Overview
Equatorial Guinea is a Middle Africa nation in Africa, with Malabo as its capital and home to around 1,308,974 people. The currency is the Central African CFA franc (XAF). The main languages are French, Portuguese, Spanish. From its landscapes and cities to its cuisine and traditions, Equatorial Guinea offers travelers a distinctive slice of the world to explore.
Capital
Malabo
Population
1.3M
Currency
Central African CFA franc (XAF)
Languages
French, Portuguese, Spanish
Timezone
GMT+1
Calling code
+240
History
Equatorial Guinea has a rich history shaped by its position in Africa and the cultures of Middle Africa, leaving a legacy visible in its landmarks, cities and traditions today.
Culture
Culture in Equatorial Guinea is expressed through its food, festivals, music and daily rhythms — a warm invitation to experience local life first-hand.
Plan with confidence
Know before you go
Getting in & visas
Obtaining a visa for Equatorial Guinea has historically been notoriously expensive and difficult. Tourism is not a priority of the government, and visitors without obvious business or family reasons are viewed with grave suspicion.
Money & costs
The currency is the Central African CFA franc, denoted FCFA (ISO currency code: XAF). It's also used by five other Central African countries. It is interchangeable at par with the West African CFA franc (XOF), which is used by six countries. Both currencies are fixed at a rate of 1 euro = 655.957 CFA francs.
Getting around
There are lots of beaches. Take the precautions listed in the 'Stay Safe' category.
Language
The three official languages of the Equatorial Guinea are Spanish, French and Portuguese. The Fang and Igbo languages are widely spoken. Of the three languages, Spanish—the colonial language—is the most useful one and it is the first language of many Equatoguineans. The country is a member of La Francophonie, but French and the third language Portuguese are neither widely spoken nor widely understood.
Staying safe
=== Photography === Previously, a permit from the Ministry of Information and Tourism was required for photography. Although the law has changed, law enforcement authorities may use this as a reason to target, intimidate, extort, threaten, or even arrest tourists.
Health
Food and water: There are no potable or clean water sources in Equatorial Guinea. Visitors should drink only bottled water. Take care when consuming any fruits or vegetables that may have been washed or drinks that may contain ice cubes or 'water' additives such as coffee, tea or lemonade.
Staying connected
===By phone=== The country code is +240. The international call prefix is 00 (replacing the "+" for outgoing landline calls).
Local etiquette
Local people are very hospitable and have a certain familiarity for everything related to Spain, as the country was a Spanish province until 1968. In addition, half of the country's population emigrated to Spain between 1966 and the 1990s.
Holidays & festivals
Equatorial Guinea recognises the major Christian holidays. 12 October is Independence Day.
Practical guidance for Equatorial Guinea is summarised from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Always confirm official visa, health and safety requirements before you travel.
Plan your trip
A route through Equatorial Guinea
A suggested loop connecting Equatorial Guinea's major cities by proximity — a practical order for a multi-city trip.
Where to go
Top cities
In pictures
Equatorial Guinea gallery
Location
Find it on the map
Plan your trip
Estimate your budget
Trip budget estimator
Estimated total (your figures)
$3,160
≈ $1,580 per person · $451 per day
This tool only multiplies the numbers you enter — no prices are assumed.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
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