Guinea entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
South African passport holders need an eVisa to enter Guinea. Apply online before you travel. This applies for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for an eVisa before travel | Guinea requires an eVisa for South African passport holders. Apply through the official Guinea Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal at mae.gov.gn. Processing takes 3–5 business days, and you must print the approval letter to present at immigration.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Guinea. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers in Conakry will deny entry if your passport expires before your departure date. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Conakry International Airport routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready — they may check it before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support your stay | Have access to at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your trip, and showing a bank statement or cash avoids delays. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have a yellow fever vaccination and carry the yellow card. Immigration at Conakry will ask for it. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot.
eVisa processing times vary
Apply at least 7 days before your flight. Some applications take the full 7 business days. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the eVisa in hand.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Guinea eVisa website (if available) or use a trusted visa service. Fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (typically around $80–$100 USD). Processing takes 3–7 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with the eVisa document. Print a paper copy and also save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at the airport check-in and on arrival.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Pack your passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, and accommodation booking. Keep them in your carry-on. At Conakry International Airport (CKY), immigration will check your passport and eVisa, then stamp you in.
4
Arrive and clear immigration
At Conakry airport, follow signs to 'Arrivals'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Hand over your passport, eVisa, and return ticket if asked. They'll take a photo and fingerprints. Collect your luggage and proceed to customs.
Download Guinea Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. R1,450 ZAR)
Apply at Guinea embassy; requires invitation letter.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. R2,720 ZAR)
For frequent travellers; same requirements as single entry.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Work Permit)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. R3,630 ZAR) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a job offer in Guinea. Requires employer to sponsor and provide contract. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable based on studies
~$100 USD (approx. R1,815 ZAR)
For enrolled students at recognized Guinean institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for South African passport holders. | $80 USD (approx. R1,450 ZAR) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap reported; avoid overstaying. | $10 USD per day (approx. R180 ZAR) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Guinea
No transit visa needed
South African passport holders transiting through Conakry International Airport (CKY) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsConakry International Airport (CKY)
Health & vaccines for Guinea
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; South Africa is not endemic, but proof may be requested if transiting through endemic areas.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialRabiesConsiderMeningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Guinea; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Present in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
Typhoid FeverHigh risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Guinea, including urban areas. Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Conakry
Direction Nationale de la Police des Frontières
Avenue de la République, Conakry
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles visa extensions and immigration matters; bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Practical information for ZA travellers
Country basics
CapitalConakry
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyGuinean franc (GNF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 8,760.68 GNF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FTypes C and F, standard European plugs
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 3 to 7 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option available.
The eVisa fee is typically around $80 to $100 USD. Payment is made online during the application. Check the official site for the exact current fee.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before your allowed stay expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and reapply.
You won't be allowed to board your flight. The eVisa must be approved before you travel. There's no visa-on-arrival for South African passport holders.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
You'll queue at the foreign passport counter. Hand over your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket. They'll take your photo and fingerprints. The process takes about 10–15 minutes if there's no queue.
Yes, but roaming can be expensive. Get a local SIM at the airport or an eSIM from Airalo before you go. It activates as soon as you land.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.