Safety in Guinea-Bissau

Politics: The situation has stayed unsettled since the events of 2025. Steer clear of any political gathering or concentration of soldiers in the capital. Demonstrations can start with no warning and turn violent quickly, so check your own government's travel advisory before you book.
Crime: Violent crime against visitors is rare, but pickpocketing in Bissau is constant. Bandim market calls for particular care. Do not carry expensive kit or large sums of cash in plain sight.
Unexploded ordnance: Some eastern provinces still hold unexploded munitions. Never step off established paths in rural areas. Warning markers may have disappeared long ago.
Health: Malaria is the main threat to travellers. Use repellent and always sleep under a net. Medical services in the country are in poor shape, and anything serious means an urgent flight to Senegal or Europe.
Water: Drink bottled water only. Ice in street cafes carries the same risk. Wash all fruit carefully and keep on top of hand hygiene to avoid serious stomach infections.
The ocean: Currents around the islands can be strong and deceptive. Swimming off the uninhabited Bijagos beaches needs care, since there is nobody watching. Keep an eye on the tides so you are not cut off from shore.

Guinea-Bissau is among the world's poorest and least visited countries. There is essentially no tourism industry and nobody to cheat you.

Bissau. Pickpockets at the markets. Street crime is moderate but infrastructure is minimal. Nobody walks at night.

Transport. Shared taxis and "candonga" minibuses. Agree in advance.

The Bijagós archipelago. The main reason to come: islands with a unique culture and nature. Transport there is by boat from Bissau, often overloaded and without life jackets, and the open-sea crossing takes hours. Check the boat and the weather, and do not go out in a swell.

Currency exchange. The CFA franc is pegged to the euro. Change at banks, of which there are few.

Cash. Cards barely work and ATMs number a handful. Bring euros in cash.

Political instability. The country has been through many coups and attempted coups. Conditions can change fast, with the airport and roads closed. Follow the news.

Drug trafficking. Guinea-Bissau is known as a cocaine transit point from Latin America to Europe, and that affects everything: corruption, institutions, and attitudes to foreigners with luggage. Never carry anyone else's belongings.

Photography. Military installations, police, the presidential palace, the port and the airport are categorically off limits.

Drones. Prohibited without permission.

The Bijagós. Some islands are sacred, with restricted access requiring community permission. Ritual sites must not be visited.

Wildlife. Exporting animal parts is prohibited; Orango National Park protects hippos.

Roads. In poor condition, with much of the country inaccessible in the rainy season.

Yellow fever is compulsory. A certificate is required on entry.

Malaria. Very high risk year-round. Prophylaxis is unconditionally essential.

Vaccinations. Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, meningococcus, rabies, polio and cholera.

Cholera. Outbreaks occur regularly.

Water. Bottled only.

Healthcare is effectively absent. This is the key fact. Bissau has hospitals, but standards are extremely low with shortages of medicines and equipment. The islands have none at all. Anything serious means evacuation to Dakar or Lisbon, which is difficult to arrange. Insurance with air evacuation is essential.

The sea. Currents between the islands are strong and tides are large.

Rainy season. June to October, with roads washing out.

Emergency numbers: 117 police.

Guinea-Bissau sits at the very bottom of the Corruption Perceptions Index and institutions are weak.

Checkpoints. These occur, with demands for money possible.

Reporting theft. Reports are taken, but there will be no investigation. The languages are Portuguese and Kriol.

Political periods. During flare-ups, stay in your accommodation and follow the news.

The Bijagós. Crime on the islands is essentially absent and conditions are calm. The main difficulty is logistics and the lack of communications.

Consular assistance. Diplomatic presence is minimal.

What actually matters. Guinea-Bissau's main risks are malaria, the absence of healthcare, sea logistics and political instability. A country for prepared travellers rather than an ordinary holiday.

Emergency number is 117.