Guinea-Bissau is a tropical country on West Africa’s Atlantic coast that’s known for national parks and wildlife. The forested, sparsely populated Bijagós archipelago is a protected biosphere reserve. Its main island, Bubaque, forms part of the Orange Islands National Park, a habitat for saltwater hippos. On the mainland, the capital, Bissau, is a port with Portuguese colonial buildings in its old city center.

Like a microcosm of Africa, this tiny nation contains multitudes – of landscapes, peoples, cultures, and plant and animal life. All of it within reaches of the capital, Bissau. Faded colonial-era houses sag, from tropical decay and the weight of history. Decades of Portuguese colonization were followed by a long painful liberation struggle and then cycles of civil war and political chaos.

The jewel in the country’s crown is the labyrinth of tropical islands that make up the Arquipélago dos Bijagós. Long white-sand beaches are lapped by waters brimming with fish. Hippos, monkeys, chimps, and buffaloes thrive in protected reserves and hundreds of bird species call its vast mangroves and wetlands home.

How to get to Guinea Bissau

Osvaldo Vieira International Airport, also known as Bissau-Bissalanca Airport, is an international airport that serves the city of Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau, as well as the Metropolitan Region of Bissau. It is the only international airport in the country. It is very difficult to get direct flights to Guinea Bissau and the best option is flying to Dakar the capital of Senegal or via Portugal.

Passport, Visa, and Entry requirements for Guinea Bissau

A biometric visa is required to enter Guinea Bissau. All foreign nationals entering Guinea Bissau are required to have a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa sticker bonded into a passport obtained from any Border Control checkpoint or Guinea Bissau embassy.

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. Visa upon arrival is also available in Bissau.

The health sector of Guinea Bissau

Aid from UNICEF and the World Health Organization has enabled Guinea-Bissau, one of the poorest countries in the world, to strengthen its health management and decentralize the health system in the country. The emphasis is on preventive medicine, with small mobile units serving the rural areas. There are limited health care systems in the country travelers are required to purchase travel and medical insurance before traveling to Guinea Bissau that can allow them to access any emergency services

Malaria and Yellow fever vaccination for Guinea Bissau

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to Guinea-Bissau. Ensure you are vaccinated before leaving for your trip. Guinea-Bissau falls in what is known as the ‘meningitis belt’. This means from December to June, travelers and residents are at risk of contracting meningitis.

Malaria in Guinea-Bissau remains the highest in West Africa, accounting for 18 percent of all deaths registered in health facilities, and particularly affecting children under 5. Meanwhile, 34% of malaria-related deaths in the communities occur in children fewer than 15.

The currency of Guinea Bissau

The currency in Guinea-Bissau is the West African Financial Community franc (XOF). Guinea-Bissau is very much a cash economy. Credit cards are rarely used and there are few ATMs. The CFA Franc is the local currency.

Official Language of Guinea Bissau

The official language of Guinea-Bissau is Portuguese. Portuguese is spoken by 11% of the population. French is also learned in schools, as Guinea-Bissau is surrounded by French-speaking countries and is a full member of the Francophonie as well as the Lusophone CPLP.

Best time to travel to Guinea Bissau

Guinea-Bissau’s tropical climate means it’s generally hot and humid here, with its rainy season falling between June and October. Organized tours don’t run during this time, as it’s a soggy scene and the country’s already poor infrastructure is worsened by the rain. November to April is the best time to go to Guinea-Bissau, and this is when organized small group tours depart; from December to April, the country gets virtually no rain at all. There’s little fluctuation in temperature year-round here, with an average of 26°C. Between August and February, you can see nesting sea turtles on the Bijagos Archipelago.

What to wear in Guinea Bissau

Dress codes for women are fairly relaxed, especially in Bissau and the islands. In more conservative areas, primarily Muslim communities in the north and northeast, long clothing is preferred. Light clothing is called for year-round.

What to bring while traveling to Guinea Bissau

With beaches available and difficult access to medical care, it’s important to pack some basic staff with you before traveling to Guinea Bissau

• Basic medical kit
• Malaria pills and deterrent spray
• Sunhat sunscreen
• Good walking boots for hikes and muddy trails
• Umbrella for the tropical downpour
• Good torch for an electricity blackout
• Basic phone with sim card
• A water bottle to carry safe drinking water
• Photocopy of your passport

Car hire and driving in Guinea Bissau

Electricity supply is often patchy, which includes street lighting, and you should avoid driving after dark. Since there are mines scattered in several areas throughout Guinea-Bissau, including the Bafata, Oio, Biombo, Quinara, and Tombali regions you should take extreme care not to deviate from official roads. However, if it’s not necessary to self-drive in Guinea Bissau we recommend you don’t do it.

Accommodation in Guinea Bissau

Remotely accommodation is basic or non in Guinea Bissau but the main capital Bissau has some decent hotels and some popular tourist destinations will have a lodge where you can stay.

Local food of Guinea Bissau

A typical Guinean dish consists of rice and fish, which are abundant and relatively cheap throughout the country. Plates that contain beef, chicken, pork, and goat meat are also on hand, often served or seasoned with different kinds of sauces, (peanut is common), palm oil, and vegetables.

Tipping while Travelling in Guinea Bissau

Tipping in Guinea-Bissau isn’t common or expected but while traveling to Guinea Bissau it’s more than recommended to tip staffs that go out their way to make you feel comfortable generously before traveling feel free to contact us for more information.

Further information for Guinea Bissau

Since there are land mines left in place from the civil war and the war of independence, travelers 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 the Bafata, Oio, Biombo, Quinara, and Tombali regions. While there has been significant progress in locating and removing land mines, a substantial number remain.

Safety of Guinea Bissau

Though popular tourism destinations may be safe travelers need extra caution as violent crime is common in Guinea-Bissau. Aggressive vendors, panhandlers, and occasionally criminals target foreigners at the Bissau airport and other crowded areas, especially Bandim Market in the center of the capital.

Cacheu River National Park

Cantanhez Forests National Park

João Vieira Marine Park

Lagoas Cufada Natural Park

Orango Islands National Park

Wildlife

Birds

Vegetation

7 Days Discover Guinea Bissau Safari

10 Days Guinea Bissau Explorer safaris

Bissau city tours

Experience the Rocking Carnival in Guinea Bissau

Fishing safaris in Guinea Bissau

Viewing Hippos in Anoor lagoon

Visit Casa Rosa Amlicar Cabral Museum

Visit Llha De Bubaque Guinea Bissau

Beach holidays in sao Domingos in Guinea Bissau

Islands Camping safaris in Guinea Bissau

Quinhamel ocean beach holidays