Equatorial Guinea

When traveling to Equatorial Guinea, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if work authorization will be required. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

As a business visitor to Equatorial Guinea, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:

• » Attend business meetings
• » Buy goods for sale outside the country
• » Tour a company facility
• » Attend a trade show or seminar convention

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Equatorial Guinea?

Most foreign nationals traveling to Equatorial Guinea to conduct business activities must obtain a Business Visa from an Equatorial Guinean Embassy or Consulate prior to travel. Nationals of select countries may be eligible to enter Equatorial Guinea with a Visa on Arrival (VOA). Foreign nationals who qualify for a VOA must obtain a signed Letter of Invitation (LOI) issued by the Ministry of National Security (MNS).

Nationals of some countries may be eligible for a visa waiver which permits entry to Equatorial Guinea for business purposes without obtaining a visa. Please consult with your immigration counsel prior to travel to confirm your eligibility for a consular visa, VOA, or visa waiver.

What types of activities require work authorization?

Business visitors are generally permitted to perform most technical activities, including technical training, systems installation, and repair and maintenance, on a short-term basis without obtaining work authorization. However, additional conditions and eligibility requirements may apply. Please consult with your immigration counsel prior to travel to determine whether a short-term work authorization exemption may apply.

If I am traveling to Equatorial Guinea for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

Requirements for work authorization depend on your qualifications, on the nature and duration of your work, and on whether your employer has an entity in Equatorial Guinea. The most common types of work authorization for Equatorial Guinea are:

• » Permit A (PA) Work Permit (short-term work authorization)
• » Initial Permit B (IPB) (long-term work authorization)

Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?

In some cases, foreign nationals may be eligible for a long-term work authorization exemption for one, two, or three years at the discretion of immigration authorities. However, certain conditions and registration requirements may apply. Please consult with your immigration counsel prior to travel to determine eligibility for a long-term work authorization exemption.

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.