Guinea entry requirements for South Africa passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

South African passport holders need an eVisa to enter Guinea. Apply online before you travel. This applies for 2026.

Apply for Guinea eVisaOfficial portal: Guinea eVisa Portal

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply for Guinea eVisa
Apply for your Guinea eVisa online before travel. The official portal is managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Processing times vary, so apply at least 2 weeks before departure.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Passport validity
Your South African passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Guinea. Airlines check this before boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers at Conakry Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Have a hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host ready. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you're staying more than a few days.Recommended
Proof of funds
Sufficient funds for stay
Carry enough cash (Euros or US dollars) or a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. Immigration may ask for proof of funds on arrival.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have a yellow fever vaccination and carry the yellow card. Immigration at Conakry will ask for it. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot.
eVisa processing times vary
Apply at least 7 days before your flight. Some applications take the full 7 business days. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the eVisa in hand.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Guinea eVisa website (if available) or use a trusted visa service. Fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (typically around $80–$100 USD). Processing takes 3–7 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with the eVisa document. Print a paper copy and also save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at the airport check-in and on arrival.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Pack your passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, and accommodation booking. Keep them in your carry-on. At Conakry International Airport (CKY), immigration will check your passport and eVisa, then stamp you in.
4
Arrive and clear immigration
At Conakry airport, follow signs to 'Arrivals'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Hand over your passport, eVisa, and return ticket if asked. They'll take a photo and fingerprints. Collect your luggage and proceed to customs.
Download Guinea Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. R1,450 ZAR)

Apply at Guinea embassy; requires invitation letter.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. R2,720 ZAR)

For frequent travellers; same requirements as single entry.

work visa
Carte de Séjour (Work Permit)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. R3,630 ZAR) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a job offer in Guinea. Requires employer to sponsor and provide contract. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable based on studies
~$100 USD (approx. R1,815 ZAR)
For enrolled students at recognized Guinean institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for South African passport holders.$80 USD (approx. R1,450 ZAR)
Overstay fine per dayNo official cap reported; avoid overstaying.$10 USD per day (approx. R180 ZAR)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%

Approval probability calculator

Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.

Transiting through Guinea

No transit visa needed

South African passport holders transiting through Conakry International Airport (CKY) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsConakry International Airport (CKY)

Health & vaccines for Guinea

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; South Africa is not endemic, but proof may be requested if transiting through endemic areas.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialRabiesConsiderMeningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread throughout Guinea; prophylaxis strongly recommended.

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Present in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.

Typhoid FeverHigh risk

Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is high throughout Guinea, including urban areas. Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine recommended.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Conakry
Direction Nationale de la Police des Frontières
Avenue de la République, Conakry
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

Handles visa extensions and immigration matters; bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.

Practical information for ZA travellers

Country basics
CapitalConakry
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyGuinean franc (GNF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 8,779.2 GNF
updated Jul 3
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FTypes C and F, standard European plugs
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Police117
Medical115
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Processing usually takes 3 to 7 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option available.
The eVisa fee is typically around $80 to $100 USD. Payment is made online during the application. Check the official site for the exact current fee.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before your allowed stay expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and reapply.
You won't be allowed to board your flight. The eVisa must be approved before you travel. There's no visa-on-arrival for South African passport holders.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
You'll queue at the foreign passport counter. Hand over your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket. They'll take your photo and fingerprints. The process takes about 10–15 minutes if there's no queue.
Yes, but roaming can be expensive. Get a local SIM at the airport or an eSIM from Airalo before you go. It activates as soon as you land.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.