Guinea

Violent crime

There’s a risk of violent crime, including:

This happens in Conakry and other parts of Guinea.

Petty crime

Criminals may target you:

• at the airport
• in markets
• near popular hotels and restaurants

In Conakry, petty criminals are active in the Madina, Niger and Taouyah markets.

Criminals may use children to help them steal, or pose as military officers.

To stay safe from petty crime in Guinea:

• keep car windows and doors locked, even when moving
• keep your passport in a secure place
• stay alert after dark or if there’s a power failure
• don’t accept offers of help from strangers in airports or hotels

Frequent power outages may worsen security conditions, especially in large urban centres. This often leads to more crime, especially if street and traffic lights fail.

Scams and fraud

Internet scams may come in the form of romance, friendship, business and employment opportunities. These scams often originate in West African countries.

If you travel to West Africa as a scam victim, you are at risk of:

This includes travelling to meet a friend or love interest, as well as trying to get your money back or get revenge.

Commercial and relationship scams are common fraud schemes.

In commercial scams, criminals ask for details of safe bank accounts to transfer large amounts of money. They may also:

• promise a percentage of this amount to you
• send fake cashier cheques for urgent goods shipments
• request large fees for a fake government contract
• extort money from you for a bogus business opportunity

In relationship scams, criminals often meet their victims through internet dating sites or chat rooms. Once they have formed a connection, they may:

• ask you to send money so they can come to Australia
• ask you to come to Africa to meet them

Once you transfer money, the relationship often ends. If you travel to Guinea to meet the criminals, you may be in danger.

To protect yourself from scams:

• be wary of online contact from people you don’t know
• don’t send money to anyone until you’ve thoroughly checked them

If you suspect a scam, get legal advice.

Don’t travel to Guinea to get your money back or to get revenge. You could be in danger.

Pirates

Piracy has been reported in the coastal waters.

The International Maritime Bureau issues piracy reports.

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government