Guinea-Bissau

The Land of Islands
and Cultural Harmony

Flag of Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau, a small country in West Africa, is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, rich cultural heritage, and complex history. Home to landmarks like the Bijagós Archipelago, Orango National Park, and the colonial-era capital Bissau, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical sites. The country's geography features mangrove swamps, tropical forests, and coastal plains.

Guinea-Bissauan culture is a vibrant mix of African and Portuguese influences, reflected in its music, art, and cuisine featuring dishes like caldo de mancarra (peanut soup). Known for its biodiversity, particularly its marine life and migratory birds, and as a former Portuguese colony, Guinea-Bissau presents a captivating destination that combines pristine nature with a rich cultural tapestry, despite facing political and economic challenges.

Travel Documents

Documents

Toll

Driving

Currency

Laws

Legal

Safety

Flights

Travel Documents

Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is generally required for entry into Guinea-Bissau.
  • Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Guinea-Bissau.

Visa Requirements

  • Visa-exempt countries: Citizens from several nations, including most ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) countries, can enter Guinea-Bissau with a valid passport and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
  • Visa-required countries: Travelers from nations not on the visa-exempt list must possess a valid passport and obtain a visa prior to entering Guinea-Bissau, either through an embassy or upon arrival (subject to approval).

Special Entry Provisions

  • No specific provisions exist for holders of Schengen, US, or UK visas or residence permits to enter Guinea-Bissau without a visa; a Guinea-Bissau-specific visa is required unless from an ECOWAS country.
  • Travelers must have confirmed onward or return tickets, proof of sufficient funds for their stay, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

ID Card Entry

  • The following citizens can enter Guinea-Bissau using only a valid national ID card:
    • ECOWAS member states (e.g., Senegal, Guinea, Cape Verde)

Visa Types

  • Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for 90 days within 180 days. Can be single, double, or multiple entry, with validity up to 3 years.
  • Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 90 days. Valid for one year with a 90-day stay period, allowing application for a residence permit.

Important Links

Additional Considerations

  • Length of stay: Visa-free stays for ECOWAS citizens are typically limited to 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • Purpose of visit: Different rules apply for work, study, or long-term stays; contact the nearest Guinea-Bissau embassy or high commission.
  • COVID-19 measures: Always check for current health-related entry requirements (e.g., vaccination certificates or testing) via the Ministry of Health.
Toll

Driving in Guinea-Bissau

Current Toll Roads

  • As of 2025, Guinea-Bissau has no official toll roads. Major routes like the Bissau-Bafatá road are publicly funded, but tolls may be introduced on key routes in the future due to infrastructure needs.

Toll Rates and Payment

  • Toll rates: Not applicable yet; monitor updates from the Guinea-Bissau Road Authority.
  • Payment Methods:
    • Cash: West African CFA Franc (XOF) would be accepted if tolls are introduced.
    • Credit/Debit Cards: Unlikely to be accepted initially; cash is king.
    • Electronic Toll Collection: No system currently exists.

Driving in Guinea-Bissau

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants, though enforcement is limited.
  • Speed limits:
    • Urban areas: 40 km/h
    • Rural roads: 80 km/h
    • Highways: 110 km/h
  • Road conditions: Poor outside major cities like Bissau; unpaved, damaged, and unlit roads are common, especially during the rainy season (June to October).
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national driver’s license for stays up to 3 months; longer stays require a Guinea-Bissau driver’s license.

Important Considerations

  • Vignette System: Guinea-Bissau has no vignette system, but road taxes or checkpoints may apply—check locally.
  • Road Safety: Roads are hazardous due to poor maintenance, aggressive drivers, livestock, and occasional banditry. Avoid night driving outside urban areas.
  • GPS and Maps: GPS is unreliable in rural areas; keep an updated physical map and a reliable communication device.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies (service may be limited, especially in rural areas).

Useful Links

Guinea-Bissau Currency

The official currency of Guinea-Bissau is the West African CFA Franc (XOF).

Key Information

  • Banknotes: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000 XOF
  • Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 500 XOF
  • Symbol: CFA

Currency Exchange

  • Exchange services available at banks, Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau), and major hotels in Bissau.
  • ATMs are limited but available in Bissau for direct XOF withdrawals (major UK, US, and Euro cards may be accepted).

