Is Equatorial Guinea safe? Be alert to petty crime, scamming taxi drivers and learn how to avoid crime while traveling with these tips.
Photo © Getty Images/Diego Ramos / EyeEm
Crime in Equatorial Guinea
It's a widely-held belief that when taking other nearby countries in this continent into account, the crime rate in this West African locale is not that bad. Petty theft is among the worst you can expect in terms of becoming a victim of a crime, and wealthy-seeming travelers can be high on the list of probable targets.
You know what this means: don't look wealthy.
Avoid wearing fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and don't flash around your phones, cameras or wallets.
Avoid walking around Malabo and Bata, or driving at night, to avoid the prime time of attacks.
Generally, if you stay alert and out of the spotlight with what you're wearing and mannerisms, you should be just fine.
Political unrest in Equatorial Guinea
Violent situations will most likely present themselves in relation to political tensions in Equatorial Guinea, but you should not put yourself in a situation where these matters could escalate.
In early 2009, gun fire around the Presidential Compound in Malabo, the capital, jolted residents and expats, but things have remained largely under control there since then.
Political rallies and protests do occur, and you should never go near these crowds or take part in any protests. Police will be out in droves during these events, as will the military on occasion.
Carry your identification on you
You may be subject to random checks for documentation such as passport and residence permit, especially during big events like summits.
You can be apprehended for refusing to produce these papers.
When traveling elsewhere in Equatorial Guinea, you will want to keep your paperwork on you as well.
If you travel outside of Malabo and Bata, you might encounter military roadblocks and be asked to show identification and purpose or intent of the visit. Checkpoints are common in other areas of the country as well, and the same questions will be asked by police or military. Be advised that many of these officials do not speak English.
You might want to consider writing an explanation for your visit and your itinerary in Spanish to avoid confusion. Officials may try to bribe you. If this happens, ask to be written a ticket with detailed explanation of your offences so you can pay it at a local court if it is legitimate.
Entry and exit
If you are entering or exiting Equatorial Guinea via Cameroon, the border at Rio Campo is not always open. The regulations change often, so researching before you plan to go is heavily recommended.
Avoid speaking badly of the leadership, as it can lead to questioning and jail time.
Getting around safely
The roads in Malabo are paved, but many in rural areas are not. Rain can make roads impassable unless you have a four-wheel drive vehicle. You can get rental cars in Bata.
Driving is really your only way around Equatorial Guinea, as public transport is scarce.
Taxis are available, but they may cause a headache, as drivers might jack up prices for foreigners. Always agree on a rate and never pay upfront.
Mini-buses also operate, but they can be crowded and unsafe. If you want to get to other small islands, you may be able to take a pirogue, or dugout canoe.
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4 Comments
Most recently in EG 2018. It is a police state. There is essentially no tourist infrastructure. You cannot hire your own car, and if you wish to travel from Malabo you are at the whim of a few locals with crapped out vehicles. Going rate is US$400 for a ride around the island (though we got down to US$120). Official policy is that you need to present a letter of desire and intent to the appropriate ministry, and wait three days. All interesting parts of the island are off limits to tourists, so you will only see a ratty beach and a few falling down villages. The security stops are frequent (and perfunctory for visitors), and clearly intended to control the inhabitants.
James,
I am sorry you have that bad experience in Equatorial Guinea, but it not true. All the places are open to tourist with a permission that can be obtained easily in the Tourism Ministry.
I repeat, there are not places in Equatorial Guinea that can be visited by a national and not for a tourist. Rental a car is a madness and a really bad idea in Equatorial Guinea, you should contact somebody who can take care of all the arrangements for you.
If you try to visit Equatorial Guinea without knowing the requirements, you cannot blame the country, but yourself.
Anyway, if you ever come here again, we will take you to all places you want to see free of charge to make you change your mind.
We want to come, visit and SEE EVERYTHING... I just discovered out through my African Ancestry DNA I am a descendant of an African female from the Bioko Island and part of the Bubi people that was captured during the slave trade. We want to come home.. we need to feel the earth and see our people. How can you help us make this come true?
My dream is to visit and stay in EQ! Perhaps someone could invite me and show me a good time!