Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens Reconsider Travel to Guinea-Bissau due to civil unrest. Exercise increased caution due to crime. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
US Embassy suspended operations on 14 June 1998; the US Ambassador to Senegal is accredited to Guinea-Bissau; +(221) 33-879-4000; EMER: +(221) 33-879-4444; US Embassy Dakar, Route des Almadies – BP 49, Dakar, Senegal; dakarACS@state.gov; https://gw.usmission.gov/
Telephone Code
245
Local Emergency Phone
Local numbers only
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for all travelers. See WHO recommendations. On 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa; Guinea-Bissau is currently considered a high risk to travelers for polio; the CDC recommends that before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, CDC recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical; generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds
Currency (Code)
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C
Major Languages
Crioulo (lingua franca), Portuguese; largely used as a second or third language), Pular (a Fula language), Mandingo
Major Religions
Muslim 45.1%, Christian 22.1%, animist 14.9%
Time Difference
UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Orango Island; Bubaque Island; Cathedral de Nossa da Candelaria
Major Sports
Soccer
Cultural Practices
It is customary to give or receive gifts and business cards with the right hand.
Tipping Guidelines
Tip 10-15% of the bill at upscale restaurants. Round up the fare for taxi drivers. Guides and tour drivers expect around 10% or more if trips are multiday. Tip hotel cleaning staff at your discretion.
Souvenirs
Carved tribal masks and wooden statues, beaded jewelry or precious metals items, handmade cloth, beauty products, pottery, baskets
Traditional Cuisine
Jollof rice — rice cooked in palm oil and served with tomato paste and onions; sometimes with added fish or meat
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, October 05, 2022
