Includes information on business customs, travel advisory, visa requirements, currency, language, health, local time, business hours and holidays, acceptable business etiquette, dress, business cards, gifts, temporary entry of materials and personal belongings, etc.
Last Published: 4/29/2019

Business Customs

Given the complexity of Guinea’s social and economic customs, it is imperative to establish local contacts, and possibly a local office staffed by individuals who know the language(s) and cultures of Guinea.  Rampant corruption and several years of political instability mitigate the beneficial effects of good investment laws.  It will take time to change an established culture of corruption and mistrust.

Bribery is a common practice in commercial negotiation in Guinea.  Though it is illegal to pay bribes in Guinea, there is no enforcement of these laws.  In practice, it is difficult and time-consuming to conduct business without paying bribes in Guinea, which can leave U.S. companies at a disadvantage as they must comply with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.  Enforcement of the rule of law in Guinea is irregular and inefficient.  Businesses report that one must pay a bribe to see that law is enforced, and then a bribe is paid by the offender to reduce or eliminate any penalties.  It is crucial that businesses understand that bribery is common and be prepared to appropriately address and deflect bribery attempts.

Business in Guinea is conducted on a very personal level; given the weakness of local legal institutions and law enforcement Guineans rely heavily on personal networks to make business connections and establish trust. Particularly at the beginning of a business relationship face-to-face meetings are vital.  Guinean businesspeople will want to inspect potential partners’ products and facilities personally to establish their quality. 

Guinea’s population is approximately 85% Muslim.  Businesses will encounter similar challenges and opportunities found in other West African/Muslim countries.  Business attire is recommended and business cards are commonly exchanged during meetings.  Key elements to success in Guinea are French language ability, patience,taking the time necessary to develop relationships, and very clear contractual terms, including an irrevocable letter of credit and/or advance payment.

Travel Advisory

It is highly advisable for any U.S. citizen to consult the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Information sheet for Guinea, available at the Department of State website Department of State website. In case of a public health crisis in Guinea, consult CDC for the latest travel notices and information.

Visa Requirements

A passport, visa, international vaccination record (WHO card), and a current yellow fever vaccination are all required for entry into Guinea. Please contact the Embassy of the Republic of Guinea for the most current visa information. The Embassy of the Republic of Guinea in Washington, D.C. is located at 2112 Leroy Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008; tel: (202) 986-4300; fax: (202) 478-3010. Overseas inquiries should be made at the nearest Guinean embassy or consulate. The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Guinea.  Although the reciprocity visa agreement between Guinea and the United States calls for a 36 month multiple entry visa, the Guinean embassy presently only issues visas for six and 12 month validity.

U.S. Companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States should be advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process. Visa applicants should go to the following links:
State Department Visa Website
U.S. Embassy, Conakry Consular Office

Currency

Guinea is a cash economy. While some upscale hotels will accept credit cards, fraud and exchange rate manipulation make dealing in hard currency a simpler way to settle accounts. ATMs are rare and susceptible to tampering. Dollars can be exchanged for local currency relatively easily at local banks.

Telecommunications/Electronics

The telephone network in Guinea is generally unreliable and subject to coverage failure and frequent system outage in the countryside, but there is generally reliable 3G network in Conakry.  While there are some land lines, the more common practice is to carry multiple cell phones with different cellular company subscriptions. There are currently four major cellular phone companies in Conakry (MTN, Cellcom, Intercel, and Orange).  Competition between the available service providers affords customers reasonable local rates.  International calls can be made from most cellular phones, major hotels, and places of business.  Guinean postal service is not reliable and is not a secure means of transmitting anything of value. It is strongly advised that all mail be routed through the overnight carriers serving Guinea (DHL or FedEx).

There are numerous web equipped facilities in Conakry, but the services are expensive and insecure, and the connections are poor.  Internet connectivity in the interior of the country is almost non-existent.  Guinea is connected to the undersea fiber optic cable off the West African coast and internet speed and reliability has improved.  Some providers now provide fiber optic based service, which represents a vast improvement.  Guinea’s internet speeds are poised to continue improving as more service providers roll out fiber optic based data services.
Guinea uses a 220 volt system with a standard European/French plug.  

