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International Travel > Learn About Your Destination > Guinea-Bissau International Travel Information
Updated to reflect addition of health risk indicator and update to “If you decide to travel” section.
Reconsider travel to Guinea-Bissau due to civil unrest, crime, and health.
Country Summary: The country has had periods of political instability for decades. Past demonstrations have escalated into violence. Access to health care is limited.
Crime is common in Guinea-Bissau:
Health care in Guinea-Bissau is limited. Facilities may not have adequate supplies of basic medications, especially outside of larger cities. It is highly recommended to have medical evacuation insurance for travel to Guinea-Bissau. Travelers should carry a supply of any needed prescription medicines, along with copies of their prescriptions and include the generic names of medicines, as well as a supply of over-the-counter medications (such as anti-diarrheals and pain medication).
Read the country information page for more information on travel to Guinea-Bissau.
If you decide to travel to Guinea-Bissau:
Six months.
One page.
Yes, visa on arrival.
Yellow Fever.
Travelers from within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region must declare currency over 5,000,000 fCFA (approx. $8700 USD). Those traveling from outside the ECOWAS region must declare currency over $10,000 or the equivalent in fCFA.
Travelers to destinations within the ECOWAS region must declare currency in excess of 5,000,000 fCFA (approx. $8700 USD). Those traveling to destinations outside the ECOWAS region must declare currency in excess of $10,000 or the equivalent in fCFA.
There is no permanent U.S. diplomatic or consular presence in Guinea-Bissau. The U.S. Ambassador to Senegal is dually accredited to Guinea-Bissau.
The U.S. Liaison Office in Bissau does not offer consular services. Consular services are provided by the Embassy in Dakar, Senegal.
U.S. Embassy Dakar
Route des Almadies
Dakar, Senegal
Telephone: +221 33-879-4000
Emergency after-hours telephone: +221 33-879-4000
Email: DakarACS@state.gov
U.S. Liaison Office
Edifício SITEC
Rua José Carlos Schwarz 245, Bairro d’Ajuda
Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
Emergency Telephone: Please contact the U.S. Embassy in Dakar, Senegal, at +221 33-879-4000.
See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Guinea-Bissau for information on U.S.-Guinea-Bissau relation
To enter Guinea-Bissau, you need:
The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Guinea-Bissau.
Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction, and Customs Information on our websites.
Guinea-Bissau lacks sufficient resources and infrastructure to ensure a stable security environment.
Visit the U.S. Embassy Dakar website for current messages to U.S. citizens regarding safety and security. Please register your travel through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
Crime: Non-violent crimes occur frequently. Law enforcement lacks the resources to respond effectively to crime.
Expatriates and travelers are occasionally targeted for crimes of opportunity (petty theft, pickpocketing, theft from vehicles, minor assaults). Street criminals, aggressive vendors, and panhandlers frequently target foreigners in crowded areas and markets (particularly the Bandim Market) and travelers exiting the Bissau airport. According to law enforcement officials, travelers should also be cautious of the Mindara and Reino neighborhoods due to crime.
Risk of crimes increases at night, due to Guinea-Bissau's limited security infrastructure and lack of street and building lighting. You are strongly discouraged from walking alone after dark or in isolated areas. Even during daylight hours and in groups, you are advised to maintain a heightened level of security awareness, particularly in public places, tourist areas, and crowded locations.
Police and emergency personnel are poorly trained and lack resources to respond to crime and emergency situations effectively. Even if the police do respond to an incident, they usually lack the training and experience to conduct a proper investigation.
All foreign visitors should carry identification (such as a certified copy of passport and/or residence permit) at all times.
Narcotics trafficking is linked to criminal activity and aggressive assaults in rural areas of Guinea-Bissau.
Demonstrations occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.
Scams: Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Guinea-Bissau. See the Department of State and FBI pages for information.
Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers often pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams center around:
Technology Usage Abroad: Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi.
GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety consideration.
Be careful when using dating apps or online dating websites while abroad. Scammers may target U.S. citizens. Tell your friends and family where you are, meet in a popular public place, and avoid consuming suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.
Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of crime are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Dakar at +221 33-879-4000.
While local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime, police and emergency personnel in Guinea-Bissau may lack the basic resources necessary to effectively respond to crime and emergency situations.
