How to Stay Safe in Guinea-Bissau
1. Introduction
Guinea-Bissau is one of the world’s least visited and least developed countries—a small coastal nation in West Africa that has experienced significant political instability since independence from Portugal in 1974. The country has seen more than nine coups or coup attempts and remains one of the world’s largest cocaine transit points, with the narcotics trade deeply embedded in the political system.
Despite these challenges, Guinea-Bissau has genuine natural attractions, including the Bijagós Archipelago (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), mangrove ecosystems, and a distinctive blend of African and Portuguese culture. Tourism is minimal and infrastructure is extremely limited. This guide is essential reading for any visitor.
| ⚠ Exercise Extreme Caution: Guinea-Bissau is rated ‘exercise extreme caution’ or ‘reconsider travel’ by most Western governments. Political instability, drug-related organised crime, poor infrastructure, and very limited medical facilities make this a challenging destination. |
2. Security Landscape
Guinea-Bissau’s political situation is fragile. Coups have occurred with unsettling regularity, and the drug trade—particularly cocaine transiting from Latin America to Europe—has corrupted military and government institutions. Despite this systemic instability, street-level crime directed at tourists is not extremely common, as the country sees so few visitors. However, the situation can change rapidly.
Bissau, the capital, has pockets of criminality particularly at night. The Bijagós islands are generally calm but require boat transport, which introduces its own risks. Police and military presence is limited outside Bissau.
| ⚠ Drug Trade: The cocaine transit trade has involved high-level military and political figures. Avoid any contact with individuals involved in or connected to the drug trade—consequences can be severe and unpredictable. |
3. Transportation Safety
Roads in Guinea-Bissau are among the worst in West Africa. Many routes are unpaved and become impassable during the rainy season (June–November). Public transport is severely limited—bush taxis are the primary option and are often dangerously overcrowded. Fuel shortages are common and can leave vehicles stranded.
The Bijagós Archipelago requires boat transport. Pirogues (traditional wooden boats) are the main option and are frequently overloaded, without life jackets, and operated in challenging ocean conditions. Capsizings have occurred with fatalities. The dry season (December–May) is far safer for island travel.
| ⚠ Boat Safety: Insist on life jackets before boarding any boat. Do not travel in overloaded vessels. Check weather conditions carefully before ocean crossings to the Bijagós islands. |
4. Health & Medical Safety
Medical facilities in Guinea-Bissau are critically inadequate. The main hospital in Bissau (Hospital Nacional Simão Mendes) suffers from severe shortages of staff, medicine, and equipment. Outside Bissau, medical care is essentially non-existent. Evacuation to Dakar, Senegal is the realistic option for serious illness or injury.
Malaria is endemic and a leading cause of death. Yellow fever vaccination is required. Cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and meningitis are all significant risks. The rainy season brings peak malaria and waterborne disease risk. Clean water is scarce; use only bottled or treated water.
| ⚠ Medical Evacuation is Essential: Purchase evacuation-grade travel insurance before travel. There is no adequate medical treatment for serious conditions in Guinea-Bissau. Evacuation to Dakar is approximately 1–2 hours by air. |
5. Common Scams & How to Avoid Them
| Scam Name | How It Works | How to Avoid It |
| Checkpoint Demands | Police or military at roadblocks demand payment for fabricated violations or document issues. | Carry document photocopies. Remain calm and polite. Note the officer’s name/badge if possible. |
| Currency Manipulation | Money changers at borders offer good rates then shortchange in complex counting. | Exchange only at banks or official bureaux. Count every note yourself. |
| Stranded Driver Scam | A driver claims to need fuel money mid-journey or abandons passengers in remote areas. | Ensure fuel before departure. Pay only at journey’s end or in stages. |
| Boat Overcharging | Pirogue operators charge foreigners many times the local rate for island crossings. | Inquire locally about standard fares before negotiating. Bring your own life jacket. |
| Bogus Officials | Individuals claim official status (immigration, customs) and demand fees. | Ask for official ID, uniform badge number, and request to go to an official office. |
| Fake Accommodation | Touts claim only their guesthouse is available and charge inflated rates. | Book in advance through verified contacts. Ignore airport and port touts. |
6. Legal & Cultural Considerations
Guinea-Bissau is a majority Muslim and animist nation with significant Portuguese colonial influence—Roman Catholicism is also practised. The social atmosphere is generally tolerant by regional standards. Modest dress is appreciated outside tourist areas. Portuguese is the official language; Creole (Kriol) is widely spoken.
Photography of military or government facilities can result in detention. LGBTQ+ activity is technically illegal though enforcement is inconsistent; discretion is strongly advisable. Drug possession and trafficking carry severe penalties.
7. Emergency Contacts
| Service | Number / Info |
| Police (Bissau) | +245 320 5555 |
| Hospital Nacional Simão Mendes | +245 320 1421 |
| Portuguese Embassy Bissau | +245 320 2261 |
| French Embassy (covers some Western nationals) | +245 320 6789 |
| US Embassy (Dakar, Senegal) | +221 33 879 4000 |
| IMAS (Médicos de Aveiro) Clinic | +245 955 522 722 |
8. Pre-Departure Safety Checklist
- Read your government’s current travel advisory (likely ‘reconsider travel’)
- Get Yellow Fever vaccination (required) and all recommended jabs
- Begin antimalarials before departure
- Purchase comprehensive evacuation travel insurance
- Register with your embassy before travel
- Download offline maps—internet is very limited outside Bissau
- Carry sufficient cash (XOF/FCFA or EUR); ATMs are extremely rare
- Pack your own life jackets and emergency supplies for island travel
- Brief a trusted contact on your itinerary with check-in times
- Carry enough prescription medication for trip plus 2 weeks extra
