Published: 2026 | Last reviewed: September 2026 | Editorial team verified all requirements against gov.uk travel advice and the paf.gov.gn portal.
Yes, UK citizens must obtain a Guinea eVisa before travelling to the Republic of Guinea (Conakry). British passport holders are not eligible for a visa waiver or visa on arrival. The eVisa is processed in 1 to 4 business days and allows a single entry up to 90 days. Gathering the correct paperwork, including a Yellow Fever certificate, is essential for a smooth application process and arrival in Conakry.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Guinea?
British passport holders must obtain a Guinea eVisa before departure, as no visa exemption exists. The Guinea eVisa for UK citizens is mandatory because the United Kingdom is not on the visa waiver list maintained by the Republic of Guinea immigration portal.
According to gov.uk travel advice: “You must have a visa to visit Guinea for up to 90 days. Make sure you apply for the correct visa refused entry with the wrong one.” A visa on arrival is not available for UK citizens.
The Guinea eVisa for UK citizens must not be confused with visas for Papua New Guinea or Guinea-Bissau, as these are separate countries. For example, Papua New Guinea uses a different visa portal (ica.gov.pg), and Guinea-Bissau has distinct rules. Applying for the wrong one has led to British nationals being refused entry.
| Country | Capital | Visa Required for UK Citizens? |
|---|---|---|
| Republic of Guinea | Conakry | Yes, eVisa required |
| Papua New Guinea | Port Moresby | Yes, separate visa (different portal) |
| Guinea-Bissau | Bissau | Yes, separate visa (different portal) |
Guinea eVisa Requirements and Processing Time
The Guinea eVisa for UK citizens is a single-entry electronic tourist visa valid for 90 days from issuance. The eVisa produces an entry clearance letter (“Visa Volant”), not a passport sticker. British passport holders must meet the following requirements:
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned departure date, with 2 consecutive blank pages for entry stamps and the physical visa vignette.
- Processing time: 1-4 business days with no expedited option available; apply 7-10 days before departure.
- Passport scan: Biodata page in JPG or PDF format.
- Biometric photo: Passport-standard (~35×45 mm), plain background, JPG or PNG.
- Return or onward flight booking: Confirmation document showing travel dates.
- Proof of accommodation: Hotel reservation or invitation letter from a host in Guinea.
The Guinea eVisa for UK citizens cannot be obtained on arrival; all supporting documents must be uploaded digitally through the government portal at paf.gov.gn during the online application.
How to Apply for a Guinea eVisa from the UK
Apply via the government portal (paf.gov.gn) at least 7-10 days before departure. The process yields a printable “Visa Volant” (entry clearance letter), which is not a passport sticker.
Create an account
Register on paf.gov.gn using a valid email address and confirm via the verification link.
Complete the application form
Enter personal details matching the passport exactly, travel dates, intended port of entry (Ahmed Sekou Toure International Airport, Conakry), and accommodation information.
Upload supporting documents
Submit in JPG or PDF format: passport biodata page scan, biometric photo, return flight booking, and proof of accommodation.
Pay the eVisa fee
Pay by card directly on the portal. The amount is charged in USD or EUR.
Receive and print the entry clearance letter
The approved Guinea eVisa arrives as a PDF attachment by email and must be printed on paper for presentation at airline check-in and Conakry immigration. A digital copy on a phone is not accepted.
Guinea eVisa Costs and Border Entry Procedures
The Guinea eVisa for UK citizens involves two distinct cost components: a government statutory fee payable in USD or EUR on the paf.gov.gn portal, and an optional private agency processing charge. Private agencies may charge a service fee (e.g., £63.00). Applying directly on paf.gov.gn avoids this markup entirely. Always verify the exact government fee on the portal before paying.
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Government statutory fee | Payable in USD/EUR on paf.gov.gn | Verify exact amount at time of application |
| Agency processing charge | £63.00 | Private service fee, not the government fee |
On arrival at Ahmed Sekou Toure International Airport, Conakry, immigration authorities collect fingerprints and a digital photograph, then place a physical visa vignette in the passport. A valid Yellow Fever ICVP certificate is mandatory. The vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before entry, and only the original paper document is accepted. The Guinea eVisa is confirmed for use at Conakry international airport; land and sea border crossings may require separate arrangements.
UK travellers wishing to extend their stay must apply at the DCPAFP (Direction de la Citoyennete et de la Police des Affaires Etrangeres et de la Police) office in Conakry before the 90-day eVisa expires. An extension fee may apply. Overstaying without a valid extension may result in fines or future entry bans.
For safety guidance, consult the FCDO travel advice for Guinea at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/guinea before booking and departure. Most tourist regions are accessible; certain border areas may have travel restrictions. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Guinea eVisa (FAQ)
Do UK citizens need a visa for Guinea?
Yes, UK citizens must obtain a Guinea eVisa before travelling. British passport holders are not on the visa waiver list and must apply online via paf.gov.gn.
How much does a Guinea eVisa cost for UK citizens in 2026?
The government fee is payable in USD/EUR on paf.gov.gn. Private agencies add a processing fee (e.g., £63.00). Verify the exact government fee on the portal before applying.
How long does the Guinea eVisa take to process?
Standard processing time is 1 to 4 business days. No expedited service is available. Apply at least 7-10 days before departure.
Can I apply for a Guinea visa online from the UK?
Yes. British passport holders apply entirely online via paf.gov.gn: create an account, complete the form, upload documents, pay, and receive the entry clearance letter by email.
What documents do I need for a Guinea eVisa as a British passport holder?
Passport valid 6+ months with 2 consecutive blank pages, biometric photo, return flight booking, proof of accommodation, and Yellow Fever ICVP (original certificate, vaccine at least 10 days before entry).
Where can UK citizens apply for a Guinea eVisa?
UK citizens must apply through the government portal at paf.gov.gn. Third-party agencies are optional and charge additional service fees separate from the mandatory government fee.
Can UK citizens get a visa on arrival in Guinea?
No. A visa on arrival is not available for UK citizens. British passport holders must secure an eVisa online before departure or risk refused entry at Conakry airport.
Is a Yellow Fever vaccination mandatory for Guinea?
Yes. Mandatory ICVP, vaccine at least 10 days before entry, original certificate only.
What is a Visa Volant or entry clearance letter for Guinea?
The Visa Volant is the PDF document emailed after eVisa approval. It is not a visa sticker. Print it and present at check-in and Conakry immigration. The physical visa vignette is placed in your passport only after biometric enrolment on arrival.
How many blank passport pages do I need for a Guinea eVisa?
At least 2 consecutive blank pages. Required for entry/exit stamps and the physical visa vignette placed at Conakry airport.
Can I extend my Guinea eVisa while in the country?
Yes. Apply at the DCPAFP office in Conakry before the 90-day validity expires. An extension fee may apply.
Is Guinea safe for British tourists in 2026?
Check FCDO advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/guinea. Most tourist areas are accessible; avoid restricted border regions. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance.
