Customs regulations and required documents
Personal effects import regulations
French-Guinea
Customs regulations
Local laws and customs
Penalties for the use and possession of drugs are severe and usually include a prison sentence that would be served in local prisons.
The police have introduced random breathalyser testing for drivers.
Photography of the presidential palace, ports, airports and military installations is strictly prohibited and can lead to imprisonment. Special permits from the Ministry of Information and Tourism are required for all other photography.
Same sex activity is legal in Equatorial Guinea but there’s no legal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation. Discrimination in society remains a problem with no government efforts to combat it. Same sex marriages aren’t recognised. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.
Caution should be exercised with public displays of affection, both same sex and opposite sex.
Security checks have increased across the country. Ensure you carry proper identification documents (passport or residence permit) at all times to present at security checks. You should follow all official advice and remain non-confrontational if stopped by authorities. Failure to produce identification documents on request can lead to detention.
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Packing list
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / no express release / air waybill (AWB)
- Original valued inventory in French, dated, and signed by the owner of the goods
- Resident permit / work permit / letter of employment
- Moving certificate or change of residence document
- International cargo tracking note (ICTN), for all full container load (FCL) shipments
- Customs export declaration
- Tax ID Document (Code NIF)
Specific Information
- All documents must be provided to agent 2 weeks before arrival of the shipment to obtain duty- free clearance.
- Customs levies an “RTL Tax” or 2% of cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value, with a minimum of 300.000 GNF (approximately 30 Euro), applicable to all shipments.
- Taxes on new goods may be as high as 38-45% of the CIF value, depending on the nature of the goods if the cosignee does not have tax exemption facilities.
The diplomatic organization must apply for diplomatic privileges on the shipment, which may take several weeks for approval by Customs; documents must be supplied to agent at least 3 weeks prior to arrival of the shipment.
Dutiable Items
Only 2 parrots and any endangered species will be prohibited from entering the country unless accompanied by a special permit.
- Any dogs, cats or other animals being brought into the country should be accompanied with a microchip, valid health certificate and a recent rabies vaccination.
- All firearms, explosives and ammunition are completely prohibited from entering the country unless the travellers have obtained either a Certificate of Possession (“autorisation de détention”) or a specific Import Permit (“autorisation d’importation de matériels de guerre – armes et munitions”) and can submit them to the customs department upon entry.
- The importation of these specimens is strongly restricted following the Community rules implementing the CITES-Convention. An additional export permit from the country of origin and a French import permit, issued by the Ministry of the Environment will be needed for any non prohibited plants or plant materials.
Duties on cars are 53% of the CIF value.
Computers, printers, scanner are not considered as personal effects and are subject to duties and taxes (32.01% CIF value).
Only 1 opened bottle of alcoholic beverage can be imported duty free.
The following items can be imported duty free within the limits indicated:
Cigarettes (1000), cigars (250), tobacco (1000 g)
Prohibited Items
- Firearms and ammunition
- Illegal drugs
- more than 5 animals
- Dangerous dog breeds
- Meat, meat products, Milk and dairy products
Miscellaneous (Pets, Motors, and others.)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original registration card
- Change of residence certificate
- Copy of passport
- Copy of purchase invoice for new vehicles
Specific Information
- The taxes for motor vehicles will depend on the age, power etc. and is up to 45% of the CIF.
- All Embassies and diplomatic Organisation should be RPA-Administrative fees GNF 800.000 . The Others Oraganisation should be paid RTL 2% and TVA 18%
Pets
Documents Required
- Veterinary health certificate
- Vaccination record
Specific Information
- Documents must be issued at point of origin.
Same regulations as for France apply.
Exception: All incoming pets (regardless of origin) must be at least 15 weeks old, and must have a microchip implant, pet passport and a rabies vaccination given at least 3 weeks before travel.
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Entry requirements
The information on this page covers the most common types of travel and reflects the UK government’s understanding of the rules currently in place. Unless otherwise stated, this information is for travellers using a full ‘British Citizen’ passport.
The authorities in the country or territory you’re travelling to are responsible for setting and enforcing the rules for entry. If you’re unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements, or you need further reassurance, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.
Entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Entry to Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea has reopened its borders to nationals, residents, diplomats and visa holders travelling for business reasons or with government approval.
The Government of Equatorial Guinea has announced that entry into Equatorial Guinea is prohibited for all passenger flights (including stopover flights) from the UK.
