Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Guinea-Bissau Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
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Suited for
Guinea-Bissau – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type E
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
West African CFA Franc (BCEAO) (XOF) £1 ≈ F CFA 784 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 1/5
Cashless payments are rarely accepted in Guinea-Bissau. Cash is the primary method of payment, and credit cards are only accepted at a few larger businesses.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not mandatory in Guinea-Bissau, but small tips are appreciated for good service in restaurants and taxis. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not widely accepted in Guinea-Bissau, and alcohol is consumed in licensed establishments like bars and restaurants. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in most indoor public spaces, including restaurants and bars. |
| Independence Day (24 September) |
Celebrates Guinea-Bissau's independence from Portugal |
|---|---|
| Christmas (25 December) |
Widely celebrated across the country |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | |
| Other: | Guinea-Bissau is known for its biodiversity and historical Portuguese influence. Travellers should be aware of health risks, especially related to water quality and sanitation. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Guinea-Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
Rainy season June to October: many roads and islands become hard to reach, and most lodges on the Bijagós Islands close
Bissau Carnival, February to March: parades and costumes in the capital, the country's biggest event
Bijagós Islands: sport fishing and beaches are best December to April, bird watching peaks November to February
Security situation and entry rules can change at short notice; check official travel advisories before planning
Don't miss
- 🛡️ Explore the historic fortress of Fortaleza d'Amura overlooking Bissau
- 🛍️ Visit the vibrant Bandim Market for local crafts and food
- 🌿 Discover the mangrove ecosystems on the Cacheu River
- 🏖️ Relax on the pristine beaches of Varela and Susana
- ⛪ Visit the colonial-era Bissau Cathedral and Colonial Museum
- 🦚 Take a boat trip to the Bijagós Islands and spot wildlife
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Guinea-Bissau?
What makes Guinea-Bissau truly special is its remarkable diversity of landscapes and authentic cultural experiences largely untouched by mass tourism. The country offers three distinct climate zones - coastal, interior and southern regions - each with its own unique character. The coastal area features beautiful beaches and mangrove forests, while the Bijagós Archipelago provides a glimpse into traditional ways of life. The interior savannah region offers opportunities to experience rural West African life, with villages maintaining strong cultural traditions.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
-
1
Market
🎈Events
-
Carnival
-
Independence Day Celebrations
-
Bijagós Cultural Festival
-
Bubaque Easter Festival
-
Cacheu Festival
-
Ramadan Celebrations
-
Eid al-Fitr
-
Eid al-Adha
-
New Year's Celebrations
-
Christmas Festivities
Knowledge before you go
- Reconsider travel due to crime and instability.
- Avoid night travel; roads are poor and banditry risks increase after dark.
- Carry passport copy always; police frequently check ID at checkpoints.
- Landmines remain outside Bissau; stick to paved roads and local guidance.
How to travel to Guinea-Bissau
Most international visitors arrive in Guinea‑Bissau through Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau, which has connections to several West African cities and limited flights to Europe, primarily Portugal. Airlines serving Guinea‑Bissau include TAP Air Portugal, ASKY Airlines and regional carriers. Overland entry is possible from neighboring Senegal and Guinea, though border procedures can sometimes be time‑consuming. Visas are required for most nationalities and should be arranged in advance through Guinea‑Bissau embassies or consulates.
Access summary
- Fly into Bissau’s Osvaldo Vieira Airport (OXB) from Dakar, Lisbon, Casablanca.
- From Senegal or Guinea: shared taxis, buses, private cars via main borders.
- No major home carrier; TAP Air Portugal and Royal Air Maroc connect regionally.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Guinea-Bissau
Accommodation in Guinea-Bissau is limited, with most options concentrated in Bissau and a few tourist areas like the Bijagós Archipelago. The capital offers a handful of mid-range hotels catering to business travelers and the occasional tourist, while the islands feature some eco-lodges and basic guesthouses. Outside these areas, accommodations become very basic with limited amenities. Advance booking is recommended, especially during the dry season (November-April) when travel conditions are better.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Guinea-Bissau
Getting around Guinea-Bissau requires patience and flexibility due to limited infrastructure. In Bissau, shared taxis and motorcycle taxis are common for short distances. For intercity travel, sept-place taxis (shared 7-seater vehicles) and minibuses connect major towns, though comfort levels can be basic and schedules unpredictable. Road conditions vary significantly, with many routes becoming difficult or impassable during the rainy season (May-November). For reaching the Bijagós Archipelago and other coastal areas, boat services operate from Bissau and other coastal towns, though schedules can be irregular. Hiring a vehicle with a driver is often the most practical option for exploring more remote areas, especially during the dry season when roads are more accessible.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Guinea-Bissau are around 65% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to XOF) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Exercise increased caution in Guinea-Bissau due to crime and political instability. While violent crime against tourists is uncommon, petty theft can occur in urban areas. Avoid political demonstrations and large gatherings. Travel with reputable guides when visiting remote areas.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities are extremely limited outside Bissau, with basic care available in the capital. Comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation coverage is essential. Malaria is endemic throughout the country and waterborne diseases are common, especially during the rainy season.
Accessibility
Accessibility infrastructure is virtually non-existent in Guinea-Bissau. Natural attractions, historical sites and public transportation present significant challenges for those with mobility issues. Even in Bissau, sidewalks are often uneven or missing and buildings rarely have accessibility features.
Tap water
Tap water is unsafe to drink throughout Guinea-Bissau. Bottled water is widely available in cities but may be harder to find in remote areas. When traveling outside urban centers, carry water purification tablets or a portable filter.
Packing recommendations for Guinea-Bissau
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🧥
Waterproof jacket
🕶️
Sunglasses
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
🪰
Insect repellent
🔦
Torch
power cuts are common
👛
Cash in small denominations
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
📃
Travel insurance
🚰
Water bottle with filter
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
📱
Translation app or phrasebook
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
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