Effective as at 1st of July 2023, the e-Visa digital portal has been opened for all nationalities for business, leisure, work or educational purposes. In this guide, we are going to help you with all the steps of applying for an E-visa for guinea in order for you to have a pleasant trip without running into problems.
The E-visa for guinea is subject to a USD 75 service charge for government processing. Winning applicants must keep their e-Visa on them at all times to present to the immigration officials at the port of entry and should expect an email verification of the e-Visa within 72 hours of placement of the order.
With most nations adopting the shift of visa services into the digital platform, there are unique provisions like the e-visa to Guinea that are fast and effective to use. In case you are planning to travel to this Country in West Africa for business purposes, go sightseeing or even visit a relative, the E-visa for guinea is the best option as you do not have to go anywhere to fill in the Guinea visa application form.
E-visa for Guinea Application in 7 Simple Steps
The application E-visa for guinea is a step by step process where the following steps are followed.
- First, go to the Guinea ETA Electronic Travel Authorisation page: Now, choose your country of origin (the authority which issued your travel document) and the visa you wish to obtain and click on ‘Apply Now’.
- Enter a working email address: This is very important because if your visa entry letter is approved, this email address will be used to send the letter to you.
- Verify your Email: After that, enter the verification code sent to your email address to continue with the application.
- Fill the online application form: Provide your personal information and passport information. Also, provide information like the address of the hotel, and dates of arrival and departure. Also, provide scanned pdf copies of all the documents you mentioned above. A scanned page of the passport bio page, a travel agenda, and a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate are necessary.
- Make the necessary payment to cover the processing fee.
- Get your Entry Visa Letter: After the application review by Guinea’s authorities, you will get an entry visa letter via your email.
- Travel to Guinea and head towards the counter for visa on arrival and get your visa. At the counter, you will provide your biometric data which comprises a passport photo and fingerprints.
A Brief Summary of Guinea’s e-Visa.
All eligible applicants for one of the E-visa for Guinea subcategories will apply for and obtain the relevant travel authorisation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before leaving the country.
There is a great prospect for tourism within the country. This is because there is an increasing number of tourists who are looking for different great places apart from the known sites, and also because sustainable travel is a gig nowadays.
The other reason is perhaps the fact that e-Visa services have become more readily available to most passengers who prefer to carry out the entire process by themselves and at their own pace. Using this fast and safe highly automated system, travelers do not have to physically visit the Embassy Guinea, but can just go online to request for it through equatorialguinea-evisa.com.
Even with alternative payment options, travelers are also equipped with the save and retrieve function so that they can proceed with filling the form later on, after paying for the relevant fees.
Countries With Visa-free Entry
Visa-free Entry is granted to the citizens of the following 21 countries as well as refugees and Stateless persons residing within these countries who travel to Guinea:
- Algeria
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cape Verde
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Egypt
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea-Bissau
- Liberia
- Mali
- Morocco
- Namibia
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Rwanda
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- Togo
- Tunisia
Advantages of Using the Guinea eVisa
1. Application is 100% Government Compliant
Furthermore, as is obvious in the headings section, the eVisa system for Guinea was created with the purpose of providing a completely legal entry into the country. As stated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guinea, such respect to the rules and regulations also corresponds to the fairness of the visa application service, therefore protecting the country of Guinea.
2. Streamlined Application Process
Applying for an eVisa involves completing a simplified online form that lessens effort on data submission. Applicants are able to complete the form with clear directions provided, reducing the chances of any misunderstandings and mistakes. The form usually leads applicants through the step by step processes, thereby minimizing any delays that tend to arise from wrong submissions. This is in line with the existing laws of the countries which have established eVisa systems, taking into account the ease of use by the customers.
3. Fill Out the Form at Your Own Pace
The eVisa form can be filled by the applicants whenever they want to. This element enables the user to be cautious and detailed as well, which is impossible with the old way of paper forms that one had to fill at a single lest appointed time, and submit whether complete or not. Such an advantage is an appealing feature, which Travel Advisories available online provide.
4. Accessible and Easy To Use Website
Guinea eVisa site is available globally and also easy to navigate sections. The different payment methods are also appealing to many applicants. More and more countries are implementing such systems in order to ensure international travellers are provided with the service with the least hindrance.
