Equatorial Guinea is the kind of place most travelers couldn’t find on a map, and that’s not by accident.
Tucked along Central Africa’s west coast and straddling the equator (hence the name), this small, oil-rich nation doesn’t roll out the welcome mat for outsiders.
Before we go further, let’s clear up the Guinea confusion.
Equatorial Guinea is not the same as:
- Guinea: Located in West Africa, known for Conakry and French colonial history.
- Guinea-Bissau: Smaller, Portuguese-speaking country also in West Africa.
- Papua New Guinea: Entirely different continent. This one’s in Oceania, near Australia.
Spain colonized Equatorial Guinea, which explains why Spanish is still the official language.
It gained independence in 1968 and has been ruled by the same president since 1979, making it one of the longest-standing authoritarian regimes in the world.
Political dissent is limited, and the media is tightly controlled.
Most people assume the capital would be on the mainland, but Malabo, the capital city, is actually located on Bioko Island, just off the coast.
The largest city on the mainland is Bata, a commercial hub but not the seat of government.
Tourism here barely exists.
There’s no public data, no real push to attract visitors, and no official tourism agency.
The government has focused almost entirely on oil and gas development.
While hostility towards tourists has cooled slightly in recent years, Equatorial Guinea remains a challenging destination.
It’s not built for casual travelers.
Only experienced, well-prepared adventurers should consider this trip.
Warnings & Dangers in Equatorial Guinea
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Equatorial Guinea sits in the medium-risk category mostly because it lacks the kind of structure and tourism support that makes travelers feel grounded. It's not that danger lurks around every corner, but when you combine unreliable infrastructure with limited access to help, even minor issues can spiral fast without local backup.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH
Transport here is a mess. Public options are unreliable at best and flat-out unsafe at worst. Taxis are cheap and easy to find, but they come with serious risks. Drivers may be impaired, unlicensed, or pick up strangers mid-ride. Assaults and robberies, especially involving solo women, have happened in both Malabo and Bata. This is a high-risk area for visitors.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Pickpocketing itself isn’t rampant, but the real concern is how quickly petty theft can escalate. Watch your surroundings, especially near ATMs. Don’t withdraw cash in public if you can avoid it, and definitely don’t hail a taxi after. That’s when thieves assume you’ve got money and may act on it. Medium risk, but stay alert.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Natural disasters aren’t a daily worry, but flash flooding and seasonal storms are real possibilities, especially during the rainy season. Infrastructure to handle those events is lacking, so even mild storms can knock out roads or services. Keep tabs on the forecast and plan around weather patterns. Call this one a medium risk.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
The risk of being mugged isn’t constant, but when it happens, it tends to be violent. It’s not just a wallet grab. It can involve serious harm. Women face higher risks, which we’ll break down next, but no one should assume they’re safe just because they’re in a populated area. Another medium risk to take seriously.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
This is one of the few low-risk areas. There’s no active terrorism threat, but that doesn’t mean unrest can’t bubble up. Civil tension exists, and protests or local political demonstrations can escalate quickly. Stay far away from anything that looks like a crowd gathering with a purpose. Stick to low-profile areas when possible.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
Scams are a solid medium risk, mostly because they’re more planned than spontaneous. The most common involve taxis or officials trying to solicit bribes. Sometimes it’s subtle; other times it’s aggressive. Don’t flash cash, keep your answers short, and avoid taking help from people who suddenly appear at your side.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
This is a high-risk category. Women are often targeted in taxis, especially if traveling alone. Reports of sexual assault appear in multiple travel advisories, and those risks are amplified when no guide or local contact is involved. Women should not travel solo here. It’s just not a safe environment without a trusted network in place.
TAP WATER RISK: HIGH
Don’t drink the water—period. Tap water is not treated to international safety standards and can carry serious health risks. Stick to sealed bottled water for drinking and even brushing your teeth. Food washed in local water can also be risky, so be mindful of raw fruits and veggies. This is a high-risk area for illness.
Safest Places to Visit in Equatorial Guinea
This is a tricky category because Equatorial Guinea doesn’t have an official tourism website or a tourism ministry or agency.
Without having a valid way to verify tour guides, even planning a trip here is a bit of a guessing game.
Here’s what we could put together for you, but keep in mind that these are just notable spots, not guaranteed to be 100% safe.
The country is split into two main parts: the mainland (Río Muni) and several islands, with Bioko Island being the most visited.
Malabo, the capital, sits on Bioko and has some colonial-era architecture, a handful of hotels, and easier access to international flights.
Bata is the largest city on the mainland.
It’s busier and more chaotic, but still one of the few places with basic infrastructure.
There are national parks, like Monte Alén on the mainland and Pico Basilé on Bioko, but they’re not built out for solo visitors.
Without a guide, getting to them can be tough.
Overall, Equatorial Guinea is more of a “go with someone who knows the ropes” destination than a DIY adventure spot.
I’ve even read some reviews of tour guides scheduled, but they never showed up for the tour or were very late getting to the person paying for the service.
Places to Avoid in Equatorial Guinea
The government advisories don’t list any regions in Equatorial Guinea under the harshest warning of “Do Not Travel.”
However, the border with Cameroon can see civil unrest and violence, so it’s best to avoid that area.
We touched on this earlier, but skip taxis unless you personally know the driver or someone vouched for them.
In Equatorial Guinea, it’s common for taxis to pick up other passengers mid-ride, but that’s risky.
You can be taken off-route or to an unfamiliar area.
The people getting in the taxi could be thieves planning on robbing you.
Solo travelers, especially women, have reported serious assaults.
