Travel Vaccines and Advice for Guinea
Guinea is small West African country, considered an off-the-beaten path destination for adventurous travelers. Popular areas for visitors to Guinea include Iles de Los, a trio of nearby tropical islands and Fouta Djalon, an area with green rolling hills known for excellent hiking.
The coastal city of Conakry serves as Guinea’s capital. It is known for the historical architecture of its mosques and churches, as well as the Conakry Botanical Gardens, home to many tropical flowers and tall Kapok trees that can grow up to 60m.
Do I Need Vaccines for Guinea?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Guinea. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Guinea: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travel to most regions. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travelers over 9 months of age. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Guinea |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for travel to most regions. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travelers over 9 months of age. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) |
Routine Vaccinations for Guinea |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Yellow fever is endemic in Guinea. The CDC recommends yellow fever vaccination for all travelers to Guinea who are over 9 months old. All visitors to Guinea arriving from countries with yellow fever must show proof of vaccination.
There is currently a measles outbreak in several areas of Guinea. Travelers should make sure they have been vaccinated against the disease.
The country of Guinea was affected by the ebola outbreak in 2014, but was declared Ebola-free in 2016.
According to the CDC, there is also risk of Zika in Guinea. Pregnant women should avoid traveling to the area.
To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either call or book online now.
What is the risk for Cholera in Guinea?
Guinea is a country where cholera is present. Travelers to the country should avoid contaminated food and water and receive a cholera vaccine.
Passport Health clinics offer Vaxchora, the only cholera vaccine approved for use in the US.
Frequent hand washing is another way to safeguard against cholera
Customer Reviews
Passport Health Travel Vaccines for Guinea
“My boyfriend and I were traveling to Guinea, but it was only three days before our departure that we realized that we hadn’t been vaccinated! Ashley worked us in at the last minute, spent over an hour with us explaining which vaccinations we needed, and even created a bound booklet on Ecuador just for us! We really appreciated the personalized service!”
“Visited the Travel clinic with my girlfriend in preparation of our 30 day trip to Guinea. We were guided through our many options for immunization, everything was very clear and the staff in general were friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend!”
“I was expecting a clinical experience… in and out. It was not that at all. This was part of my trip experience. The waiting room reminded me that I will be traveling to Guinea with beautiful artwork from around the world. The nurse, was friendly and pleasant. She had prepared a personalized booklet describing all aspects of my upcoming trip that could impact my health. It was amazing and much appreciated. She went over the required and recommended vaccinations and prescriptions and was not in a hurry so that I could ask questions and feel comfortable.”
“Used Passport Health for the first time last Friday about a trip to Guinea. The nurse was very knowledgeable and prepared an information book and was very willing to answer all of my questions. I had a great experience!”
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Guinea
Americans must present a valid passport and visa to visit Guinea. Temporary passport holders may be subject to different requirements.
A valid passport and proof of yellow fever vaccination are also required.
Guinea Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Guinea? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Guinea and U.S. State Department
Visas are generally valid for 30 days, but can be extended for up to 90 days.
For more information, see our Guinea visa page. Or contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
What is the Climate Like in Guinea?
Guinea has a tropical climate, with both a wet and dry season. It is hot and humid, and known as one of the wettest countries in West Africa.
Monsoon season is generally between June and November. It can make travel in some remote areas difficult as roads can become muddy and impassable.
How Safe is Guinea?
There is no country-wide advisory in place for Guinea. But, the U.S. government advises caution for travelers visiting the country.
Travelers should to be vigilant, especially at the borders between Sierra Leone, Liberia and Mali.
There is a risk of terrorism within Guinea. Pay attention to your surroundings while in public, and avoid any demonstrations or protests.
There have been instances of muggings and carjackings involving foreigners in Guinea. Avoid displaying items such as jewelry or electronics. Don’t walk alone or travel at night, if possible.
Road checkpoints are not uncommon. Keep your travel documents with you at all times. It’s also a good idea to keep car doors and windows locked during travel.
Water from local communities in Guinea should be considered contaminated and should not be used for drinking or cooking.
Guinea’s Rules, Customs and Laws
- An international driving permit is required to operate a vehicle in Guinea. Passport Health’s Passport and Visa Services department can help you obtain one.
- A license is required to export gems. Smuggling is a serious offense with strict penalties.
- Photographing military or police sites, or the Presidential palace is forbidden.
- Islamic laws and practices are adhered to in Guinea and should be respected by all visitors. Dress conservatively and adhere to social and religious traditions.
- The laws of Guinea prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.
What Should I Take To Guinea?
Guinea has a tropical climate, so light, airy clothing will help keep you cool and comfortable.
Guinea has both a wet and dry season. If you are visiting during the wet season, between June and November, be sure to bring a rain jacket and an umbrella.
Because of the humidity and moisture, Guinea is home to the type of mosquito that carries yellow fever. Be sure to bring mosquito spray to protect yourself from bites and don’t forget your vaccine.
U.S. Embassy in Conakry
If you find yourself in need of help when traveling in Guinea, there is a U.S. embassy in the capital city of Conakry.
U.S. Embassy Conakry
Transversale No. 2
Centre Administratif de Koloma
Commune de Ratoma
Conakry, Republic of Guinea
Phone: +224-655-104-000
Fax: +224-655-104-297
Visit the Embassy to Guinea website before traveling there to confirm correct contact details.
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Guinea?
What is the Risk for Cholera in Guinea?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Guinea?
What is the Climate Like in Guinea?
How Safe is Guinea?
Guinea’s Rules, Customs and Laws
What Should I Take to Guinea?
U.S. Embassy in Conakry
