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EMBASSY/CONSULATE ADDRESSES

Diplomatic Representation in US:
Ambassador: Purification Angue Ondo
Embassy: 2020 16th St., NW, Washington, DC 20009
Telephone: 202-518-5700
FAX: 202-518-5252

US Diplomatic Representation:
Ambassador: Mark L. Asquino
Embassy: Malabo
Mailing Address: Carretera de Aeropuerto KM-3 (El Paraiso), Apt. 95, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
Telephone: (240) 09.88.95;
Fax: (240) 09.88.94.

*The United States has reopened its full-time Embassy in Malabo (limited function), with the first resident Ambassador in 12 years.


FOREIGN RELATIONS

U.S.-EQUATORIAL GUINEA RELATIONS

The United States established diplomatic relations with Equatorial Guinea in 1968, following the country's independence from Spain. Equatorial Guinea's President has held office for more than three decades, and his party dominates the legislature. Three major U.S. foreign policy issues form the cornerstone of the bilateral relationship with Equatorial Guinea -- good governance and democracy; the protection of human rights; and U.S. national security, especially access to energy resources. The United States seeks to encourage improved human rights, the development of a working civil society, greater fiscal transparency, and increased government investment in Equatorial Guinea's people in areas such as health and education.

U.S. Assistance to Equatorial Guinea

U.S. assistance to Equatorial Guinea has focused on introducing the country’s military and police forces to the principles of human rights, good governance, and democracy, and on improving regional maritime security. The U.S. Agency for International Development has several small regional projects, but does not have a presence within the country. The Ambassador's Self-Help Fund annually finances a number of small grassroots projects. Equatoguineans visit the U.S. under programs sponsored by the U.S. Government, U.S. oil companies, and educational institutions.

Bilateral Economic Relations

Equatorial Guinea's hydrocarbon riches dwarf all other economic activity; the country's oil reserves are located mainly in the Gulf of Guinea. U.S. oil companies are one of Equatorial Guinea’s largest investors, and they have a lead role in oil and gas exploration and extraction. Equatorial Guinea's exports to the U.S. are dominated by petroleum products. In an effort to attract increased U.S. investment, U.S. passport-holders are entitled to visa-free entry for short visits. Imports from the United States include machinery, iron and steel products, optic and medical instruments, and inorganic chemical and rare earth minerals.

Equatorial Guinea's Membership in International Organizations

Equatorial Guinea has used its oil wealth to expand its foreign presence, establishing diplomatic missions in other countries. Equatorial Guinea and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank. The country also is an observer to the Organization of American States and World Trade Organization.

Bilateral Representation

Mark L. Asquino is U.S. Ambassador to Equatorial Guinea. Other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.

Equatorial Guinea maintains an embassy in the United States at 2020 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 (tel. 202-518-5700).

More information about Equatorial Guinea is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

Department of State Equatorial Guinea Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Equatorial Guinea Page
U.S. Embassy: Equatorial Guinea
History of U.S. Relations With Equatorial Guinea
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Countries Page
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Travel and Business Information




TRAVEL ADVISORIES

To obtain the latest Travel Advisory Information for Equatorial Guinea check the U.S. State Department Consular Information Sheet.


TRAVEL TIPS

Driving TBA
Currency (XAF) Africaine Franc
Electrical 220 Volts
Telephones Country Code 240, City Code, Bata 08+4D, Malabo 09+4D



Time: GMT + 1.

Electricity: 220/240 volts AC.

Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 240. Operator assistance may be required when making international calls from the country.

Climate: Tropical climate all year round. Rainfall is heavy for most of the year, decreasing slightly in most areas between December and February.

Required clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens. Waterproofing is necessary.

Food & Drink: There are few restaurants in Equatorial Guinea and those that exist are mainly restricted to Malabo and Bata and do not necessarily open every day. Most restaurants serve Spanish or continental cuisine. Beer is usually expensive, though a local sugar cane brew, malamba, can be sampled very cheaply.

Shopping: Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0800-1300, 1600-1900.

Tipping: Unless service charges are added to bills, 10 to 15 per cent.

Currency: CFA (Communauté Financiaire Africaine) Franc (CFAfr) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of CFAfr10,000, 5000, 2000, 1000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of CFAfr250, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1.

Currency exchange: Equatorial Guinea is part of the French Monetary Area. Only currency issued by the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique Centrale (Bank of Central African States) is valid; currency issued by the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (Bank of West African States) is not. The CFA Franc is tied to the Euro. Foreign currencies are best exchanged at banks, of which, however, there are few. Receipts for currency exchange should be retained.

Credit & debit cards: Diners Club is accepted on a limited basis. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Travellers cheques: Travellers cheques are generally not recommended.


CUSTOMS/DUTIES

Tobacco....200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco

Liquor........1 litre of wine; 1 litre of alcoholic beverage

Perfume.....Reasonable for personal use

Cameras.....No restrictions

Film............Reasonable for personal use

Gifts............No duty free allowance

Agricultural items....Refer to consulate



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