Guinea-Bissau
About Guinea-Bissau
| Currency | West African CFA franc (XOF) |
| Language | Portuguese; Crioulo da Guiné-Bissau is widely spoken |
| Capital | Bissau |
The Republic of Guinea-Bissau is in western Africa with coastline on the North Atlantic Ocean and shares borders with Senegal and Guinea. This developing country has an ethnically diverse population of about 1.6 million people. At the time of writing, there is a transitional government with a president as chief of state and prime minister as head of government.
In the 16th century, the Portuguese colonized this area around the ports of Bissau and Cacheu and was known as Portuguese Guinea. The country gained independence in 1974 and became Guinea-Bissau. In the past 40 years, the country has been beleaguered by political instability and upheaval and corruption, which has kept the country from developing and has increased poverty.
Travellers to Guinea-Bissau can visit inland national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and the Bijagós Archipelago, a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve.
Recommended Vaccinations For Guinea-Bissau
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Cholera Vaccine
**The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions.**
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all arriving travellers 1 year of age and older. However, the vaccination is recommended for all travellers 9 months of age and older.
Meningitis Vaccine
Because this country is located in the sub-Saharan meningitis belt, vaccination against meningitis is recommended if travelling during the dry season (December to June).
Typhoid Fever Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Recommended Medications For Guinea-Bissau
For Some Travellers
Anti-malarial Drugs
**Recommended anti-malaria medications include atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine or tafenoquine. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported.**
Diseases To Be Aware of for Guinea-Bissau
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A
There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Guinea-Bissau through contaminated food or water.
Dengue Fever
Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.
Cholera
Cholera outbreaks occur in Guinea-Bissau. The risk to travellers is low unless living or working in poor sanitary conditions, drinking untreated water or eating poorly cooked or raw seafood in this country.
Chikungunya Fever
Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.
Hepatitis B
There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Guinea-Bissau.
For Some Travellers
Malaria
All areas of Guinea-Bissau are at high risk for malaria.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis occurs in Guinea-Bissau. Travellers to Guinea-Bissau are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Guinea-Bissau, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
African Tick Bite Fever
This disease may occur in the country.
Zika Fever
There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.
Yellow Fever
There is a risk for yellow fever transmission in this country.
Schistosomiasis
This disease is present in Guinea-Bissau and is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.
Meningitis
Meningitis outbreaks may occur in Guinea-Bissau. Travellers who visit during the dry season (December to June) or expect to have prolonged contact with the local population are especially at risk.
Rabies
Rabies occurs in Guinea-Bissau. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Safety & Security in Guinea-Bissau
Personal Safety
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, or other theft can occur in anywhere, but commonly occurs at the airport and markets; foreigners are usually the targets. Always be alert to your personal safety. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Avoid walking alone at night. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never leave your drinks out of your sight. There have been reports of assaults in the capital, Bissau.
Roads can be in poor condition. Drivers may not follow rules of the road. Avoid travelling at night if possible. There have been reports of carjackings and incidents of banditry.
In some areas of Guinea-Bissau, land mines are a risk. The city of Bissau has been declared mine-free. However, take extra care outside of Bissau and stay on paved roads. CAAMI, the national de-mining centre, maintains lists of known minefields.
There is little tourism-related infrastructure in Guinea-Bissau and cellular communication is poor. Water and electricity shortages occur often.
Although same-sex sexual activity is legal in the Guinea-Bissau, there is a lack of acceptance towards same-sex behaviour and LGBTI travellers will likely face discrimination. Avoid public displays of affection.
Political Unrest
Guinea-Bissau has experienced political instability for many years. While most protests are nonviolent, minimize safety risk by avoiding public and political gatherings and demonstrations since even peaceful protests can quickly and unexpectedly become violent.
Areas To Avoid
Avoid the northwestern area of Guinea-Bissau that borders the Casamance region of Senegal. There have been reports of incidents involving bandits and also clashes between the military and separatist groups. The road between São Domingos and Varela is closed due to land mines.
Landmines are still present outside Bissau; avoid the regions of Bafatá, Biombo, Oio, Quinara and Tombali.
The country’s political instability has allowed for corruption and criminal activity. With remote areas and the unprotected coastline, Guinea-Bissau has been a transit point for illegal immigration and trafficking of light-arms and drugs. Avoid coastal areas.
