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 is underdeveloped despite the country's oil wealth. Medical facilities are limited, with most equipped only for basic care. Serious medical conditions often require evacuation to Spain, South Africa, or other countries with advanced medical facilities.
Hospitals
La Paz Medical Center is the primary option for expatriates and travelers, offering relatively better care but still limited services. Hospital General de Malabo is the main public facility but not recommended for foreigners except in emergencies. Most serious medical issues require evacuation.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies in Malabo have limited stock and may not carry specialized medications. Common medications may be available but counterfeit drugs are a concern. Bring all prescription medications in original containers with documentation, plus extra supply in case of delays.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage is absolutely essential. Ensure coverage includes evacuation to Europe or South Africa, as local facilities cannot handle serious medical emergencies. Verify coverage is valid for Equatorial Guinea specifically.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first aid kit and all medications you might need for your entire stay plus extra
- Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date; Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory and certificate must be presented
- Take antimalarial prophylaxis as malaria is endemic and a serious risk year-round
- Drink only bottled or purified water; avoid ice and raw foods that may have been washed in tap water
- Consider arranging medical evacuation insurance separately if your standard policy has limitations
- Bring copies of prescriptions and medical records in Spanish if possible
- Identify the location of your nearest suitable medical facility and embassy upon arrival
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur, particularly in crowded areas, markets, and near the port. Theft from vehicles is also common.
Malaria is endemic throughout Equatorial Guinea year-round, with high transmission rates. Dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses are also present.
Taking photographs of government buildings, military installations, airports, ports, police, or official personnel is strictly prohibited and can result in arrest, detention, confiscation of equipment, and serious legal consequences.
Security checkpoints are common throughout Malabo. Travelers may face requests for bribes or documentation checks. Interactions can be unpredictable.
Road conditions are poor outside main areas, driving standards are erratic, street lighting is minimal, and pedestrians/animals on roads are common. Accidents are frequent.
Tap water is not safe to drink. Risks include typhoid, hepatitis A, cholera, and various parasitic infections from contaminated water and food.
ATMs are scarce and often out of service or out of cash. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Banking services are limited.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Taxi drivers may quote inflated prices to foreign visitors, especially from the airport. Lack of meters makes it easy to overcharge tourists unfamiliar with local rates.
Individuals posing as officials or actual officials may claim documentation problems or violations and demand immediate cash payments or 'fines.'
Unofficial money changers may offer better rates but provide counterfeit bills, short-change tourists, or use sleight of hand during counting.
Some establishments may add unexpected charges, charge different prices for foreigners, or include services not requested on bills.
Individuals may approach tourists offering to help with permits, arrange tours, or facilitate services, then disappear with advance payments or provide nothing of value.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Documentation
- Always carry your original passport and visa - photocopies are not sufficient at checkpoints
- Keep multiple copies of important documents stored separately from originals
- Ensure your visa is valid and appropriate for your purpose of visit - penalties for violations are severe
- Register with your embassy upon arrival and maintain contact information
- Carry proof of yellow fever vaccination at all times
- Keep hotel contact information and address in Spanish readily available
Photography and Technology
- Never photograph government buildings, military installations, airports, ports, or security personnel
- Keep cameras and phones concealed when near sensitive areas
- Delete any questionable photos before checkpoints
- Ask permission before photographing local people
- Be aware that authorities may check phones and cameras
- Consider using a basic phone rather than expensive smartphone to avoid attention
Money and Valuables
- Bring sufficient euros or US dollars in cash as ATMs are unreliable
- Store cash in multiple secure locations on your person and in luggage
- Use hotel safes for valuables and excess cash
- Don't display expensive jewelry, watches, or electronics
- Keep emergency funds completely separate from daily spending money
- Carry only what you need for the day when going out
Transportation
- Avoid driving at night due to poor lighting and road conditions
- Use reputable taxi services, preferably arranged through your hotel
- Agree on taxi fares before starting journey
- Wear seatbelts and ensure vehicles appear safe before entering
- Keep car doors locked and windows up while driving
- Have a local SIM card or means of communication in case of breakdown
Health Precautions
- Take antimalarial medication as prescribed - malaria is a serious risk
- Use insect repellent with DEET consistently, especially at dawn and dusk
- Drink only bottled water and avoid ice
- Eat only thoroughly cooked food served hot
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
- Avoid contact with animals to prevent rabies exposure
- Seek immediate medical attention for fever, as it could indicate malaria
Cultural Awareness
- Learn basic Spanish phrases as English is rarely spoken
- Dress conservatively, covering shoulders and knees
- Show respect to authority figures and avoid confrontation
- Avoid political discussions and criticism of the government
- Be patient with bureaucratic processes
- Respect local customs and religious practices
- Maintain a low profile and avoid drawing attention to yourself
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card upon arrival for emergency communication
- Keep your embassy's emergency contact number saved and readily accessible
- Inform someone of your daily plans and expected return time
- Internet can be unreliable - don't depend on it for critical communications
- Consider satellite phone or messaging device for emergency backup
- Learn key emergency phrases in Spanish
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers can visit Malabo but should exercise additional caution. While violent crime against tourists is uncommon, unwanted attention, verbal harassment, and inappropriate comments can occur. The culture is relatively conservative, and women, especially foreign women, may attract attention. Solo women travelers are uncommon and may face more scrutiny. Traveling with companions or in groups is advisable.
- Dress conservatively, covering shoulders and knees; loose-fitting clothing is recommended
- Avoid walking alone, especially after dark; use trusted taxi services even for short distances
- Book accommodations at established hotels with good security rather than budget options
- Ignore catcalls and unwanted attention; responding may escalate the situation
- Consider wearing a fake wedding ring to deflect unwanted advances
- Be firm but polite when declining offers of help or attention from strangers
- Keep your hotel room number private and meet people in public areas
- Avoid isolated areas including beaches, parks, and quiet streets
- Trust your instincts and remove yourself from uncomfortable situations immediately
- Have your phone charged and embassy contacts readily available
- Consider joining organized tours rather than exploring independently
- Be aware that alcohol consumption by women may be viewed negatively
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Equatorial Guinea, but there are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognized.
- Exercise extreme discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity
- Avoid any public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Do not discuss LGBTQ+ topics openly or with people you don't know well
- Be aware that hotel staff may react negatively to same-sex couples sharing rooms
- Consider booking separate rooms to avoid potential issues
- There are no LGBTQ+ venues, organizations, or support networks in Malabo
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance if possible
- Keep contact information for your embassy readily available
- Be prepared for potential discrimination and have contingency plans
- Consider whether travel to Equatorial Guinea is necessary given the challenging environment for LGBTQ+ visitors
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely essential for travel to Malabo and should be considered mandatory rather than optional. The limited healthcare facilities cannot handle serious medical emergencies, making medical evacuation to Europe or South Africa potentially necessary. Evacuation costs can exceed $100,000. Additionally, the unpredictable political environment, poor infrastructure, and limited services mean that trip interruptions, delays, and unexpected costs are more likely than in typical destinations.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries