GoEquatorial Guinea Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

Chinese citizens holding valid diplomatic, official, or service ordinary passports to Equatorial Guinea do not need to apply for visas if their stay does not exceed 30 days; If it exceeds 30 days, one must apply for a residence visa or residence permit in Equatorial Guinea according to regulations after entering the country. Chinese citizens holding private passports to travel to Equatorial Guinea must apply for a visa in advance (the visa is valid for half of the visa's stay period).

1、 To apply for a visa to Equatorial Guinea, the following documents must be provided

（1） Original valid passport

（2） 2 copies of visa application form (with signature) and 2 passport photos

（3） Fee: $100

（4） Certificate of No Criminal Record

（5） The International Travel Health Check Certificate and the International Certificate of Vaccination or Preventive Measures require vaccination against yellow fever, and it is recommended to receive vaccines against malaria, cholera, typhoid fever, hepatitis, diphtheria, tetanus, etc

（6） Invitation letter for company introduction and duration of stay (business visa only)

（7） Fill out the travel certificate to Equatorial Guinea (tourist visa only)

In addition to paper visas, electronic visas (e-visas) can also be applied for online. Official website: https://equatorialguinea-evisa.com/

2、 Entry and Exit Notice

You need to fill out the entry and exit form issued by the airline, and hand it over to the border inspection personnel when entering or leaving the country. At the same time, you need to hand over your passport to the border inspection personnel to stamp the entry and exit seal. Border inspection personnel keep scanned portraits and fingerprints of outbound personnel.

For specific matters, please consult the Embassy of Equatorial Guinea in China. Address: No. 2, East Fourth Street, Sanlitun, Beijing. Phone: 010-65323679, email: embguiec@yahoo.com .

Customs epidemic prevention and control

Equatorial Guinea has no restrictions on foreign exchange entering the country, but it is prohibited to carry cash of over 50000 Central African Francs out of the country. In current practice, it is basically prohibited to carry any amount of Central African Franc cash out of the country. Individuals carrying foreign exchange out of the country cannot exceed the declared foreign exchange amount upon entry. Passengers' carry on and checked luggage must be opened for inspection. Dangerous goods and endangered animal products are prohibited from entering or leaving the country. Carrying prohibited items such as controlled knives will be confiscated. When entering or leaving the country, it is also necessary to check the International Travel Health Check Certificate and the International Certificate of Vaccination or Preventive Measures.

Special reminder: If a fine is imposed for violating regulations during entry and exit, the other party should be required to present relevant regulations and issue a receipt for the fine.

Residency and Naturalization

1、 Alien residence policy and related procedures

Foreigners residing in Equatorial Guinea shall apply for residence visas or residence certificates at the National Center for Official Documents in Equatorial Guinea before the expiry of their entry visas. Otherwise, they will be deemed as illegal immigrants who have been repatriated. Application for Residence Permit:

（1） Submit application materials

1. First application

(1) The application letter shall be submitted to the Office of the Secretary of State in charge of Foreign Affairs of the Security Bureau.

(2) Fill out the application form for the National Official Document Processing Center.

(3) Three recent photos with white background.

(4) Enter legally and submit the original passport or travel document.

(5) Medical examination report (requires examination at several formal hospitals designated by the government of Equatorial Guinea, such as GUADALUPE/ISABEL/LA PAZ).

(6) Labor contract.

(7) The approval document from the Prime Minister's Office for the establishment of the company.

(8) If it belongs to a trading company, proof of annual fee payment and registration card should be provided.

(9) Original asset declaration.

(10) Valid head tax invoice certificate.

2. Residence Permit Update

(1) The application letter shall be submitted to the Office of the Secretary of State in charge of Foreign Affairs of the Security Bureau.

(2) Fill out the application form for residence permit at the National Official Document Processing Center.

(3) Submit the original residence permit.

(4) Medical examination report (requires examination at several formal hospitals designated by the government of Equatorial Guinea, such as GUADALUPE/ISABEL/LA PAZ).

(5) Copy of passport.

(6) Three recent photos with white background.

(7) Valid head tax invoice certificate.

(8) Labor Contract

(9) The approval document from the Prime Minister's Office for the establishment of the company.

(10) If it belongs to a trading company, proof of annual fee payment and registration card should be provided.

(11) Original asset declaration.

（2） After the review is approved, the security department of Equatorial Guinea will inform the applicant to collect the payment notice, then go to the national treasury to pay the fee, and go to the official national certificate processing center to collect the application form, fill it out, and submit it.

（3） The National Official Document Processing Center notifies applicants to take their fingerprints and wait for the issuance of their documents. The validity period of the residence permit is divided into 1 year and 2 years.

