Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers .

We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Guinea at this time because of the unpredictable security situation, and the high risk of violent crime.

The security situation in Guinea has improved following the inauguration of the first democratically elected president in December 2010. Despite this the situation remains unpredictable and could change at short notice.

You should avoid demonstrations, street rallies and public gatherings as they may turn violent and attract a heavy response from security forces. You could get caught up in attacks directed at others. Demonstrators may set up impromptu roadblocks.

There is a large military presence in Conakry and roadblocks are common.

Australians remaining in Guinea should be extremely vigilant, monitor the media and other local sources of information about possible new safety or security risks and avoid unnecessary movement in Conakry and throughout Guinea.

Demonstrations and strikes may disrupt the supply of goods and services. We recommend you have with you a supply of water and food to last several days, cash, medications and a basic first-aid kit. Ensure your vehicle has an adequate supply of fuel and ensure mobile phones are fully charged.

There is a risk of inter-ethnic violence in and around the town of N’Zerekore in the Guinee Forestiere region in the south-east.

Border regions with Liberia, Sierra Leone and Cote d'Ivoire: We strongly advise you not to travel to the border regions with Liberia, Sierra Leone and Cote d'Ivoire because of the continuing unstable security situation, and military and rebel activity in these regions. Past or ongoing conflicts in these countries have left the border areas tense, with displaced persons and refugees from neighbouring countries continuing to travel through Guinea. Banditry is also a risk in these border areas.

There is a high risk of violent crime in Guinea. Theft at gunpoint is a common occurrence. Assaults, muggings, armed robbery and break-ins, as well as minor theft, are prevalent in Conakry, and in most other parts of the country. Criminals are known to target tourists, particularly at the airport, in markets and near hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners. In Conakry, petty criminals are particularly active in the Madina, Niger and Taouyah markets. Children have been used by criminals to conduct the crimes. Ensure your personal belongings and travel documents are secure at all times and remain alert to your surroundings.

We recommend you exercise caution with offers of unsolicited assistance, especially in airports and hotels. The offer may come from persons seeking an opportunity to steal luggage, purses or wallets.

Criminals have been reported wearing military-style uniforms and carrying military weapons.

Power failures are frequent throughout the country and may affect security conditions, especially in large urban centres.

Commercial and internet fraud is prevalent and often originates in west African countries. Victims have been defrauded and those who travel to the originating country have had their lives endangered. Some victims have been killed. Criminals have been known to seek details of 'safe' bank accounts overseas in which to transfer large sums of money (as a donation or for a percentage of the amount involved). They may also provide fake cashier cheques for 'urgent' shipments of large quantities of goods, request sizeable fees for a fake government contract and extort money from individuals they have convinced to travel to Africa for a business opportunity. If you are a victim of a financial scam, we advise you to obtain legal advice and not to travel to Africa to seek restitution as there is a risk of physical assault from the perpetrators. Our information on International Financial Scams provides more detail on these types of scams.

Some Australian citizens have also been defrauded or had their lives endangered by bogus internet friendship, dating and marriage schemes operating from west African countries. These scams typically result from connections made through internet dating schemes or chat rooms. Once a virtual relationship develops, the Australian citizen is asked by their friend or prospective marriage partner to send money to enable travel to Australia. Once the money has been received, the relationship is usually terminated and any chance of recovering the funds is highly unlikely. In some instances, foreigners who have travelled to Africa to meet their friend or prospective marriage partner have been kidnapped and held to ransom.

Piracy has been reported in the coastal waters off Guinea. See our travel advice on Travelling by Sea for further information. The International Maritime Bureau issues piracy reports on its website .

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas. Travellers' cheques and credit cards are accepted at most major hotels in Conakry but generally not elsewhere in the country. Banking facilities may be limited outside of Conakry. Australian currency is generally not an acceptable means of foreign exchange in West Africa.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority .

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

Please refer to our travel bulletin for information about Aviation Safety and Security.

There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in Guinea and you should take care not to offend.

Guinea does not recognise dual nationality. This may limit our ability to provide consular assistance to Australian/Guinean dual nationals who are arrested or detained.

Our Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.

The rainy season is May to October when flooding may occur and unpaved roads can become impassable. Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service . If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page , Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council .