See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.
We can:
Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the U.S. Embassy in Senegal for assistance.
Tourism: Little formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place. Tourists participate in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is not available in-country. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you breaklocal laws, even if you don’t know it, you can be kicked out of the area, arrested, or put in prison. If you want to start a business or work in a job that needs special permits or licenses, you should getinformation from the local authoritiesbefore you start.
Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Guinea-Bissau are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
Furthermore, some crimesare also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our crimes against minors abroad webpage and the Department of Justice website.
Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy in Senegal immediately. See our webpage for further information.
Currency: Guinea-Bissau's currency is the franc of the Communauté Financière d'Afrique (fCFA), which has an exchange rate fixed to the Euro. Guinea-Bissau’s economy operates primarily on a cash basis. Credit cards are not widely accepted. Although ATMs are available in some areas (primarily Bissau), they are not always reliable and should generally be avoided. You may be able to transfer money from the United States using a commercial wire-transfer company.
Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:
International Volunteers:
LGB Travelers: See our LGB Travel Information page and Section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details. There are no laws that criminalize sexual orientation in Guinea-Bissau. Nevertheless, LGB people face discrimination. Cases of violence against the LGB community often go unreported due to stigma or fear of retaliation.
Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.
Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Guinea-Bissau prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities, but the law is not enforced. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, most lodging facilities, communication/information, and general infrastructure. The availability of rental, repair, or replacement parts for aids, equipment, and devices for people with disabilities, including service providers such as sign language interpreters or personal assistants, is limited, especially outside of the capital city.
See our Travelers with Disabilities page.
Women Travelers: Rape, including spousal rape, is a crime punishable by 2-6 years in prison. Domestic violence is illegal, but widespread and rarely prosecuted. Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) is against the law but is still commonly practiced, especially in the north of the country.
See our travel tips for Women Travelers.
Modern medical facilities are virtually nonexistent in Guinea-Bissau, and travelers should not rely on the facilities that are available unless it is unavoidable. No emergency services are available in Guinea-Bissau. More acceptable levels of medical care are available in Senegal.
Ambulance services are not widely available, and training and availability of emergency responders are below U.S. standards. Existing ambulances are not staffed with trained paramedics and often have little or no medical equipment. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.
The U.S. Embassy in Dakar maintains a list of local doctors and hospitals on our webpage under "local resources." We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
See our Health Abroad page for more information.
We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health page. CDC Traveler Advice provides advice on medical considerations, including:
The Department of State, U.S. embassies, and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our Insurance Overseas page for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage for more information on what type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.
We strongly recommend supplemental insurance that covers medical evacuation.
If traveling with prescription medication, check to ensure the medication is legal in country. Always carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
The following diseases are present:
Vaccinations: Be up to date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Further Health Information:
Water Quality: Tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water. Wash raw vegetables and fruits in a bleach solution before eating.
Air Quality:
People who work or are active outdoors
Road Conditions and Safety: Urban and rural road conditions, and availability of roadside assistance, are all poor.
While there has been significant progress in locating and removing land mines left in place from Guinea-Bissau’s civil war and war of independence, a substantial number remain. You should not leave designated roads and pathways and should not drive at night. The land mines are scattered in several areas throughout Guinea-Bissau, including Bafata, Oio, Biombo, Quinara, and Tombali.
Public Transportation: Exercise caution if using taxis, as many are in sub-standard condition. If you do take a taxi, for your safety, inform the driver that you do not want additional patrons to be picked up along the route, as taxis in Bissau serve as a type of bus service, in which each passenger pays for a seat rather than the whole vehicle. Furthermore, the Embassy does not recommend that visitors use the informal bus system in Bissau called “Bus Rapides” or “Toca-Tocas.”
See our Road Safety page for more information.
Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Guinea-Bissau’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA’s website includes more information on its assessment program.
Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Guinea-Bissau should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings website.
The Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard has determined that effective anti-terrorism measures are not in place in Guinea-Bissau ports. Therefore, the Commandant has imposed conditions of entry on vessels that arrive in U.S. ports, after visiting Guinea-Bissau ports. Mariners and passengers traveling through the ports of Guinea-Bissau should exercise caution.
Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Guinea-Bissau. For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA) report.”
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