Guinea

Guinea’s Maritime Code (Law No. L/2019/012/AN of 9 May 2019) recognizes recreational navigation as a category, but public information does not explain the full arrival process for foreign private yachts. Before planning a call, confirm vessel and voyage acceptance and applicable procedures with the port authority, maritime authorities and Customs.

Ports of entry

Article 90 of Guinea’s Customs Code says that, except in a duly justified force-majeure case, vessels entering Customs-controlled waters must proceed directly to a Customs office and call at a port or anchorage where a Customs office is located. Available public information does not provide a complete list of ports where foreign private yachts may clear. Before sailing, confirm with Customs and the intended port whether it accepts yachts and can process border formalities.

Article 324 of Guinea’s Maritime Code says foreign vessels calling at Guinean ports must use an approved shipping agent, except for warships. Before departure, contact the national merchant-marine authority or an approved agent to confirm how this applies to private yachts, any advance-notice deadline and required documents. No uniform yacht reporting deadline is inferred here.

Official e-visa information lists a yellow-fever vaccination certificate among required documents. The government service page gives Conakry International Airport as the visa-on-arrival collection point; confirm the visa process for arrival by sea in advance.

Vessel customs

Articles 92–93 of Guinea’s Customs Code require the master or authorized representative to present the ship’s log for Customs endorsement on arrival. Within 24 hours after arrival, submit a general cargo declaration, lists of ship’s stores and crew effects, and relevant vessel documents. A general declaration is still required when in ballast or carrying no cargo (state “no cargo/in ballast”). These are general vessel customs rules; before arrival, confirm how to submit them, applicable forms and stores treatment for a private yacht.

Quarantine and biosecurity

Article 41 of Guinea’s Livestock and Animal Products Act requires live animals imported by sea or other means to undergo veterinary inspection before Customs release. This confirms inspection of imported live animals, not complete yacht quarantine or stores procedures. Confirm requirements for pets, food, plants and stores not landed by item with livestock/health and port authorities.

Restricted and prohibited items

Guinea’s Customs Code requires prohibited goods to be accurately listed on the cargo manifest. Other wildlife and animal-product rules require imported live animals to be inspected by a veterinarian; some species may be prohibited or require permits. No complete restricted-items list for personal-use goods or stores retained aboard private yachts was found. Before carrying firearms, ammunition, controlled medicines, wildlife products or food/animal goods to be landed, confirm each item with Customs and the licensing authority.

Articles 759–761 of Guinea’s Maritime Code require vessels entering port to display their national flag and the Guinean flag; entry, berthing, movement and safety requirements follow each port operator’s rules. Compulsory pilotage zones and thresholds are set by individual ports. Confirm yacht acceptance, anchorage/berth, agent and pilotage requirements with the destination port; do not apply another port’s thresholds.

Before departure, request a written quotation for charges applicable to this vessel and confirm overtime, departure declaration, clearance document and temporary-import cancellation requirements with the port.