Travel Vaccines and Advice for Guinea
Guinea is small West African country, considered an off-the-beaten path destination for adventurous travellers. Popular areas for visitors to Guinea include Iles de Los, a trio of nearby tropical islands and Fouta Djalon, an area with green rolling hills known for excellent hiking.
The coastal city of Conakry serves as Guinea’s capital. It is known for the historical architecture of its mosques and churches, as well as the Conakry Botanical Gardens, home to many tropical flowers and tall Kapok trees that can grow up to 60 m.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Guinea?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Guinea?
What is the Climate Like in Guinea?
How Safe is Guinea?
Guinea’s Rules, Customs and Laws
What Should I Take to Guinea?
Canadian Embassy in Conakry
Do I Need Vaccines for Guinea?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Guinea. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Guinea: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
A risk in some regions. Especially recommended for those visiting rural areas. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Guinea |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | A risk in some regions. Especially recommended for those visiting rural areas. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) |
Routine Vaccinations for Guinea |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Yellow fever is endemic in Guinea. the PHAC recommends yellow fever vaccination for all travellers to Guinea who are over 9 months old. All visitors to Guinea arriving from countries with yellow fever must show proof of vaccination.
There is currently a measles outbreak in several areas of Guinea. Travellers should make sure they have been vaccinated against the disease.
The country of Guinea was affected by the Ebola outbreak in 2014, but was declared Ebola-free in 2016.
According to the PHAC, there is also risk of Zika in Guinea. Pregnant women should avoid travelling to the area.
To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either call or book online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Guinea
Canadians must present a passport which is valid for at least the duration of their stay in order to enter the country. You must also receive a visa for all tourism and business purposes prior to departure.
Guinea Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Guinea? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
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| Tourist Visa | |
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| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Guinea and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visas are generally valid for 30 days, but can be extended for up to 90 days.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Guinea?
Guinea has a tropical climate, with both a wet and dry season. It is hot and humid, and known as one of the wettest countries in West Africa.
Monsoon season is generally between June and November. It can make travel in some remote areas difficult as roads can become muddy and impassable.
How Safe is Guinea?
There is no country-wide advisory in place for Guinea. But, the Canadian Government advises caution for travellers visiting the country.
Travellers should to be vigilant, especially at the borders between Sierra Leone, Liberia and Mali.
There is a risk of terrorism within Guinea. Pay attention to your surroundings while in public, and avoid any demonstrations or protests.
There have been instances of muggings and carjackings involving foreigners in Guinea. Avoid displaying items such as jewellery or electronics. Don’t walk alone or travel at night, if possible.
Road checkpoints are not uncommon. Keep your travel documents with you at all times. It’s also a good idea to keep car doors and windows locked during travel.
Water from local communities in Guinea should be considered contaminated and should not be used for drinking or cooking.
Guinea’s Rules, Customs and Laws
- An international driving permit is required to operate a vehicle in Guinea. Passport Health’s Passport and Visa Services department can help you obtain one.
- A license is required to export gems. Smuggling is a serious offense with strict penalties.
- Photographing military or police sites, or the Presidential palace is forbidden.
- Islamic laws and practices are adhered to in Guinea and should be respected by all visitors. Dress conservatively and adhere to social and religious traditions.
- The laws of Guinea prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.
What Should I Take To Guinea?
Guinea has a tropical climate, so light, airy clothing will help keep you cool and comfortable.
Guinea has both a wet and dry season. If you are visiting during the wet season, between June and November, be sure to bring a rain jacket and an umbrella.
Because of the humidity and moisture, Guinea is home to the type of mosquito that carries yellow fever. Be sure to bring mosquito spray to protect yourself from bites and don’t forget your vaccine.
Canadian Embassy in Conakry
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Guinea, the information for the Canadian consulate is:
Consulate of Canada in Conakry
Micheline residence Block B 1st Floor Apt 202,
Camayenne, Municipality of Dixinn,
Conakry, Guinea
Telephone: +224 610 226232
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Guinea
“The nurse who reviewed my plans with me was knowledgeable, friendly and patient with my many questions. I feel prepared for my Guinea trip.”
“Our nurse was very knowledgeable and understanding. She explained everything and she took her time to make sure we have the best experience ever. Thank you so much for making our Guinea trip a success!”
“My service at this passport Clinic was excellent. I was well informed about the vaccine options and what I need it in order to travel to Guinea in January. Overall good experience.”
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