Guinea: Authorities tighten COVID-19-related domestic restrictions effective Aug. 11 /update 23

Event

Authorities in Guinea have tightened COVID-19 restrictions effective Aug. 11, increasing sanitary control at all borders, closing most frequented entertainment areas, and making it mandatory for all civil servants to present a health pass to access their offices. The move follows a recent revision of domestic and international restrictions, as well as the extension of the nationwide state of health emergency for three more months through Oct. 27.

International Travel Restrictions
All passengers arriving by air in Guinea from locations where the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Eta, or Delta variants of COVID-19 are active must present a vaccination certificate, along with a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure for the country. All other passengers must present a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure for the country. All incoming travelers are subject to an additional COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival. Persons departing Guinea must provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test issued within 72 hours before departure. Facemasks are mandatory for all travelers, and they must pack at least three spares for the duration of the journey.

Specific checkpoints, such as filtering barriers, will be implemented at certain land border crossings. Any person who has to travel within the country will not be able to do so without presenting a negative PCR test.

All travelers arriving from the UK who have not been fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arriving in Guinea must take a COVID-19 test upon arrival. These travelers are subject to quarantine at the government-approved ONOMO Hotel in Conakry until receiving the test result (i.e., up to 72 hours after the on-arrival test). Persons who obtain a negative result are allowed to exit quarantine; individuals who test positive will be taken to a government treatment facility. Similar mandates are possible for travelers from other countries as the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve.

Domestic Measures

• A nightly curfew remains in effect 22:00-04:00 nationwide during which all nonessential businesses must close.

• Most businesses are open with social distancing measures in place.

• Facemasks remain mandatory in public areas, including on public transportation; violations of this directive are punishable by fines.

• Religious gatherings remain restricted to 50 people.

• Persons traveling to mining locations are subject to PCR testing and vaccine card checks.

• Persons undertaking intercity travels must present a negative PCR test.

• Nightclubs and other highly frequented entertainment venues are closed until further notice.

• Civil servants will need to present a health pass to access their office.

Persons traveling from Conakry to other regions of the country must have a negative result from a COVID-19 test or a vaccination certificate issued more than 14 days before travel. Those unable to produce such documentation will be given a rapid antigen test by district health officials. Persons who have tested positive for COVID-19 are not allowed to travel around the country.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)