5. Time and Effort Saved from Not Having to Attend the Consulate or Embassy in Person for A Visa
Using the eVisa system, an applicant can easily skip the process of going to embassies and consulates in order to process the visa and instead saves time and energy. This is especially important for those who live in locations that are far from embassies or consulates and especially for those who have time constraints. Many countries around the world that have eVisa systems have this element because it makes it easier for people to travel to and within the given country.
6. Quicker Processing Time of Visa (Expected to Be Five Working Days)
Guinea’s eVisa has about two to five working days as the e visa processing time. This is another point of consideration in the approval of the eVisa as it is fast compared to the conventional means of acquiring a visa which involves a lot of red tape and hence may predispose the applicants to long waiting periods. Countries have also started adopting the eVisa systems because it is less boring for their citizens.
7. The Save and Retrieve Option
The Guinea e-visa application permits one to fill and save an application before they can continue to the submission of the application. This function is useful for individuals who would prefer taking their time to collect all the papers needed before finishing up the application. Such provisions are generally available for eVisa systems in order to lessen the pressure on the applicants during that period.
8. Track the Status of the Application Online
Online tracking facilities are available to applicants that enable them to check the status of their visa applications. This feature focuses on the peace of mind of the applicant, especially in cases where the applicant cannot contact the visa office. Such a feature is common with eVisa and is also very important for applicants who want to keep track of their visas processing status.
9. Specialized Helpline and Email Support
Dedicated e-support through helpline services and helpdesk through email has also been embedded in the eVisa system. They assist with the concerns of the applicant as well as the elicit questions from the applicants who require assistance promoting efficient use of the system.
This type of customer relationship management system is becoming common in the current generation of visa application processing systems to offer support to the applicants during their application.
Requirements for Obtaining a Guinea e-Visa?
In the case of the e-visa, the following documents are generally required:
- A scanned copy of the passport front page and the bio data page.
- A recent passport photograph which should be against white background
- An appropriate return flight ticket that has been booked and validated.
- Yellow fever vaccination card.
- Passport picture (minimum of more than 6 months validity)
- Evidence of ability to support yourself financially: Cash/traveller’s cheque cards or debit/credit cards can serve this purpose.
- A reservation of a return journey.
- Evidence of being housed in Guinea upon arrival, for instance, a hotel booking or an invitation letter from a friend or a family member.
Visa Types For Guinea
The government of guinea offers 8 types of e-visas for foreign nationals.
1. Single Entry Visa
Single Entry Visa is the most common type of E-visa for Guinea. It allows the holder to visit the country of Guinea only once which is ideal for tourism or business activities as well as for short-term studies. At the point of entry, an applicant is required to submit biometric data (fingerprint and photos of the passport).
Single entry visa requirements are;
- A recent passport-size photo (with white background)
- A scanned copy of the valid passport’s bio page
- A valid return flight ticket
- Yellow fever vaccination Certificate
2. Long Term Visa
A Long Term Visa for Guinea is intended for those individuals who are wishing to spend a prolonged time in Guinea. For example, for purposes of employment, schooling or to settle down. This visa gives the right to the holder to remain in Guinea for reasons beyond 90 days as may be dictated by the reason of their stay.
There is a need for applicants to follow a set of rules and advice for them to process the visa successfully therefore they have to meet all the requirements prior to submission. These are the specific requirements that must be satisfied in order to apply for Long Term Visa in Guinea, which includes:
- Passport with not less than six months of validity
- Duly filled up visa application form
- Letter from an employer / educational institution
- Evidence of ability to support oneself during the period of stay
- Health certificate
- Criminal record clearance
- Housing availability evidence
- Vaccination certificate for yellow fever
- Two passport size pictures
- Policy covering health care cost
3. Multiple Entry Visa
The Guinea Multiple Entry Visa is strategically formulated for people with frequent business travels to Guinea or even People planning for a long vacation in Guinea. This type of visa is very beneficial to individuals who require a series of visits without the need to apply for the visa every single time they want to enter the country.
In order to apply for a Guinea Multiple Entry Visa, there are some basic requirements that need to be fulfilled :
- Passport photo size in white background
- A digitized bio page of the passport with validity
- A yellow fever immunization card.
- If available, a letter of invitation from a resident in Guinea.
- A return ticket or an onward journey ticket.