Special Reminder:

（1） For specific matters, please consult the Ministry of Public Security of Equatorial Guinea and the National Official Document Processing Center (National Official Document Processing Center website: www.cnedoge.gq）

（2） Do AIDS virus test or blood test must be in a regular hospital to avoid infection.

（3） The process of applying for a residence permit takes about 2 to several months.

2、 Nationality and Immigration Policy

（1） Several situations for obtaining Equatorial Guinea citizenship

1. Automatic acquisition of Equatorial Guinea citizenship by birth.

2. Adult foreigners who have resided in Equatorial Guinea for no less than 10 years can apply or obtain a nationality certificate, and at the same time give up their original nationality.

3. Foreigners who have been adopted by citizens of Equatorial Guinea.

4. Male offspring born in marriage between female citizens of Equatorial Guinea and foreigners.

5. Those who have obtained the citizenship permit from the head of state of Equatorial Guinea.

6. Foreign women who marry male citizens of Equatorial Guinea automatically acquire Equatorial Guinea citizenship and lose their original citizenship.

（2） Individuals who have resided in Equatorial Guinea for at least 5 years and meet the following conditions are eligible to apply for citizenship

1. Attract investment to Equatorial Guinea to a certain scale, and the property rights belong to the Equatorial Guinea government.

2. A certain scale of agricultural, industrial, or commercial enterprise owner or operator.

3. Has made significant contributions to the education, scientific and cultural undertakings, and national interests of Equatorial Guinea.

（3） Individuals who have resided in Equatorial Guinea for at least 2 years and meet the following conditions are eligible to apply for citizenship

1. Foreigners who were adopted by citizens of Equatorial Guinea when they were minors.

2. Foreigners who have married women in Equatorial Guinea.

（4） The granting of Equatorial Guinea citizenship must be signed by the President of the Republic and processed through relevant procedures at the Ministry of Justice, Religion, and Correctional Institutions. Applicants who voluntarily join Equatorial Guinea due to meeting the prescribed residence time and/or certain conditions must be at least 18 years old. The following procedures need to be followed:

1. Abandoning one's original nationality.

2. Swear allegiance to the President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea and abide by the national constitution and other laws and regulations.

3. Formal registration (filling in personal information on the naturalization application form and paying a certain fee).

4. The Ministry of Justice of Equatorial Guinea will notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Land Management and Transport of the application form.

5. The Presidential Office approves the naturalization application.

Equatorial Guinea's risk level is blue (low risk)

public security

In recent years, the economy of Equatorial Guinea has been depressed. In 2020, it will be affected by the COVID-19, and the youth unemployment rate is high. Cases such as extortion, theft, roadside robbery, and even home invasion robbery occur from time to time. Due to aging and poor management of power supply and other infrastructure, fires are prone to occur. Special Reminder:

1、 Strengthen one's own awareness of security precautions, pay attention to theft prevention, fire prevention, and traffic safety.

2、 When going out, carry a copy of your residence permit and passport with you, and do not carry a large amount of cash.

3、 When encountering extortion and theft, one should adapt to the situation, prioritize personal safety, report to the police in a timely manner and record the alarm number, and then contact the Chinese Embassy in Equatorial Guinea and the Consulate General in Bata for assistance. At the same time, pay attention to protecting the scene and retaining evidence.

natural disaster

Equatorial Guinea has virtually no major natural disasters. In the rainy season, rainstorm will suddenly fall in very few cases, causing a small scale of debris flow or landslide, which is generally of little harm. Swimming at the beach requires attention to safety.

FDA

Equatorial Guinea has poor sanitation conditions and no municipal water supply. The water source is generally river water or well water. Supermarket food is mostly imported from Europe and other regions. Pay attention to the shelf life and freshness when purchasing and consuming.

Urgent Help

Malabo Central Hospital Phone: 222188904

La Paz Hospital phone numbers: 556666156, 556666154.

Fire alarm: 115.

Bandit police: 114.

Malabo Police Station duty phone number: 333093469.

Malabo Police 24-hour Rapid Response Center: 666303030, 666404040.

Bata Police Station duty phone numbers: 333082016, 333082393.

Bata Police 24-hour Rapid Response Center: 333080335.

air traffic

Ethiopian Airlines, Air France, Lufthansa, Ceiba Airlines, and Cronos Airlines operate in Equatorial Guinea. At present, there are flights from Malabo to Paris, Frankfurt, Madrid, Addis Ababa and other places (please keep track of the latest relevant information released by the official and relevant airlines of Equatorial Guinea). Main airports:

Malabo International Airport: Built in 1962, it has undergone multiple maintenance and expansion efforts. Currently, the runway is 3600 meters long and can meet the takeoff and landing requirements of Airbus A380 aircraft.

Bata International Airport: Built in the 1950s, it can take off and land Boeing 747 aircraft.

Mongomein International Airport: Built in 2012, it can take off and land Boeing 747 aircraft.

There are small airports on Kristina Island and Annobon Island.

The main mode of transportation to and from the airport is taxi.

Special Reminder: Delays and cancellations of domestic flights in Equatorial Guinea occur from time to time.

land transport

The national road network of Equatorial Guinea is about 3952 kilometers, of which 2469 kilometers are distributed in the mainland, 253 kilometers are distributed on the island of Bioko, where the capital Malabo is located, and there are also 1230 kilometers of forest roads. The national highway is 1009 kilometers long, including over 400 kilometers of asphalt roads. In recent years, the government of Equatorial Guinea has increased the speed of highway construction, resulting in significant improvements in highway facilities and management. The cities of Malabo and Bata have set up toll stations and started collecting road maintenance fees of 500 Spanish francs (for small cars) each time. There are no railways or public transportation in Equatorial Guinea. Travel mainly relies on self driving, taxis, etc. Holding a Chinese driver's license requires changing the local driver's license. The vehicle is driving on the right side.

Special reminder: Most of the local roads have no lighting facilities, limited visibility at night, and drunk driving and violation of traffic rules are common. Walking and driving must pay attention to safety.

water communication

Equatorial Guinea currently has two international ports, Malabo and Bata. Malabo Port was founded in 1957 and has two berths of different sizes, 205 meters and 40 meters long respectively, with a water depth of 12-13.5 meters. Bata Port was founded in 1973 and completed its expansion in 2015. After the expansion, it has four docks, each 580 meters, 627 meters, 874 meters, and 95 meters long, with a total of 17 berths and a water depth of 10-14.5 meters.

The shipping from Malabo to Bata is mainly undertaken by the dual-purpose "Saint Valentine".

Urban transportation

Equatorial Guinea has no public transportation system. The condition of the taxi is poor and there is no odometer. Multi person carpooling is common.

major city

1、 The capital city of Malabo is located in the northern part of Bioko Island, south of the Bashile Peak and north of the Gulf of Guinea. The city was built in 1827 and was named Clarence by the British. After the Spanish occupation, the city was named Saint Isabel after Queen Isabella II of Spain. After Equatorial Guinea gained independence in October 1968, it was designated as the capital and renamed Malabo. On both sides of the streets in the old city area, there are mostly Spanish style two-story buildings with square or arched shapes, among which the Presidential Palace, Cathedral, and Municipal Government are the most famous. The outskirts of the city have lush forests and dense vegetation, and there are many lakes formed by volcanic craters nearby. In the south of the city, there is the highest peak on the island, PICO DE BASILE, with an elevation of 3011 meters. The SIPOPO New City, which was opened in June 2011, is the venue for international conferences such as the 17th African Union Summit.

2、 Bata, the largest commercial port and economic hub, is located on the west coast of the Equatorial Guinea region. Bata means "sea" in the Fang language and was originally a hunting ground for the Pygmy people. It was gradually occupied by the Fang people in the 12th century. Bata was once a center for black slave trading, and in the early 20th century, it was just a military outpost with over 200 people. Later, it mainly engaged in forestry development. The urban landscape of Bata retains traces of the political and social evolution during the Spanish colonial period. In recent years, new buildings have been continuously constructed in the city, and the newly built seaside avenue is wide and neat, presenting the embryonic form of a modern city. Freedom Square (formerly known as Bell Tower Square) is a large gathering and parade center for the masses, surrounded by old colonial buildings. In the center of the square stands a monument commemorating the fallen soldiers who overthrew the Masie regime, followed by the Bata Central Market.

Equatorial Guinea has tourist attractions such as the old town of Malabo, the cathedral, the Bachile Peak, the Bio Volcano Lake, white sand beaches, black sand beaches, and national parks. Among them, Bachile Peak is a national protected area, and climbing requires a visit permit issued by the relevant authorities of Equatorial Guinea. The main hotels in the downtown area of Malabo include China Anda Hotel, Sofitel Xipopo Hotel, Biserra Palace Hotel (formerly Hilton Hotel), 8.3 Hotel, Gulf Hotel, etc. The main hotels in Bata city include the Ibis Hotel, Carmen Hotel, Pan African Hotel, etc.

Special reminder: Equatorial Guinea has a strong sense of national security and prevention. Many places have set up military checkpoints, and entry requires holding relevant documents (such as travel permits). Generally, taking photos is prohibited. Especially near the presidential palace and the cathedral, there are military and police patrols.

Commodity prices

Equatorial Guinea has no domestic processing industry and almost no agricultural cultivation. Natural products mainly include bananas, cassava, corn, and mangoes. There is no specialized department in Equatorial Guinea responsible for price management, and prices are arbitrarily determined. Vegetables are generally more expensive, and imported goods are expensive. The living conditions in Malabo are average, with almost all daily consumer goods relying on imports and high prices. There are not many varieties of primary and secondary food, which can only meet basic living needs.

