Guinea-Bissau
Country Specific Information
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July 01, 2011

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: The Republic of Guinea-Bissau, a small country in western Africa, is one of the world’s poorest nations. The capital is Bissau and the official language is Portuguese, though many people outside of Bissau only speak an indigenous language or creole. The country underwent a civil war in 1998-99 that devastated the economy. Tourist facilities and infrastructure in general are very limited and not up to American standards. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Guinea–Bissau for additional information.

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SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM / EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to live in or visit Guinea-Bissau, please take the time to tell our Embassy in Dakar, Senegal about your trip by enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. If you enroll, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access you may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy.

The nearest U.S. embassies are located in Banjul, the Gambia; Conakry, Guinea; and Dakar, Senegal (which also maintains a U.S. Liaison Office in Bissau). The U.S. Embassy in Dakar has jurisdiction over Guinea-Bissau and U.S. citizens travelling or residing in Guinea-Bissau are encouraged to enroll with the U.S. Embassy in Dakar.

Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates.

U.S. Embassy Dakar
Avenue Jean XXIII – B.P. 49
Dakar, Senegal
Telephone: (221) 33-829-2100
Emergency after-hours telephone: (221) 33-829-2209
Regional Security Office: (221) 33-829-2142
Facsimile: (221) 33-822-5903

U.S. Bissau Liaison Office
Edifício SITEC
Rua José Carlos Schwarz 245, Bairro d’Ajuda
Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
Telephone/ Facsimile: (245) 325-6382

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ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport, visa, and proof of onward/return ticket are required. Since January 2007, the Bissau-Guinean Embassy in Washington, DC, has temporarily suspended operations. The Embassy of Guinea-Bissau does not have a website. Due to Guinea-Bissau’s lack of consular representation in the United States, it can be difficult for U.S. citizens to obtain the required visa for entry into Guinea-Bissau. Since most flights destined for Guinea-Bissau must pass through Dakar, Senegal, or Lisbon, Portugal, most travelers are able to apply for visas at the Bissau-Guinean embassies in those countries. Although it is possible to obtain a visa upon arrival in Bissau if arrangements are made in advance, there are no clear instructions for how to make those arrangements.

Guinea-Bissau remains an unstable threat environment for which additional security precautions are required. The U.S. State Department rates Guinea-Bissau as a high threat country for political violence and crime. All official U.S. Government travelers (including personnel assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Dakar), must have Regional Security Office (RSO) approval and are required to receive an RSO country-specific security briefing prior to travel.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Guinea-Bissau.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.

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THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: Guinea-Bissau is one of the poorest countries in West Africa and lacks sufficient resources and infrastructure to insure a stable security environment. Since Guinea-Bissau gained independence from Portugal in 1974, the country has been plagued by coups (attempted and realized), political assassinations, and a civil war. The country’s fragile political system and weak governance allows for widespread corruption directly influenced by illicit activity. Criminals, corrupt officials, and drug cartels continue to undermine the rule of law and utilize the country for criminal activity, including using Guinea-Bissau as a major transit-point for cocaine and light arms trafficking, and for illegal immigration. Guinea-Bissau’s unprotected coastline and archipelago, with over 90 islands, many un-policed, and remote airstrips,is a haven for narcotics trafficking and other criminal activity. Due to the current political, economic and security instability in Guinea-Bissau, all U.S. citizens and organizations should exercise heightened personal security awareness.

Political violence and instability should be closely monitored by all travelers to Guinea-Bissau. Although the March, 2009 assassination of former President João Bernardo Vieira and Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Tagme Na Wai and the subsequent June assassination of two presidential candidates were followed by elections viewed as free, fair, and transparent, the country continues to experience political instability. On April 1, 2010, soldiers under the command of the then Deputy Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Antonio Indjai, mutinied, briefly taking Prime Minister Carlos Gomes Junior hostage and imprisoning the Military Chief of Staff, General Zamora Induta. Indjai was appointed Military Chief of Staff in June 2010 while his former superior, General Induta, was held in illegal detention until December, 2010. Even prior to his appointment as Chief of Staff, Induta had reappointed Admiral Jose Americo Bubo Na Tchuto as Navy Chief of Staff. Na Tchuto and Air Force Chief of Staff Ibrahima Papa Camera were added to the U.S. Department of Treasury Department’s Drug Kingpin List on April 8, 2010.