If you must take a cab, insist on riding alone and stay alert.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Equatorial Guinea
- There’s no dedicated tourist police, and local law enforcement can be hard to track down. In an emergency, go directly to a police station in Malabo or Bata. There’s no consistent 911 system, so don’t expect a quick response. It’s smart to have your embassy’s contact info saved ahead of time.
- Equatorial Guinea doesn’t have a reliable public alert system for natural disasters, political unrest, or other emergencies. Travelers should sign up for alerts through their embassy or the U.S. State Department’s STEP program. Keep a local SIM card if you can get one, and follow local news outlets when possible.
- You can drive with an international permit, but road conditions are unpredictable and poorly marked. Accidents aren’t always responded to quickly, and nighttime driving is especially risky. Stick to daylight hours, travel with a local if possible, and keep all documents in easy reach.
- Roadblocks are frequent, even in cities. Most are manned by police or military, who may ask for ID, vehicle papers, or even a fee. Keep your passport, visa, and any driving permits handy. Stay polite and quiet. Don’t try to record the interaction, or you risk having your phone confiscated.
- It’s common for officials at roadblocks or checkpoints to solicit bribes. Keep small bills separate from your main cash and remain calm. Don’t openly challenge the demand, but don’t offer extra money either. Saying you’ll call your embassy or employer can help end the conversation without paying up.
- Mobile service is limited outside of Malabo and Bata. If you plan to leave the city areas, don’t rely on your phone working at all. Carry printed maps, written directions, and let someone know your route in advance. Having a working local SIM may help, but it isn’t a guarantee.
- Never photograph people without asking. You’ll also want to steer clear of shooting government buildings, ports, military sites, and the Presidential Palace. Even though permits are no longer required for all photography, police may still detain or fine you. If you’re unsure, just keep your camera down.
- Avoid traveling by boat along the coast. Piracy and armed robberies are a growing threat in the Gulf of Guinea. Attacks happen near shore and in open water, often targeting vessels with automatic weapons. Don’t join any sea excursions unless they’re vetted and cleared by local officials or your embassy.
- Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry. Malaria is present year-round, so take antimalarial pills and use repellent. Tap water isn’t safe to drink. Food hygiene varies, especially in rural areas, so stick to bottled water and cooked meals.
- Spanish is the official language, but French and local dialects are also common. English is rarely spoken, even in hotels and government offices. Bring a translation app or phrasebook. Misunderstandings can lead to frustration—or worse, fines—so don’t bluff your way through important conversations.
So... How Safe Is Equatorial Guinea Really?
Equatorial Guinea is a perfect example of a place that isn’t as dangerous as it used to be, but that certainly doesn’t make it safe for travelers.
Let’s start with government advisories.
The United States, Canada, and Australia list it as Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.
That’s the second lowest on a four-tiered scale.
The biggest concerns are theft, violent crime, and political instability.
While most travelers would scoff at a Level 2, the bigger problem in Equatorial Guinea is the lack of tourism information, options, and guides.
The country isn’t necessarily anti-tourist, but certainly doesn’t welcome Westerners with open arms.
Some locations might have dynamic parks or attractions that seemingly make it worth the risks.
As we’ve discussed in this article, you don’t really know what (if anything) you’re missing here because tourism just isn’t a thing… yet.
While we’re not going to say this country is too dangerous to visit, we also don’t have a convincing argument for why you should go there.
How Does Equatorial Guinea Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Equatorial Guinea | 68 |
| Deadwood | 80 |
| Sturgis | 80 |
| Pierre | 81 |
| Spearfish | 80 |
| Hill City | 83 |
| Temuco | 31 |
| Sevierville | 73 |
| Pigeon Forge | 78 |
Useful Information
Visas
Most visitors need a visa to enter Equatorial Guinea, which must be obtained in advance. An online eVisa system is available, but it can be glitchy. You’ll need a passport valid for at least six months and proof of yellow fever vaccination. Visa-free entry is limited to select countries.
Currency
The Central African CFA franc (XAF) is the official currency. Barring a handful of larger hotels, cash is the only accepted form of payment. U.S. Dollars can be exchanged at banks, but don't expect ATMs to be reliable, safe, or versatile.
Weather
Equatorial Guinea has a tropical climate with high humidity and frequent rainfall. The dry season runs from December to February on the mainland and from June to August on Bioko Island. Rain can be intense and sudden, so pack light, breathable clothes, and don’t forget a waterproof layer.
Airports
Malabo International Airport (SSG) is the main entry point, with limited international connections. Bata also has a domestic airport. Facilities can be basic, and flights are sometimes delayed without notice.
Travel Insurance
While not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended. The lack of medical care and resources here means costly trips to get medical help outside the country.
Equatorial Guinea Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
31 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
| Low °C |
23 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| High °F |
88 | 90 | 88 | 88 | 88 | 84 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 84 | 86 | 88 |
| Low °F |
73 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 |
Very unique culture.
BAD
I had a bad experience overall here, I actually feared at one point I might be sold to slavers. and the food is really bad.
Oh my! I’m Sorry you had to go through that.
Great
I am planning a trip to Equatorial Guinea and I have heard how nice it is.
WHY IS THERE LOTS OF STOPS TO EQUATORIAL GUINEA??? why are there no nonstop flights??
My experience was not tarnished by anything
I ended up in Equatorial Guinea to visit some animal sanctuaries as part of an exchange project. I was pleasantly surprised how caring, hardworking and happy these people are, despite going through so much. We had two guides who were with us everywhere so I can’t say very much about their safety levels but I never witnessed anything unpleasant.
There are some pretty bad spots in Equatorial Guinea but you were likely in one of the community systems that look out for one another. You travel out a bit and you will find gang violence and people hurting each other all the time. I didn’t enjoy my trip where I was and felt uneasy about it.