Payment Methods

  • Cash is preferred, especially outside urban areas.
  • Credit/debit cards are rarely accepted, limited to major hotels and some businesses in Bissau.

Travel Tips

  • Inform your bank of travel plans, though card use may be unreliable.
  • Carry sufficient cash for small purchases and rural areas.
  • Check for currency conversion fees when exchanging or using cards.
  • For current exchange rates, visit the Central Bank of West African States website: https://www.bceao.int/en/exchange-rates
Laws

Legal Essentials for Traveling in Guinea-Bissau

Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travellers in Guinea-Bissau, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

  • Drugs: Strict penalties for possession or trafficking, including lengthy prison sentences. Even small quantities can lead to criminal charges.
  • Alcohol & Smoking:
    • Public intoxication is frowned upon and may result in fines or detention.
    • Smoking banned in indoor public spaces and on public transport.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Avoid discussing sensitive political or ethnic issues, especially related to the government or regional instability.
  • LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships are illegal, with penalties up to 3 years in prison. 2SLGBTQI+ travelers should carefully consider the risks of traveling to Guinea-Bissau.
  • Photography: Restricted near government buildings, military sites, or sensitive installations. Always ask permission for portraits of locals.

Duty-Free Limits

  • Alcohol: 1L spirits | Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
  • Cash: Declare amounts over $10,000 USD (or equivalent).

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics, weapons, endangered species products.
  • Counterfeit goods (may face fines or confiscation).

Luggage Issues

  • Report lost/damaged luggage within 7 days at the airport via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).

Complaints

  • Submit grievances to the Guinea-Bissau Tourism Office or local police stations.

Beach Access

  • Public beaches must allow free access within 2.5 meters of the shoreline. Wheelchair access is legally mandated on major beaches like those in Bissau.

Key Resources

Guinea-Bissau Travel Safety

Guinea-Bissau is generally safe for travellers in some areas, but with significant risks due to crime and instability in certain regions. Travellers should remain aware of health precautions, road safety, and emergency protocols. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in Guinea-Bissau.

Safety Overview

  • Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) and violent crime (e.g., armed robbery, carjacking) are common, especially in Bissau, Bafatá, and on public transport. Violent crime against tourists is less common but possible, particularly in rural areas or near borders.
  • Solo/Female Travelers: Generally safe in urban areas during the day; avoid traveling alone at night or in rural zones, especially for women, due to occasional violence.

Road Safety

  • Driving is risky due to poor road conditions, aggressive drivers, and occasional banditry on remote routes.
  • Avoid night driving outside major cities due to unlit roads and security risks.
  • Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes) are mandatory, but enforcement is limited.

Health Risks

  • Food/Water Safety:
    • Avoid tap water; drink bottled or purified water.
    • Eat well-cooked food to avoid diarrhea, cholera, or typhoid.
  • Vaccinations:
    • Required: Yellow fever (for all travelers over 1 year old).
    • Recommended: Hepatitis A, typhoid, polio, hepatitis B, rabies, malaria prophylaxis, and COVID-19.
  • Insect-Borne Diseases: Malaria, dengue, and yellow fever are widespread; use repellent and bed nets.
  • Altitude Sickness: Minimal risk, as no areas exceed 262 meters (no significant elevation).

Medical Facilities

  • Hospitals: Private facilities like the Centro Hospitalar Nacional Simão Mendes in Bissau offer basic care. Rural areas often lack advanced care.
  • Pharmacies: Available in cities; stock essential medications, but supplies can be limited.
  • Insurance: Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation.

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: 112 (works for police, ambulance, and fire).
  • Police: 117 | Ambulance: 118 | Fire: 119.
  • Tourist Police (Bissau): +245 955 555 555.

Travel Tips

  • Roads: Rent a 4x4 for rural areas; confirm insurance coverage and avoid public transport on remote routes.
  • Hiking: Use local guides for remote areas, though hiking opportunities are limited due to terrain and security risks.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid discussing sensitive political or conflict-related issues.
  • Air Quality: Generally good, but monitor dust levels during dry seasons (November to May).

Key Links

Flying to Guinea-Bissau

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