The visa crisis escalates... Guinea responds with countermeasures against EU restrictions.
Conakry suspends multiple-entry visas for Europeans and imposes fees on passport holders
Written by: Mohammed Omran
Guinea has announced a series of reciprocal measures in response to the temporary restrictions imposed by the European Union on processing visa applications submitted by Guinean citizens.
The visa crisis escalates... Guinea responds with countermeasures against EU restrictions.
This decision was revealed on Friday, July 24, 2026, following a working meeting chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Guineans Living Abroad, Dr. Morissanda Kouyaté, with the ambassadors of the EU member states.
During the discussions, the Guinean Foreign Minister reaffirmed the strength of the partnership between Conakry and Brussels, based on continuous dialogue and technical cooperation in several sectors.
European diplomats clarified that the decision of July 10, 2026, does not suspend the issuance of visas, but rather establishes temporary restrictive measures in accordance with Article 25 bis of the EU Visa Code, including enhanced review of applications, extension of processing periods, and suspension of certain administrative procedures.
In response, Guinea announced a temporary suspension of multiple-entry visas for European citizens, requiring holders of diplomatic and service passports to pay processing fees and extending the processing periods for their applications.
Dr. Morissada Kouyate reaffirmed Guinea’s commitment to continuing constructive cooperation with the European Union, while emphasizing respect for international obligations and prioritizing the fight against irregular migration, in line with the vision of the President of the Republic.