Due to the potential for violence, U.S. citizens should avoid political gatherings and street demonstrations. The potential for future political unrest remains high. Demonstrations typically begin or end in front of the former Presidential Palace in “Praca dos Herois Nacionaisalso,” home to the Office of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. While most demonstrations in Bissau are non-violent, the imbalance of power in the country can lead to violent activity among demonstrators. For guidelines on dealing safely with public demonstrations, please see the American Citizen Services page of the U.S. Embassy Dakar web site.

Unexploded military ordnance and landmines remain scattered throughout the country. Although the capital city of Bissau was declared “mine-free” in June 2006 by the national de-mining center (CAAMI), occasional findings or unintentional explosions do occur. Two non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been active in successfully removing mines. To minimize the risks posed by landmines, U.S. citizens are encouraged to limit driving outside of towns to daylight hours only and to remain on well-traveled roads at all times.

The U.S. Embassy in Bissau suspended operations on June 14, 1998, at the outbreak of a violent civil war. There is currently no permanent U.S. diplomatic or consular presence in Guinea-Bissau. The U.S. Embassy in Dakar, Senegal is accredited for all diplomatic and security concerns. In 2007, the U.S. government opened a U.S. Liaison Office in Bissau (BLO), which is staffed by locally employed personnel. The BLO can provide limited services to U.S. citizens in the event of an emergency. However, all security and consular services should be coordinated through American Citizens ServicesSection and the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Dakar, Senegal. The U.S. Liaison Office is located at: Edifício SITEC, Rua José Carlos Schwarz 245, Bairro d’Ajuda (Telephone: 245-325-6382).

Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs' website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution. Follow us on Twitter and become a fan of the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.

You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Take some time before travel to improve your personal security – things are not the same everywhere as they are in the United States. Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

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CRIME: Guinea-Bissau is rated high for crime due to the frequency of crimes committed and lack of law enforcement resources and capabilities. Foreigners are primarily the targets of crimes of opportunity to include, petty-theft, pick-pocketing, theft of valuables from vehicles, and minor assaults. In particular, low-level criminal activity occurs in crowded areas such as the Bandim Market and port in central Bissau. Criminals take advantage of foreigners attempting to navigate through the crowded markets. U.S. citizens are encouraged to exercise good personal security practices to reduce the risks of becoming victemized. Keep a low profile, remain vigilant, and avoid potential conflict situations. Do not wear flashy clothing or jewelry, and be cautious about displaying any amount of currency in public.

To avoid theft, U.S. citizens should avoid walking alone in isolated areas, particularly at night and lock their doors and close their windows when driving. U.S. citizens should not walk on dark streets at night, even in groups. To minimize inconvenience in the event of theft, U.S. citizens should carry copies, rather than originals, of their passports and other identification documents. U.S. citizens should carry a credit card only if it will be used soon, rather than carrying it as a routine practice.

In conjunction with the high crime rate, the poor infrastructure and lack of lighting at night, also presents a more opportune environment for criminals to exploit. It is recommended to arrange for transportation and limit walking around Bissau at night to reduce the risk of being a victim of a crime. In addition, banditry also occurs with some regularity on the main highways throughout the country after dark. The U.S. Embassy recommends that travel be completed during daylight hours only and, if possible, in convoy.

The unstable security environment and high rates of unemployment strongly influence criminals to go to extreme measures to achieve their goals. While most criminals in Guinea-Bissau seek crimes of opportunity with low risks of confrontation, they are not afraid to exert violence. In many cases, criminal elements in Bissau operate in small, loosely affiliated groups to perpetrate a crime. Criminals use one or two individuals to cause a distraction or remain on lookout, while the others conduct the crime.

While violent crime towards foreigners are not common in Guinea-Bissau, the increase in both drug use and narcotics trafficking has contributed to an increase in criminal activity and aggressive assaults among the local population in more rural areas of Guinea-Bissau. There is a direct correlation between increased crimes rates and the increased drug use that is fueled by the international narcotics trafficking in Bissau.

The Bandim market and other vendors in Bissau offer a wide variety of illicit and counterfeit goods. While the items are widely available, all travelers are urged to not purchase any illicit items to prevent breaking local laws and U.S. laws if brought back in the country.

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VICTIMS OF CRIME: Police and emergency personnel in Guinea-Bissau lack the basic resources necessary to effectively respond to crime and emergency situations. Due to the deficiency in resources, response time to emergency situations may not be timely or may be non-existent. If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates). If your passport is stolen in Guinea-Bissau, contact the U.S. Embassy in Dakar, Senegal for consular assistance. For violent crimes such as assault and rape, consular officials can help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends, and help them send you money if you need it. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

There is no local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Guinea-Bissau.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

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CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in another country, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places, you may be taken in for questioning even if you dohave your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest may result in being confronted by the authorities. In some places driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law, such as if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in your host country, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what is legal and what is not where you are going.

Persons violating Bissau-Guinean laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 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. Drug trafficking is endemic in Guinea-Bissau.

The U.S. does not have an agreement with Guinea-Bissau requiring notification of the U.S. Embassy of your arrest. If you are arrested in Guinea-Bissau, you should use whatever means of communication available to alert the closest U.S. Embassy or consulate of your situation.

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SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Guinea-Bissau's customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning the temporary import or export of items such as firearms, antiquities, medications, and business equipment.

International banking and finance is problematic due to a limited formal banking sector. ATMs are not available, credit cards are not accepted, currency exchange only exists at banks and hotels, wire transfer possibilities are extremely limited, and repatriation of funds is problematic. Purchases of goods and services are possible only in cash and in the local currency, the Franc CFA of the West African Economic and Monetary Zone. It is recommended that travelers secure more than adequate sums of CFA before arriving in Guinea-Bissau. There is no money available for travelers at the U.S. Liaison Office in Bissau.

As there is currently no functioning U.S. Embassy in Guinea-Bissau, and no consular notification agreement between Guinea-Bissau and the United States, U.S. consular officials may not be properly notified when a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained in Guinea-Bissau. U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a notarized copy of their U.S. passports with them at all times so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship is readily available.

Please see our Customs Information sheet.

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MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Modern medical facilities are virtually nonexistent in Guinea-Bissau, and travelers should not rely on them. More acceptable levels of medical care are available in Dakar, Senegal; however, as of this writing, there are extremely limited air travel options available between Dakar and Bissau. In addition, malaria, a serious and sometimes fatal disease, is a risk for travelers to Guinea-Bissau. Guinea-Bissau has a high HIV/AIDS infection rate.

You can find good information on vaccinations and other health precautions on the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the infectious diseases section of the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

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MEDICAL INSURANCE: You can’t assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. It’s very important to find out BEFORE you leave whether or not your medical insurance will cover treatment overseas. You will need to ask your insurance company two questions:

  • Does my policy apply when I’m out of the United States?
  • Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or a medical evacuation?

In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service. Your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctors’ and hospital visits in other countries. If your policy doesn’t go with you when you travel, it’s a very good idea to purchase travelers' medical insurance. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.

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TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Guinea-Bissau is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

The public transportation system, urban and rural road conditions, and availability of roadside assistance are all poor. There is no consistent public electricity in the capital, and the lack of lighting at night makes careful driving essential. Since there are mines left in place from the civil war and the war of independence, travelers should not leave designated roads and pathways. The landmines are scattered in several areas throughout Guinea-Bissau, including the Bafata, Oio, Biombo, Quinara, and Tombali regions. While there has been significant progress in locating and removing landmines, a substantial numberremains. Speak with local authorities first and use caution if leaving a main road or highway to enter a trail network or to make other types of cross-country movement.

Passengers should also exercise caution if choosing to use a taxi for transportation because many are in sub-standard condition. If a taxi is used, it is important for passengers to inform taxi drivers that they do not want additional patrons to be picked up along the route. Taxis in Bissau serve as a bus service, in which each passenger pays for their seat. Furthermore, the Embassy does not recommend that visitors use the unconventional bus system in Bissau, the “Bus Rapides” or “Toca-Tocas.”

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

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AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Guinea-Bissau, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Guinea-Bissau’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

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CHILDREN’S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.

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This replaces the Country Specific Information for Guinea-Bissau dated December 2010, with changes to all sections.

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Worldwide Caution

Travel Warnings

Travel Alerts

Country Information

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