Landmarks and scenery of Equatorial Guinea
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Travel Guide · Africa

Equatorial Guinea

Spanish-speaking Africa — Bioko island's volcanic rainforest and Río Muni's untouched Atlantic coast.

Entry Requirements

Visa requirements for Equatorial Guinea depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.

Check if you need a visa for Equatorial Guinea

Emergency Numbers

Police
114
Ambulance
115

Currency

Name
Central African CFA franc
Code
XAF
Symbol
FCFA

Pegged to the euro. Cash-only for most transactions.

Power Outlets

Outlet types
Type C, Type E
Voltage
220V
Frequency
50Hz

Time Zone

WAT (UTC+1) — no daylight saving

Best Time to Visit

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Major Airports

  • SSG

    Malabo International Airport

    Malabo · main international hub, on Bioko island

  • BSG

    Bata Airport

    Bata · mainland hub

Tipping Customs

Restaurants10%
GuidesUSD 15+ per day

Dress Code

What "modest dress" usually means

Shoulders and knees covered, nothing tight or sheer, no low-cut tops, no visible underwear or midriff. Loose, breathable fabrics work best in warm climates. In most places this is a social expectation rather than a legal rule — the country-specific notes below add any extras (headscarves at mosques, long trousers in temples, etc.).

  • Modest dress in all public settings
  • Lightweight tropical clothing year-round

Social Etiquette

  • Spanish is the primary official language (one of only two Spanish-speaking African nations); French and Portuguese are co-official
  • Visa process is notoriously difficult; permits required for photography anywhere
  • Travel outside Malabo and Bata requires government authorisation

Local Laws

Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.

  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate required
  • Photography of any government, military or infrastructure is strictly forbidden — detentions have been reported
  • The country has one of the world's most restricted press environments

Common Phrases

EnglishLocalPronunciation
Hello (Spanish)HolaOH-la
Thank you (Spanish)GraciasGRAH-see-ahs

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