4. Visa Prorogation
Visa Prorogation of Guinea Visa is a type of extension of an already existing visa and usually enables the traveler to remain in Guinea for longer than the time or period indicated in the original visa issued to them.
This process allows travelers to adjust their plans and resettle in Guinea for a period longer than originally planned, while remaining legally in the country. This option comes in handy for the cases where the extension of stay is required due to personal reasons, work or other valid reasons, so there is no need apply for a fresh visa. Some of the basic requirements for Guinea Visa Prorogation include:
- A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity.
- An official letter from the applicant’s government or diplomatic mission.
- Recent passport-sized photographs.
- Proof of travel arrangements.
- Payment of the visa fee.
5. Visa de Transbordement
Guinea Visa de Transbordement (also referred to as the Transit Visa) is a constituent part of the category of visas that is issued to travelers who will only travel through the republic of Guinea en-route to another destination. Such a visa is mandatory for instance for travelers who intend staying over or stopping over in Guinean airports as they wish to pass through the country a transit visa is provided without the need of a full blown visa.
The issuance of a transit visa (VTB) is subject to the presentation of the following:
- A recent colored photo (white background)
- A confirmed travel itinerary showing flight/ ferry connections to your final origin.
- Yellow fever Certificate
6. Service Visa
The Service Visa for Guinea Countries related is acceptable for individuals who wish to enter the country for purposes such as business meetings, training sessions, or even to provide technical support. This visa is thus beneficial to foreigners who seek to work, study or engage in contractual engagements in places situated in Guinea.
This visa minimizes the bureaucratic procedures that are usually faced by professionals willing to render services or partner with local Guinean organizations and hence facilitating the growing economy and business relations that Guinea enjoys with other countries. In addition, overseas travelers under a Service Visa are permitted to carry out their business ventures without breaching the immigration laws of Guinea.
The following documents are required:
- A current passport or travel document
- A scanned copy of the passport’s data page
- A white background passport size photograph
- Covering letter from one of the partners
7. Diplomatic Visa
The Guinea Diplomatic Visa is catered for foreign diplomats and officials who travel to Guinea in the course of performing governmental functions or any diplomatic missions. This visa permits them to come into the country and remain there when they are conducting foreign relations activities.
This type of visa is important to allow diplomatic personnel to perform their functions with minimal interference for the benefit of Guinea’s relations with other countries. It reflects Guinea’s readiness to engage with the world rather than lock itself up from foreign representatives.
The granting of Diplomatc Visa is furthermore under the competence of appropriate approving officer. The following documents shall be required and submitted:
- A current passport
- Scanning of biometric page of the passport
- Passport with white shade in the background
- Letters of appointment
8. Courtesy Visa
Guinea Courtesy Visa is for people visiting Guinea for short non-official trips. These may include temporarily going to the country for a conference, meeting, or any such similar event. A foreign national who received an invitation from a person or institution residing in Guinea is usually the one issued with this kind of visa.
The purpose of the issuance of the Courtesy Visa is to allow access to such visitors who are not eligible for any other category of visas but are still called upon to partake in activities that establish and maintain friendly relations and cooperation.
This visa category is critical in improving personal and institutional ties between Guinea and the rest of the world, enabling different forms of activity and interaction to take place which will lead to the exchange of ideas and cultures.
The final decision regarding the issuance of a Courtesy Visa (VC) lies with the approving officer. Also, the following documents should be submitted:
- A valid passport or travel document
- Scanned copy of passport data page
- A recent passport sized photo (white background)
- An appointment letter.
Cost of a Guinea e-visa?
- Guinea e-visa single entry 82$
- Guinea e-visa multi entry 150$
Processing Time of the Guinea eVisa?
Processing time for the E-visa for Guinea is approximately two days to five days. The result of the visa application will be sent via email.
Advice and Considerations for the Guinea Tourist
Should you consider a visit to Guinea, bear in mind the following:
- Stay away from Demonstrations, and Avoid Crowds: Party demonstrations in Guinea are very likely to get out of hand and may even result in violent confrontations.
- Be Cautions About Your Immediate Environment: There is also petty crime and mugging which makes the travelers advised not to let their guard down at any time. It is advised that one practices self-discipline and alertness to avoid being a prey to such crimes.
