Guinea

Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require work authorization depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in Guinea. In case you are unsure if your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

Business visitors traveling to Guinea may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

• Attend business meetings
• Attend conferences
• Attend training workshops
• Develop professional business contacts
• Negotiate business contracts

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

EU, Canadian, ECOWAS, US and many other nationals do not require a visa to conduct business activities in Guinea. Business visitors who require a visa to enter Guinea must obtain a Visitor Visa from a Guinea Consulate or Embassy, prior to travel.

Proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required for travel to Guinea.

Working in Guinea

What sorts of activities require a work permit?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Guinean law if conducted for more than 90 days. This list is not comprehensive and many other professional activities may be permitted if conducted for a short duration.

• Hands-on technical work
• Repairs and maintenance
• Project planning and implementation
• Installation and testing of software
• Consulting

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

Whether you require a work permit depends on your qualifications, whether your employer has an entity in Guinea, and the nature of your work. The most common type of Guinean work authorization is the Work Permit (direct-hire work permit).

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work permit requirements?

Nationals from the ECOWAS countries are exempt from the work permit requirement in Guinea. Registrations or other formalities may be required before these nationals can work or reside in Guinea.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or work authorization eligibility entail 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.