The common currency of Equatorial Guinea is the Central African Franc. Currency values include 10000, 5000, 2000, 1000, and 500, while coin values include 500, 100, 50, 25, 10, and 5. The Central African Franc is pegged to the Euro at a fixed exchange rate of 655.957 Central African Francs per Euro, 618.77 Central African Francs per US Dollar, and 86.2 Central African Francs per Chinese Yuan (as of November 2023). Since the implementation of the new Central African Franc, its value has been fluctuating with the euro, and its value and exchange rate are relatively stable.

Equatorial Guinea's main payment methods are cash and checks, with Industrial Bank, CCEI Bank, and other banks offering ATM cash withdrawal services. Banks and financial services are relatively backward. The main commercial banks include the National Bank of Equatorial Guinea (BANGE), Societe General de Banques en Equatorial Guinea (SGBGE) invested by France, CCEI Bank invested by Cameroon, and BGFI Bank invested by Gabon. There are strict restrictions and high fees for withdrawing US dollar cash from local banks.

Insurance Medical

Equatorial Guinea has poor medical conditions. The national public hospitals include 2 general hospitals, 1 senior hospital in Bata, 4 provincial hospitals, 12 county-level hospitals, 42 medical centers, and 300 health stations. There are a total of 1113 hospital beds. Among them, there are 320 in Malabo Hospital and 280 in Bata Hospital. Bata 1 Health School. On average, there are 25 doctors per 100000 residents.

Common diseases include malaria, AIDS, intestinal diseases, etc. After the onset of malaria, immediate medical attention should be sought. Generally, antimalarial drugs such as artemisinin should be taken or injected to avoid worsening the condition. Intestinal diseases mainly include typhoid fever and enteritis, which are mainly caused by unclean drinking water. After onset, medical attention should be sought immediately.

The coverage rate of medical insurance is relatively low. The medical conditions in rural areas are rudimentary. Enterprises are required by law to pay medical insurance and social insurance premiums for their employees.

The main medical institutions are:

1、 Malabo Region: Central Hospital, Social Insurance Hospital, La Paz Hospital, Guadalupe Hospital.

2、 Bata Region: Central Hospital.

Special reminder: Please bring mosquito repellent and antimalarial drugs when traveling to Equatorial Guinea.

Customs taboos

82% of the residents in Equatorial Guinea believe in Catholicism, and 15% of the residents believe in Islam. Implement polygamy. According to local customs, people are buried in the ground after death.

Equatorial Guinean people pay attention to etiquette and should not wear shorts or vests on formal occasions. The traditional clothing of Equatorial Guinea is called "robe", which is a large one-piece dress with bright colors, usually worn during festivals.

The diet of indigenous people mainly consists of peanuts, cassava, potatoes, corn, bananas, pumpkins, fish, etc. The traditional processing method is mostly to crush them with wooden sticks and cook or ferment them before consumption. A traditional food of the local people is called "White Little Anna", which is made by wrapping pumpkin or peanut with banana leaves and adding fish, meat, or vegetables.

The main holidays in Equatorial Guinea include: January 1st, New Year's Day; May 1st International Labor Day; June 5th, President Obiang's birthday; August 3rd, "Freedom Coup Day" (commemorating Colonel Obiang's overthrow of the Masie regime on August 3rd, 1979); August 15th Constitution Day; Independence Day on October 12th (National Day); November 17th Malabo Protection God Festival; December 8th is the Red Flag Protection God Festival; Christmas on December 25th.

Special reminder: Photography is prohibited without travel and photography permits, otherwise the photography equipment will be confiscated. During major holidays, there are more traffic controls, so it is advisable to reduce travel.

Communications Power

The dialing method to Equatorial Guinea is: 00240 (country/region code)+landline number; 00240+mobile phone number. The way to make an international long-distance call from Equatorial Guinea (taking Chinese Mainland as an example) is: 0086+area code+fixed line; 0086+mobile phone number.

The Internet in Equatorial Guinea develops slowly and has poor stability. The network often cannot be connected, and the download speed and opening speed of general email are very slow. Network telecommunications companies have GETESA, GECOMSA, MUNI (with internet access) three. Can install wireless network card to receive wireless network. China Unicom standard mobile phones can be replaced with GETESA and MUNI company SIM cards, while telecommunications standard mobile phones can be replaced with GECOMSA company SIM cards.

The power supply voltage in Equatorial Guinea is 220V. Domestic electrical appliances in China can be used in Equatorial Guinea. Most interface types are European circular holes.

contact information