Safety and emergencies
Areas advised against, risks on the road and in town, scams and numbers to keep with you. Advice varies with the country that publishes it.
Areas advised against
The whole country is under heightened vigilance. Particular care on the mainland borders, especially the northern border with Cameroon and the "three borders" area around Ebebiyin.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Equatorial Guinea, safety
Crime
Crime has risen with the economic crisis, in Malabo (especially Semu, Ela Nguema, Ewaiso) and Bata. Avoid the "paseos" of Malabo and Bata alone and at night and be careful near nightlife venues.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Equatorial Guinea, safetyGOV.UK (FCDO), Equatorial Guinea travel advice: safety and security
In town
Several taxis, licensed or not, have been involved in robberies and assaults, especially against women. Avoid riding alone in a taxi, even by day; prefer a car with driver or a pre-booked taxi.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Equatorial Guinea, safetyGOV.UK (FCDO), Equatorial Guinea travel advice: safety and securityStay away from gatherings, especially near public buildings.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Equatorial Guinea, safety
On the road
Police and army roadblocks are common: stop, stay polite and show your papers. "Passage fees" may be demanded; the UK advises asking for a written ticket.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Equatorial Guinea, safetyGOV.UK (FCDO), Equatorial Guinea travel advice: safety and securityAvoid driving at night (road danger, abusive checks). There is no public transport: use a recommended private company.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Equatorial Guinea, safetyFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Equatorial Guinea, useful information
Sea, climate and natural hazards
Piracy is a high risk in the Gulf of Guinea: recreational sailing is strongly advised against and banned near Bioko. Ferries between the island and the mainland have been attacked: fly instead.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Equatorial Guinea, safety
Useful contacts
Contact details taken from the official sources cited. Check them before going.
Emergency numbers
Police 113, gendarmerie 114, fire 115; Malabo public security 666 30 30 30 or 666 40 40 40.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Equatorial Guinea, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026
Embassy of France in Equatorial Guinea
Passport: FranceFrench embassy and consular section in Malabo.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Equatorial Guinea, entry and residence· Oct 2, 2026
Sources for this guide
- France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Equatorial Guinea, safety · Source updated: September 15, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
- GOV.UK (FCDO), Equatorial Guinea travel advice: safety and security · Source updated: January 8, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
- France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Equatorial Guinea, useful information · Source updated: September 15, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
AfriPilot is not an official body. Information comes from the sources cited and may change: each source's date is shown.