On 9 January, the Government of Equatorial Guinea announced the suspension of flights by French airline Air France.
Diplomatic missions and international organisations must submit a list of their personnel and/or family members travelling to Equatorial Guinea in advance of their arrival, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation confirming the date of arrival, flight number and place of origin.
On arrival, you will be required to provide proof of a negative coronavirus (COVID-19) test, using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, taken within the last 48 hours.
If you do not present a negative COVID-19 test result on arrival, you will be required to undergo a COVID-19 test at the airport at a cost of approximately £200 and must quarantine for 3-5 days in a location approved by Equatorial Guinea authorities at your own expense, while you await the test results. If your test result is returned positive, you must self-isolate for a further 14 days.
You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private test.
Screening on arrival
Your temperature will be taken at arrival at airports and ports.
Visas
You will need a visa to visit Equatorial Guinea. Equatorial Guinea diplomatic missions abroad may issue diplomatic and business entry visas to Equatorial Guinea, however this is kept under review.
The Government of Equatorial Guinea has confirmed it will not penalise British nationals whose visas have expired while they are unable to leave the country due to coronavirus restrictions. If this is your situation, you should write a letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Visa Section) informing them, and keep a copy for future visa applications. You will be allowed to leave the country freely when able to, and this will not affect your chances of being granted a visa in the future.
Regular entry requirements
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry.
Visas
British nationals need a visa to visit Equatorial Guinea. For further information on entry requirements, contact the Embassy of Equatorial Guinea in London: 13 Park Place, St James’, London SW1A 1LP; telephone: 020 7499 6867.
Check that your passport is properly stamped at the airport, on arrival and departure, before leaving the immigration desk. There have been reports of travellers being delayed or threatened with detention because their passports have not been properly stamped.
If you replace your passport the Equatorial Guinea authorities will require the old passport prior to issuing a replacement visa in your new passport. The authorities will not admit travellers on visas entered into old passports, even if the visa is still valid.
Long-term visitors are required to obtain a residence permit of 1 year validity from the Ministry of National Security. Holders of a residence permit no longer require a visa to exit or enter Equatorial Guinea during the validity of their residence permit.
If you’re arriving by air you may be required to fill in a health questionnaire related to recent travel to Ebola-affected countries (Liberia/Guinea/Sierra Leone).
Yellow fever certificate requirements
Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.
Emergency travel documents
Emergency travel documents (ETDs) aren’t valid for entry into Equatorial Guinea but ETDs are accepted for exit from Equatorial Guinea.
Crime
Compared with other countries in the region, the level of violent crime in Equatorial Guinea is low and there have been very few cases of British nationals needing consular assistance. However, there are an increasing number of robberies against people travelling by taxi in both Malabo and Bata including a serious incident of robbery and assault in a shared taxi in Bata. Avoid taking taxis with groups of strangers, particularly at night.
There are regular reports of petty theft affecting both visitors and expatriates. Take sensible personal security precautions. Don’t carry valuables or wear jewellery in public and avoid isolated or poorer areas of town. Don’t walk around Malabo and Bata at night and avoid travelling by road after dark.
Local travel
If you do not have an Equatorial Guinean resident permit, please carry a copy of the photo page and visa page of your passport with you if you wish to travel outside Malabo on the island of Bioko, and outside Bata on the mainland.
Land borders can close with little or no notice. Check the situation with the local authorities before travelling to border areas.
Road travel
Most major roads on Bioko Island and the Rio Muni mainland are now paved. In some isolated rural areas the condition of the roads is likely to be poor. Police and military roadblocks are common.
You may be asked to show your passport, or vehicle registration documents and explain your reason for being in the area. Failure to comply can lead to detention.
There are regular reports of extortion by police and uniformed security forces at roadblocks. You are advised not to pay bribes but to ask for a ticket, detailing alleged offences or violations, which can be paid at a local court.
Public transport facilities, particularly on the mainland, are extremely limited.
Air travel
Equatorial Guinean-registered aircraft are banned from EU airspace on safety grounds. British government employees do not use these aircraft unless this is unavoidable.
Sea travel
There have been armed attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Gulf of Guinea. Take extreme care when travelling in coastal waters.
Political situation
The political situation has been calm in recent years but you should be aware that political events can lead to an increased presence of police, military or security forces on the streets. Avoid any political rallies, demonstrations or large public gatherings.
Commercial disputes
There have been occasions when expatriate staff of foreign companies have been confined to the country for prolonged periods when commercial disputes have arisen.