- Additional Considerations Regarding Walking or Driving After Dark: In Guinea, walking or even driving at night can be dangerous as the streets are poorly lit and crime thrives. There is need to be extremely careful in strange places after nightfall.
- Do Not Offer Physical Resistance During a Robbery: Government institutions responsible for internal security like the US Bureau of Overseas Security recommend against any form of active resistance during a robbery as it may lead to increased violence. Submission is preferable in such circumstances.
- Keep your Phones in Full Charge: It is very important to always ensure that there are open lines of communication when traveling to Guinea. For instance, it is always advisable to have a functional phone fully charged in case of emergencies and unfamiliar places. Some embassies however warn on the on the use of mobile phones and advising them to stay safe.
- Follow Up Local News and Social Networks and their Emerging Contents: Some events have the capacity of disturbing the peace within a scope of minute such as political agitations or even a weather change in a region. Hence having reliable news platforms can be useful to travelers in threat prone zones.
- Keep All Travel Documents Up To Date and Within Reach: Travel papers used when going on trips such as passports and visas should be kept in good conditions as well as be handy in order to avoid unnecessary hold up in border or checkpoint crossings.
- Make Appropriate Preparations for Support During Staying in a Safe Place: At the time of social turbulence or any emergency situation, the necessity of having a stock of the vital paraphernalia (food, water, medicines) is recommended. This is of much essence in states like Guinea, which may not have or might take long to receive emergency services in times of crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is The Expected Wait Time For E-visa For Guinea?
The standard processing time is 72 hours. Kindly carry an e-visa letter and present it upon arrival at the border officers who will issue your visa. Alternatively, you can also visit the embassy and get the visa prior to your travel date. Be sure to have your passport stamped.
2. Is It Possible To Obtain A Visa On Arrival In the Case of Guinea?
Some countries like the United Arab Emirates are allowed to get visa on arrival in Guinea.
4. Is It Possible For A Visa To Be Reiterated After Emergence Approval?
There is a possibility that a Guinea visa may be refuted, even though in the first stages it was granted. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Discretionary Power of Immigration Officials: Immigration officers can deny entry to a traveler at the port of entry irrespective of having a visa, if they suspect that the traveler may not have a valid reason for entry or that some documentation is missing.
- Improper Timing: A situation may arise where there is contradiction between the reasons for which the visa was granted and the reasons to change to a different status. This will cause such a person to be denied entry.
- Insufficient Submission: Visa may also be refused if the relevant documents or any form of identification on entry are not provided.
- Public Safety: An individual may be denied entry if they are considered to pose any risk to persons or property.
- Health Policy: Certain travelers may also be turned back based on health concerns (in light of health measures such as the COVID-19 pandemic and laser fever).
5. Will My Prior Visits Influence My Entry Into The Country of Guinea?
Yes, it is possible that the previous pattern of immigration especially those that include overstay or underlying issues may have legal consequences, could impact how immigration officers make their determinations at entry.
6. Are There Any Health Requirements To Enter Guinea?
Yes, there are however some exceptions where travelers depending on the prevailing health situation may require adherence to certain health rules such as verifiable immunization history e.g. Yellow Fever vaccination or flash COVID-19 vaccination results among other related rules.
7. Do I Need To Present Additional Documents Upon Arrival In Guinea?
Yes, every traveler is expected to carry and avail all the necessary documents which include a current valid passport, evidence of accommodation and return air ticket if necessary.
Final Words
The launch of the e-Visa digital platform constituted a major breakthrough towards the easing of the visa application operations in Equatorial Guinea. The E-visa for Guinea system, ensures adherence to national laws hence improving security management and easier movement of foreign nationals into the country.
The E-visa for guinea Application procedure is organized to save time and it is simple. In this context, applicants are informed that they will receive their Entry Visa letters through e-mails, within seventy two hours from the time of submission, and they will be, therefore, able to present this document on entry into the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. This not only alleviates the pressure that is usually experienced while applying for visas through the traditional way but also saves precious time that can be utilized by the travelers in getting ready for the actual travel.
As it is now, every facet of life is going digital, and so the e-Visa of Equatorial Guinea is the best application suited for the needs of travelers today. The Internet-based application system enables the travelers to do their filling at their convenience and ensures that no information is left out or incorrect before submitting the application.