Africa
Is Equatorial Guinea safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Equatorial Guinea safe?
Petty and armed crime is moderate, but the main risk is arbitrary police action. Carry copies of documents and avoid presidential and military sites.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-10-06.
- Road deaths: 27.2 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Solo women: Generally respected, but harassment occurs and police are unreliable. Avoid night walking.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Police bribes and arbitrary detention
- Robbery in Malabo and Bata
- Malaria and limited emergency care
Common scams
- Bribe demands at checkpoints
Laws visitors break by accident
- Photographing government buildings, the presidential palace or military sites leads to detention.
- Carry your passport and visa copies at all times.
Quick answers
Is Equatorial Guinea safe for tourists?
Petty and armed crime is moderate, but the main risk is arbitrary police action. Carry copies of documents and avoid presidential and military sites.
Is Equatorial Guinea safe for solo female travelers?
Generally respected, but harassment occurs and police are unreliable. Avoid night walking.
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Equatorial Guinea
- World Bank open data
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