Passport/Visa | Passport Required? | Visa Required? | Return Ticket Required? |
| British | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Other EU | Yes | Yes | Yes |
PassportsPassport valid for
six months required by all.
VisasRequired by all nationals referred to in the chart above except the following:
(a) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see
General Info).
Types of Visa and CostTourist,
Business: €45 (single-entry); €120 (multiple-entry);
Transit only available on request. An extra €5 is needed for postal applications.
ValiditySingle-entry visas are normally valid for up to 30 days; multiple-entry visas are valid for up to 90 days within a period of six months.
Transit visas are valid for up to five days. Extensions are then granted at the discretion of the Immigration Authorities.
Applications to:Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see
General Info.
Working Days RequiredFive. Urgent visas can be handled within 24-48 hours.
WarningFollowing elections in 2005, there has been a period of stability even if the political atmosphere in Guinea-Bissau remains tense. There has been some social unrest, including in connection with unpaid salaries. Travelers should avoid political demonstrations or rallies.
The Casamance region in south western Senegal remains affected by incidents involving separatist rebel groups. Visitors should avoid travel to Guinea-Bissau by road through the western Casamance because of the recent increase in conflict and isolated incidents of banditry.
Water is often unsafe, and visitors should only drink bottled water. There are occasional outbreaks of cholera. Visitors should take sensible hygiene precautions.
The threat from terrorism is low. Guinea-Bissau’s north western border area adjoining the western portion of the Casamance region of Senegal is subject to insecurity, and there has been a recent resurgence of violence including military action.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website:
www.fco.gov.uk US Department of State Website:
http://travel.state.gov/travel Health | Special Precautions | Certificate Required? |
| Yellow Fever | Yes | 1 |
| Cholera | Yes | 2 |
| Typhoid and Polio | 3 | N/A |
| Malaria | 4 | N/A |
Health CareMedical facilities are extremely limited and medicines often unavailable. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Health insurance covering repatriation is essential. Most doctors work in the public service and have their private clinic in the afternoon and evening. There are few specialists. Several foreign aid agencies have their own doctor and medical facilities, including the French Mission and the Swedish Embassy. There is also a UN clinic. All these clinics will receive visitors in an emergency, but none have surgical facilities.
Note1A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over one year of age coming from infected areas (contact the nearest Embassy for latest details). Travelers arriving from non-endemic zones should note that a vaccination is strongly recommended for travel outside the urban areas, even if an outbreak of the disease has not been reported and they would normally not require a vaccination certificate to enter the country.
2Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Guinea-Bissau. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Since June 2005, a cholera outbreak has affected over 10,000 people in Bissau, Biombo and Cachea districts; over 200 people have died, but it is now considered to be under control. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness.
3Immunization against typhoid and poliomyelitis is often advised.
4Malaria risk, predominantly in the malignant
falciparum form, exists all year throughout the country. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported. Recommended antimalarial drugs include mefloquine.
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