A Comprehensive Guide on Moving to Guinea

Relocating to Guinea

The Land and Its People

Guinea is a republic on the west coast of Africa with over ten million inhabitants. The country is predominantly an Islamic country, though there are over 20 ethnic groups in the country. The main language is French, which is a legacy of the French colonization of Guinea in the first half of the 20th century, though other African languages are spoken here.

With a poor human rights record and severe health issues in the country, there are not too many expatriates living in Guinea, and despite good natural resources within the country, the economy still suffers due to issues like low youth employment. However, should you choose to make your home here, you’ll find the experience highly rewarding. Conakry, right on the coastline, is the capital of Guinea, and is the largest city in the country as well as being the center of Guinea’s culture, economy and education.

The Climate in Guinea

The climate in Guinea is a tropical climate, with a typical rainy season beginning in April and lasting through to November. The temperatures are high all year round, and do not vary very much throughout the year. With the rainy seasons come high humidity and greater winds as well. In the capital of Conakry, the average temperature is around 29°C, but these temperatures vary across the country. Further inland, the temperatures are higher, and there is less of a breeze. Throughout the rainy season, it is best to be prepared for any eventuality weather-wise, as occasionally storms can hit. Along with the winds often come sand storms blown in off the Sahara Desert, which will leave a film of sand over the entire country.

Visas for Guinea

As with entering any country, the visa requirements are different depending on the nationality of the applicant. To apply for a visa to enter Guinea, you will need to download an application form and send that off with your passport which must be valid for at least six months. You will also need to send off two passport photos, a copy of your itinerary or your round trip tickets and a bank statement, showing that you have enough money for your time in Guinea. They will also require the addresses of anywhere you will be staying once you are in the country. The processing time is relatively quick and should take less than a week, but it is best to be prepared as early in advance as possible in case there are any issues.