Malabo Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Malabo.
Healthcare System
Malabo's healthcare system consists of both public and private facilities, with private clinics offering better standards of care for international visitors.
Hospitals
La Paz Hospital and Hospital General are the main facilities. Private clinics like Clinica Ela and Centro Medico de Malabo offer better care for tourists.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are available throughout the city but stock limited medications. Bring essential prescriptions and basic medicines. Common medications like pain relievers and antibiotics are usually available.
Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended as medical evacuation may be necessary for serious conditions.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a basic first aid kit and any prescription medications
- Consider medical evacuation insurance for serious emergencies
- Drink only bottled or boiled water to prevent stomach illnesses
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag-snatching, in crowded markets and tourist areas
Poor road conditions, aggressive driving, and limited street lighting increase accident risk
Malaria and dengue fever present year-round due to tropical climate
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unofficial money changers offer attractive rates but give counterfeit bills or short-change tourists near hotels and markets
Individuals posing as official guides offer tours but demand excessive fees or lead tourists to overpriced shops
Drivers refuse to use meters or claim they're broken, charging inflated prices to tourists
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy upon arrival
- Keep copies of important documents in separate locations
- Learn basic Spanish phrases for emergencies
Transportation
- Avoid traveling alone at night, to remote beaches
- Use taxi apps or hotel-arranged transport when possible
- Keep windows closed and doors locked in traffic
Health
- Get hepatitis A/B and typhoid vaccinations before travel
- Avoid raw foods and street food from questionable vendors
- Use strong insect repellent, when visiting beaches
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Solo female travelers can safely visit Malabo but should take additional precautions, regarding dress and social interactions.
- Dress modestly, when visiting religious sites or local neighborhoods
- Avoid walking alone at night, use hotel taxis
- Be cautious accepting drinks from strangers at bars or restaurants
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex relationships are legal but not widely accepted; no legal protections against discrimination
- Exercise discretion in public displays of affection
- Research LGBTQ-friendly accommodations in advance
- Connect with local LGBTQ networks through international organizations
Travel Insurance
Essential due to limited medical facilities and potential need for evacuation to mainland Africa or Europe
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries