Guinea Bissau offers pristine beaches, unique wildlife, and the stunning Bijagos Archipelago. This West African gem features 88 islands, saltwater hippos, and vibrant Creole culture, making it one of Africa's most untouched destinations.
Guinea Bissau presents moderate travel risks primarily related to political instability, limited medical facilities, and the presence of unexploded ordnance in some rural areas from the independence war era. Bissau is generally safe for tourists during daytime, but requires standard urban caution at night. The Bijagos Islands are very safe. The primary health risks are malaria (year-round) and waterborne illness.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
Most Western governments advise exercising a high degree of caution in Guinea Bissau due to political instability and limited emergency services. Some areas near borders and remote rural zones have elevated risk. The Bijagos Archipelago is considered safer than the mainland.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Exercise High Degree of Caution
Exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of political instability and crime.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution due to crime and civil unrest. Political instability remains a concern.
Essential Travel Only in Some Areas
Exercise caution throughout Guinea Bissau. Some areas near borders and remote zones have elevated risk.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Avoid areas near Bafata, Oio, Biombo, Quinara, and Tombali due to landmines
Stay informed about political situation and curfews
Guard against pickpocketing in Bissau
Carry comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation
Register with your embassy before travel
Malaria is a serious risk year-round - take prescribed prophylaxis and use DEET 30%+ repellent, especially at dawn and dusk
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory on arrival - carry the original card at all times
Do not photograph military installations, government buildings, or police checkpoints as this can result in detention
Avoid walking alone after dark in Bissau and never display expensive equipment, jewelry, or large amounts of cash in public
Keep a photocopy of your passport and visa separate from the originals; carry a certified copy when exploring away from your hotel
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Unofficial Money Changers
Street money changers on Avenida Francisco Mendes may offer attractive rates but use sleight-of-hand to short-change tourists. Bundles of notes are manipulated during counting.
How to avoid: Use Ecobank or Afriland First Bank ATMs. If using money changers, count notes yourself slowly and in full before handing over your currency.
Taxi Overcharging
Taxi drivers may quote inflated prices to tourists or change the agreed fare upon arrival. This is common near the airport and major hotels.
How to avoid: Always agree on the price in XOF before getting in. Ask your hotel to give you the typical fare for common routes. Airport to center should be 2,000-5,000 XOF.
Unofficial Guide Attachment
Unofficial 'guides' may attach themselves to tourists at markets or historical sites and later demand payment for services not agreed upon.
How to avoid: Be clear upfront if you do not want a guide. Arrange guides through your hotel. If someone offers help, establish immediately whether you expect payment.
Photography Demand for Money
Some market vendors and street performers may demand money after being photographed. This can escalate if not handled diplomatically.
How to avoid: Always ask permission before photographing. If money is demanded after an agreed photo, a small tip of 500-1000 XOF is reasonable.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Yellow fever vaccination REQUIRED and must show certificate on arrival. Recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Malaria prophylaxis, Tetanus, Polio. Consult travel clinic 6-8 weeks before departure.
- Water
- NOT safe to drink. Drink bottled or purified water only. Avoid ice in drinks. Use bottled water for brushing teeth. Boil water if bottled unavailable.
- Food
- Facilities
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Solo travel in Bissau is manageable during daylight hours with standard urban awareness. The Old Town, markets, and main avenues are generally safe. Avoid walking alone after midnight and use hotel-arranged taxis for evening transport. Solo female travelers should be more cautious (see below). Solo travelers on Bijagos Islands are very safe - small island communities are welcoming and low-crime.
Female travellers
Female solo travelers should take precautions in Bissau at night. Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees) to avoid unwanted attention, particularly in Muslim areas and traditional communities. Daytime travel is generally comfortable. Hire female guides where possible for village and market visits. The Bijagos Islands feel safer and more relaxed for solo women than Bissau city. Book in advance so accommodation hosts know to expect you.
Families
Guinea Bissau is best suited for families with children aged 8 and above due to limited medical facilities and basic infrastructure. Yellow fever vaccination mandatory for all family members. Bring complete first aid kit, water purification tablets, and all medications from home. The Bijagos Islands are the safest and most rewarding family destination. Keep children close in Bandim Market and busy urban areas.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are not explicitly criminalized in Guinea Bissau but are broadly socially unacceptable and no legal protections exist. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples would attract negative attention and should be avoided. LGBTQ+ travelers are advised to exercise discretion throughout the country. Bissau's small international community is more tolerant than rural areas and islands.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 117
- Medical
- 119
- Embassy
- Tourist Police