Transportation

Conakry Airport is served by Air France, Brussels Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Air Ivoire, Tunisair, Ethiopian Air, Turkish Airlines, Emirates Air, ASKY, and Air Mauritanie. Guinean has launched a new national carrier, but it has yet to offer flights. There is no commercial air service to the interior of Guinea.
Taxis are available at the major hotels in Conakry, but are not up to U.S. standards and can be unsafe. Car rental (with or without a driver) is available through many larger hotels in Conakry, though it is expensive. There are no car rental agencies at the airport.

Avis: B.P. 1455, Conakry, Republique de Guinee; Tel: +224.622.41.11.82; Email: avisgui@sotelgui.net.gn 
Hertz Guinee: B.P. 1562, Conakry, Republique de Guinee; Tel: +224.43.07.45
EURO Car: Hotel de l’Independence, B.P. 3152, Conakry, Republique de Guinee; Tel: +224.631.40.70.80; Email: azcorp@sotelgui.net.gn 

Language

French is the official language of government, education, and business.  Local languages (Soussou, Peular, Malinké, etc) are also widely spoken, particularly outside of Conakry.  Most Guinean businesspeople speak little or no English.

Health 

Most healthcare facilities in Guinea are in poor condition. There is little or no control on the importation of medicines, many of which are suspected to be counterfeit and dangerous to use.  Visitors should update all appropriate vaccinations before traveling to Guinea. Consult the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website and the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Information Sheet, Embassy consular information, for information on vaccinations, medical education, insurance (including Medevac insurance), medical facilities, and health care.  Please be advised that any traveler to Guinea must have a yellow fever shot recorded on an official World Health Organization (WHO) card (see “visa requirements” section) in order to enter the country.  The vaccination should be given at least 10 days before travel and at 10 year intervals if there is an on-going risk.  If a traveler does not have the immunization and card when entering Guinea, they will be given the shot by airport medical officials, which is not a recommended space for such vaccinations.

Malaria is a major cause of death among unprotected travelers.  Malaria is a tropical infection spread by the Anopheles Mosquito.  Chloroquine-resistant malaria is present in Guinea.  Malaria prophylaxis should be started two weeks before arrival for Mefloquine and continue four weeks after departure; two days prior for Malarone, and seven days after departure; and for Doxycycline, two days prior to coming and continued for 4 weeks after departure.  Please consult your physician for the appropriate prophylaxis and usage before taking any of these prescription medications.

Before traveling to Guinea, it is important to consult your physician about appropriate measures to take to maintain your health.  Although not an exhaustive list, the following simple health precautions should be observed in Guinea:

•    Drink only bottled, boiled, or filtered water
•    Wash and disinfect salad ingredients and non-pealable vegetables and fruits before eating them
•    Take anti-malaria pills as the prescription requires
•    Use a mosquito net at night and wear long-sleeved clothing and pants when possible
•    Do not swim in non-moving fresh water
•    Persons with chronic medical conditions must bring supplies and medications sufficient for their length of stay

Medical facilities are limited and are not up to U.S. or European standards. Doctors and hospitals will expect immediate cash payment for medical care.  The Embassy’s Consular Section keeps a list of doctors for referral to Americans.

Guinea suffered an Ebola outbreak from December 2013 to June 2016.  Although the outbreak is over, there remains the remote chance of viral re-emergence in Guinea.  The CDC website will contain the most up to date information concerning any re-emergence and its threat to visitors.

Local Time, Business Hours and Holidays

Conakry follows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Business hours are generally from 9am until 6pm, but times vary greatly.  The following official holidays are observed in Guinea (days vary for religious holidays):
To see the calendar of U.S. Embassy in Conakry, Guinea 2018 observance of local and U.S. holidays click here.

Temporary Entry of Materials or Personal Belongings

Provided that goods are declared prior to entry, all items for personal use and personal effects may be brought into the country in small amounts, free of duty.  Transport of narcotics, military equipment, and firearms is prohibited.

Travel Related Web Resources

 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.