Equatorial Guinea Visa Requirements
For 🇪🇸 Spain passport holders
Spain passport holders must apply for a visa at a Equatorial Guinea embassy or consulate before traveling.
Spanish citizens require a visa to enter Equatorial Guinea. As a former Spanish colony, Spanish is the official language. Visas must be obtained in advance from the embassy. The country is oil-rich but restrictive.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond stay
Blank Pages
2 page(s) required
Multiple Entry
Single entry
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Entry Conditions
Valid passport with at least 6 months validity, visa obtained in advance, letter of invitation, yellow fever vaccination certificate, return ticket.
Fines and potential detention.
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Safety Rating
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Malaria prophylaxis, Rabies
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
Equatorial Guinea is relatively safe in terms of crime, but the authoritarian government creates a restrictive environment. Photography is severely restricted. Security forces are sensitive. Avoid political discussions. The country is not tourist-oriented and facilities are limited outside the oil industry.
Money & Costs
Currency
CFA Central African CFA Franc (XAF)
Daily Budget (USD)
Budget: $100 · Mid: $200 · Luxury: $400+
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but not expected. Service charges may be included in hotels.
Practical Info
Power
Type C, E, 220V 50Hz
Driving
Right side
Emergency
114 (Police)
Getting There
Main Airports
Bata (BSG) · Malabo (SSG)
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Equatorial Guinea is during the dry seasons: December to February and June to August. The wet seasons bring heavy rainfall. Bioko Island has a cooler highland climate while the mainland (Río Muni) is hotter.
Cultural Notes
Equatorial Guinea is Africa's only Spanish-speaking country. The Fang people are the dominant ethnic group on the mainland, while Bubi people inhabit Bioko Island. Traditional beliefs coexist with Christianity. The country has significant oil wealth but limited development outside Malabo and Bata.
Insider Tips
Spanish is the official language along with French and Portuguese, making it easy for Spanish speakers. The Central African CFA franc is the currency. Equatorial Guinea is extremely expensive due to the oil economy. Photography of government buildings, military, airports, and ports is prohibited. Permits may be needed for general photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Equatorial Guinea Spanish-speaking?
Equatorial Guinea was a Spanish colony from the 18th century until independence in 1968, making it Africa's only Spanish-speaking country. Spanish remains the primary official language, which is convenient for Spanish travelers. French and Portuguese have also been adopted as official languages for regional economic integration.
Why is Equatorial Guinea so expensive?
Oil discovered in the 1990s made Equatorial Guinea one of Africa's wealthiest countries per capita, though wealth is concentrated among elites. The oil industry inflated prices dramatically. Hotels can cost $200-400/night, and meals are expensive. The country is not oriented toward budget tourism.
Can I take photographs in Equatorial Guinea?
Photography is severely restricted. Photographing government buildings, military installations, airports, ports, and even street scenes can lead to detention and confiscation of equipment. Some visitors have been detained for innocent tourist photography. If you want to photograph, consider obtaining official permits in advance and be extremely careful.
What can I see in Equatorial Guinea?
Bioko Island offers Monte Alen National Park with rainforest, beaches at Arena Blanca, and colonial architecture in Malabo. The mainland (Río Muni) has Monte Alen National Park with gorillas and forest elephants (very difficult to access). The country is not developed for tourism, so experiences are limited and require planning.
Is Equatorial Guinea safe?
Crime rates are low, but the authoritarian government creates risks of a different kind. Security forces are sensitive and tourists can be detained for photography or perceived infractions. Political discussions should be avoided. The country is not tourist-friendly in terms of infrastructure or bureaucracy. It's safe but restrictive.