Guinea Bissau - Info & Facts

Suggested Length of Stay

Guinea-Bissau would normally be visited with other West African countries around it, we would recommend 3-5 days in Guinea-Bissau to visit the capital city Bissau and it’s national parks.

Modes of transport

Roads

While a few major roadways are paved and in relatively good condition, a 4WD is recommended for most trips. There are few signposts, and animals, chickens, cows, pigs and goats are always a hazard.

Trains

There is no train service in Guinea-Bissau.

Taxis

Sept places are Peugeot 504 seven-seaters that link the main towns. More common and far less comfortable are large minibuses called transportes misto (literally ‘mixed transport’) or toca-toca; most fares are a cheap. Before 8am is the best time to get transport.

Flying

The only service is from Bissau to the airstrip on Bubaque, using one of two private air-taxi companies.

Health Precautions

Guinea-Bissau is listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as endemic for yellow fever. Yellow fever is a serious and potentially fatal disease preventable by vaccination. We strongly recommend that all travellers be vaccinated for yellow fever before travelling to Guinea-Bissau.

Mosquito-borne illnesses such as Zika virus and dengue fever outbreaks can occur in Guinea-Bissau. Take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, including using insect repellent, wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and ensuring your accommodation is mosquito proof.

Food and Drink

Seafood is the highlight. It includes shrimp, oysters and meaty bica (sea bream), best served sautéed with onion and lime. A national favourite is chabeu: deep-fried fish served in a thick palm-oil sauce. An abundance of seasonal fruit means diets change practically every three months.

People love to drink warga, a sweet green tea. In Bissau, Portuguese beer and wine are popular. In more remote areas, fermented cashew, apple, sugar cane and oil palm make strong home brews. Juices from relatively exotic fruits like calabash and mandiple (from the eponymously named shrub) are excellent.

Money

The West African CFA franc is the currency of Guinea-Bissau (and seven other West African countries). Guinea-Bissau is one of the poorest countries in the world and banking facilities are limited. There are few ATMs in the country and credit cards are very seldom if ever accepted. The easiest foreign currency to exchange is Euros, although US dollars are also usually exchangeable. It can be difficult to convert foreign currency of any kind outside of the capital, Bissau.

Time Zone

No GMT offset.

Visas

Australian citizens must have a valid passport for the period of intended stay in Guinea-Bissau. A visa is required and can be purchased upon entry for a maximum stay of 90 days. Or prior to travel at this website https://www.rgb-visa.com/

Embassy & Consulate contacts for Guinea Bissau

Australia does not have a diplomatic mission in Guinea-Bissau, please contact the Australian Embassy in Portugal for assistance.

Avenida da Liberdade, 200, 2nd floor

1250-147 Lisbon

Tel: + 351 21 310 15 00

Email: austemb.lisbon@dfat.gov.au

Guinea Bissau Embassy & Consulate contacts in Australia

Guinea-Bissau does not have a diplomatic mission in Australia, and has very few worldwide, the best point of contact would be the U.N Mission in New York.

Permanent Mission of The Republic of Guinea Bissau; To The United Nations

866 Un Plaza, Suite 481; New York, NY 10017 USA.

Electricity

Electrical outlets in Guinea-Bissau supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts. European two-pin plugs with round pins are standard. The electricity supply is not reliable.

Getting there (stopovers)

One of the hardest countries to get to in Africa. Emirates with Ethiopian Airlines flies once a week to Bissau via, Dubai and Conakry.

Tipping

Tipping is optional in Guinea-Bissau but small amounts for good service are highly appreciated. Ten per cent is a good rule of thumb for service in restaurants.