
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL ADVISORY - Guinea
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GUINEA - CAUTION
 March 5, 1992

Summary:  The Department of State advises U.S. citizens that street
crime is a serious problem in Conakry, the capital of Guinea.
Elsewhere in Guinea, crime is not as pervasive.  Health hazards are
ever present, and minor civil disturbances have occurred and could
recur.  Commercial scams or "stings" are often targeted at
foreigners, including U.S. citizens.  End Summary.

Visitors to Conakry should be alert to street crime.  The airport
in Conakry, in particular, is targeted by criminals.  Travelers
should be alert to pickpockets or persons posing as officials who
offer assistance.  Wherever possible, arrange to be met on arrival
by travel agents, business contacts, family members or friends.
U.S. citizens residing in Guinea should be aware of the high
incidence of residential break-ins and take appropriate security
precautions.

Commercial scams or stings have been targeted at foreigners,
including U.S. citizens.  These scams are both fraudulent and
illegal and potentially involve the U.S. citizen business partner in
illegal activity that may lead to threats of extortion.  The ability
of embassy officers to extricate Americans from unlawful business
deals is extremely limited.  Travelers should be wary of offers of
outright money transfers or lucrative sales, or contracts purporting
to involve large sums of money and promises of commissions.  All
visitors are required to have a visa to enter Guinea.

Guinea has experienced civil unrest which usually manifests itself
in the form of demonstrations.  While U.S. citizens have not been
targeted specifically, U.S. citizens should avoid demonstrations.

Roadblocks occur at frequent intervals and individuals stopped at
roadblocks have reported requests for unlawful payments or other
types of intimidation or harassment.

Diseases such as malaria, including cerebral malaria, hepatitis and
intestinal disorders are endemic and proper precautions should be
taken.

Travelers should refrain from taking photographs of government
buildings, airports, bridges or official looking buildings without
the express permission of the host government's security personnel.

Credit cards are rarely accepted in Guinea.  Travelers should bring
sufficient travelers' checks or currency to cover their needs while
visiting the country.  Interbank fund transfers are frequently
difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish.

All U.S. citizens who visit Guinea are urged to register with the
U.S. Embassy in Conakry as soon as possible after their arrival.
The Embassy is located at 2nd Blvd. and 9th Ave., telephone (224)
44-15-20.

 No. 92-035

