Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US State Department currently recommends US citizens reconsider Travel to Guinea-Bissau due to civil unrest. Exercise increased caution due to crime.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
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/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Telephone Code
245
Local Emergency Phone
Police - 117; Ambulance - 119; Fire - 118
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Guinea-Bissau: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, COVID-19, pneumonia and influenza.
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, Christian, animist
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: Thursday, August 01, 2024
