The following information was provided during a 27 August 2004 telephone interview by the consul at the Embassy of Guinea in Ottawa.

Guinean embassies abroad, including the embassy in Ottawa, have not issued passports since 1994, when the Guinean passport service was computerized. All applications for new passports and for renewals and replacements of lost or stolen passports must be made to the Department of Public Security in Guinea in person by the applicant or by his or her representative. A passport can also be given directly to the holder or a third person of the holder's choice, who is responsible for giving it to the holder. The holder must sign the passport in the appropriate place upon receipt.

However, Guinean embassies abroad, including the embassy in Ottawa, can extend the period of validity of a Guinean citizen's passport. In the space provided, the appropriate authority at the embassy places his or her signature, the embassy seal and a stamp indicating the duration of the extension, which can be for up to three years. The cost of the extension stamp is CAN$75, except in the case of students, who can obtain the stamp for free.

This information could not be corroborated by other sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

For more information on the procedure for obtaining a Guinean passport, see GIN42824.FE of 20 July 2004.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Embassy of the Republic of Guinea, Ottawa. 27 August 2004. Telephone interview with the consul.

Attempts to reach other oral sources were unsuccessful.

Internet sites, including: Government of Guinea, Observatoires des fonctions publiques africaines, United States Department of State.