Travel Safety in Equatorial Guinea
Overview
The security risks in Equatorial Guinea vary according to the travel area and the profile of the traveller. The main security risk in the country is crime. Petty crime, which mainly includes bag-snatching and pickpocketing, is relatively common in the country’s two largest cities, Malabo and Bata. Violent crime does not frequently occur.
In recent years, a trend has emerged of express kidnappings (the short-term abduction of people with the objective of having them withdraw money from an ATM or taking their valuables), mainly conducted from unofficial taxis in Malabo and Bata. The general risk of crime decreases in smaller urban centres and in rural areas.
The political situation in Equatorial Guinea is stable and demonstrations are rare; however, an unforeseen change in the country’s long-standing leadership could lead to instability and associated insecurity.
There are currently no major concerns relating to conflict, kidnapping or terrorism in the country.
Medical facilities are generally non-existent outside Malabo and Bata.
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Basic information
Medical:
115/112 (fire and ambulance) and 113/114 (police). Operators may not speak English. Response times and services are likely to be poor.
Money:
The currency is the Central African franc (XAF).
ATMs that accept foreign bank cards are not widespread and likely to only be available in Malabo and Bata.
Credit cards are only accepted in some international hotels.
Language:
The country's main languages are Spanish and French. English is only spoken in urban business circles.
Water:
Tap water is generally not safe to consume.
Connectivity:
3G and 4G available in Bata and Malabo.