Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Wally Doerge) Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Equatorial Guinea Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Wed, 12 May 1993 19:29:41 GMT STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Equatorial Guinea ============================================================ CORRECTED COPY CORRECTED COPY CORRECTED COPY (Date corrected for year - 1993) Equatorial Guinea - Consular Information Sheet May 11, 1993 Country Description: Equatorial Guinea is a developing country in West Africa. Tourism facilities are minimal. Areas of Instability: Civil disturbances have occurred in the mainland city of Bata. Travelers have been intimidated and even arrested without cause by overzealous security officials in many parts of the country. Airline Safety: It is reported that the government-owned Equatorial Guinean Airlines (EGA) does not meet any internationally accepted standards for airworthiness. U.S. government employees are prohibited from flying on this airline. Acceptable means of travel >from Equatorial Guinea to the rest of Africa is by charter air service, overland through another country, or by Cameroon Airlines >from Malabo to Douala, Cameroon. Entry Requirements: A passport and a visa, obtained in advance, are required. For entry information, travelers can contact the residence of the Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea in Mount Vernon, New York, at 57 Magnolia Avenue, telephone (914) 667-9664. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are extremely limited. Many medicines are unavailable. There is one dentist and no optician in the country. Malaria, including cerebral malaria, is endemic; travelers usually take malaria suppressants when traveling to Equatorial Guinea. Water is not potable; bottled water may be purchased. Doctors and clinics often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. Information on particular health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559. Information on Crime: Petty crime is common. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa," provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Currency Restrictions: The government of Equatorial Guinea has established stringent currency restrictions, applied both on arrival and departure from the country. Visitors bearing tourist passports must declare any currency in excess of 20,000 CFA local currency (approximately $80 U.S.) immediately upon arrival. This requirement is not clearly posted, nonetheless, travelers who fail to declare their excess currency risk forfeiture of any amount over 20,000 CFA upon departure. Recovery of confiscated currency from the government of Equatorial Guinea is difficult, at best. Prohibition on Photography: Special permits may be needed for some types of photography. Photographing the presidential palace and its environs, military installations, airports, harbors and other sensitive areas may cause problems. U.S. citizens can obtain information from the U.S. Embassy about current restrictions. Tourism Permits: Visitors to some areas of the country may require permits. The U.S. Embassy can provide further information. Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within Equatorial Guinea Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is in the capital city of Malabo at Calle de los Ministros, P.O. Box 597, telephone (240-9) 2406. The fax number is 2164. No. 93-115 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated December 24, 1992, to reflect the sub-standard airworthiness of Equatorial Guinean Airlines.