Suzie's Blogs ... Traveling & Living Abroad Hints & Tips

A Developing Coastal West African Country - Guinea Guinea is a developing coastal West African country. The Department of State advises against travel in or near southern border regions. Due to armed incursions across Guinea’s borders with Sierra Leone and Liberia, the Department of State has recalled all U.S. government employees formerly residing within 63 miles (100 kilometers) of the southern borders back to Conakry. Travelers should consult the latest State Department Consular Information Sheet before making travel plans to Guinea, and should register with the U.S. Embassy in Conakry upon arrival. Facilities for tourism are minimal. A visa is required. Diseases such as malaria, including cerebral malaria, hepatitis and intestinal hepatitis disorders are endemic. Evidence of yellow fever immunization is required and the Guinean government recommends taking of malarial suppressants. Medical facilities are limited. Street crime is very common. Criminals particularly target visitors at the airport in Conakry. Pickpockets or persons posing as officials sometimes offer assistance and then steal bags, purses or wallets. Travelers may wish to be met at the airport by travel agents, business contacts, family members or friends to avoid this possibility. Permission from the Guinean government’s security personnel is required for photographing government buildings, airports, bridges or official looking buildings. Credit cards are rarely accepted in Guinea. Fund transfers between banks are frequently difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish. Western Union and Moneygram have offices in Conakry. The communications system is poor. It is recommended that travelers keep their passport in a safe place and carry copies of the passport and visa(s) with them. Enjoy your wordly travels. See you here tomorrow. Suzie Posted: Thursday 10th March 2005, 12:19 AM

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