flights suffer.

Emergency numbers: 117 police, 442 ambulance.

Guinea ranks low on the Corruption Perceptions Index and extortion occurs regularly.

Checkpoints. Numerous, with demands for money ordinary. Keep small notes separate and documents in order.

Photography and the police. The main conflict. Keep the camera in your bag.

Reporting theft. Reports are taken and certificates issued; the process is slow. The language is French.

Conakry. Urban caution at a high level: no walking at night and no valuables on display.

Political periods. Demonstrations and unrest occur; a foreigner should stay clear.

What actually matters. Guinea's main risks are malaria, roads, healthcare and checkpoints. The Fouta Djallon landscape is impressive, but a trip requires organisation.

Emergency number is 117.