From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- EqGuinea
Date: 6 Jan 1993 11:17:58 -0600
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Equatorial Guinea
============================================================
Equatorial Guinea - Consular Information Sheet
 December 24, 1992

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is in the capital city of 
Malabo at Calle de los Ministros, P.O. Box 597, telephone (24-9) 
2406.  The fax number is 2164.

Country Description:  Equatorial Guinea is a developing country in 
West Africa.  Tourism facilities are minimal. 

Areas of Instability: Civil disturbances have occurred in the 
mainland city of Bata.  Travelers have been intimidated and even 
arrested without cause by overzealous security officials in many 
parts of the country.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and a visa, obtained in advance of 
a visit, are required.  For entry information, travelers can contact 
the residence of the Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea in Mount 
Vernon, New York, at 57 Magnolia Avenue, telephone (914) 667-9664.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities are extremely limited.  
Many medicines are unavailable.  There is one dentist and no 
optician in the country.  Malaria, including cerebral malaria, is 
endemic; travelers usually take malaria suppressants when traveling 
to Equatorial Guinea.  Water is not potable; bottled water may be 
purchased.  Doctors and clinics often expect immediate cash payment 
for health services.  U.S. medical insurance is not always valid 
outside the United States.  Supplemental medical insurance with 
specific overseas coverage has proved useful.  Information on 
particular health matters can be obtained from the Centers for 
Disease Control's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 
332-4559.  

Information on Crime:  Petty crime is common.  Useful information 
on safeguarding valuables and protecting personal security while 
traveling abroad is provided in the pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad", 
available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government 
Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail 
sentences and fines.  

Currency Restrictions:  The government of Equatorial Guinea has 
established stringent currency restrictions, applied both on arrival 
and departure from the country.  Visitors bearing tourist passports 
must declare any currency in excess of 20,000 CFA local currency 
(approximately $80 U.S.) immediately upon arrival.  This requirement 
is not clearly posted:  nonetheless, travelers who fail to declare 
their excess currency risk forfeiture of any amount over 20,000 CFA 
upon departure.  Recovery of confiscated currency from the 
Government of Equatorial Guinea is difficult, at best.

Prohibition on Photography:  Special permits may be needed for some 
types of photography.  Photographing the presidential palace and its 
environs, military installations, airports, harbors and other 
sensitive areas may cause problems.  U.S. citizens can obtain 
information from the U.S. Embassy about current restrictions.

Tourism Permits:  Visitors to some areas of the country may require 
permits.  The U.S. Embassy can provide further information on this.

Safety Standards:  Some of the airlines and ferries which provide 
access to Equatorial Guinea do not observe applicable international 
safety standards. They routinely board more passengers than their 
crafts are authorized to carry.

Tips for Travelers:  Additional information is provided in the 
Department of State publication "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan 
Africa."  It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. 
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy can 
obtain updated information on travel and security within the 
country.  

 No. 92-141


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