From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Guinea
Date: 6 Jan 1993 15:24:02 -0600
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

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

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is located in the capital city 
of Conakry at Second Boulevard and Ninth Avenue.  The mailing 
address is B.P. 603.  The telephone number is (224) 44-15-20/21/23.  
The fax number is (224) 44-15-22.

Country Description:  Guinea a developing coastal west African 
country.  Facilities for tourism are minimal.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and visa are required.  Evidence of 
yellow fever immunization is required and the Guinean Government 
recommends the taking of malarial suppressants.  There is a 
departure tax of $10 payable at the airport.  Further information 
can be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of Guinea, 2112 
Leroy Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 483-9420.

Areas of Instability:  Guinea has experienced occasional civil 
unrest in larger towns in all the regions of the country.  U.S. 
citizens have not been targeted specifically in any 
demonstration-related violence.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities are limited.  Diseases such 
as malaria, including cerebral malaria, hepatitis and intestinal 
disorders are endemic.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate 
cash payment for health services.  U.S. medical insurance is not 
always valid outside the United States.  In some cases, travelers 
have obtained supplemental medical insurance that specifically 
covers overseas treatment.  Additional health information can be 
obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international 
travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.

Information on Crime:  Street crime is very common.  The airport in 
Conakry in particular is targeted by criminals.  Pickpockets or 
persons posing as officials will offer assistance and then make off 
with bags, purses or wallets.  Being met at the airport by travel 
agents, business contacts, family members or friends helps to avoid 
this possibility.  In addition, there is a high incidence of 
residential break-ins.  Commercial scams or stings have targeted 
foreigners, including U.S. citizens.  These scams are fraudulent, 
illegal, and potentially involve the U.S. citizen business partner 
in illegal activity that may lead to threats of extortion.  The 
ability of U.S. Embassy officers to extricate U.S. citizens from 
unlawful business deals is extremely limited.  Useful information on 
safeguarding valuables and protecting personal security while 
traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A 
Safe Trip Abroad," available from the Superintendent of ocuments, 
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402

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

Restrictions on Photography:  Permission from the host government's 
security personnel is required for photographing government 
buildings, airports, bridges or official-looking buildings.

Currency Regulations:  Credit cards are rarely accepted in Guinea.  
Inter-bank fund transfers are frequently difficult, if not 
impossible, to accomplish.

Telephones:  The communication system is poor.  The limited 
telephone and fax lines are usually available between 6:00 p.m. and 
6:00 a.m. local time.

Tips for Travelers:  The Department of State publication "Tips for 
Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" contains useful information.  It 
can be obtained 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 in 
Conakry can obtain updated information on travel and security in 
Guinea.

 No. 92-146


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