Guinea

When traveling to 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 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
• » Execute contracts
• » Participate in exhibitions or trade fairs
• » Attend a seminar or conference

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

Many nationals, including those from Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) countries, Canada, European Union member states, and the United States are eligible for a visa waiver and may enter Guinea for business purposes without obtaining a visa.

If your nationality is not eligible for a visa waiver, you may be eligible to obtain a Visitor Visa from a Guinean Embassy or Consulate prior to travel.

What types of activities require work authorization?

Business visitors are permitted to engage in professional activities for a short duration, so long as they are not remunerated in Guinea. There are no limits on the types of professional activities that may be performed by business visitors, but they must remain on foreign payroll. Please consult with your immigration provider before traveling to confirm your eligibility for a short-term work authorization exemption.

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

The 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 Guinea. The most common type of work authorization for Guinea is the Work Permit and Residence Permit.

Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?

Nationals of ECOWAS countries are exempt from work authorization requirements in Guinea. However, registrations or other formalities may be required prior to working or residing in Guinea.

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.