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Guinea-Bissau
Country Specific Information
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July 08, 2008
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:
The Republic of Guinea-Bissau, a small country in western Africa, is one of the world’s poorest nations. The capital is
Bissau and the official language is Portuguese. The country underwent a civil war in 1998-99 that devastated the economy.
Tourist facilities and infrastructure in general are very limited and not up to American standards. Read the Department of
State Background Notes on Guinea–Bissau for additional information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport, visa, and proof of onward/return ticket are required. As of January 2007, the Bissau-Guinean Embassy
in Washington, DC is temporarily closed. The Embassy of Guinea-Bissau does not have a web site. Due to lack of consular
representation in the U.S., it is difficult to obtain the required visa for entry into Guinea-Bissau. Since most flights
destined for Guinea-Bissau must pass through Dakar, Senegal or Lisbon, Portugal, most travelers are able to apply for visas
at the Bissau-Guinean embassies in those countries. Although it is possible to obtain a visa upon arrival in Bissau if arrangements
are made in advance, there are no clear instructions for how to make those arrangements.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.
As of the date of publication of the Country Specific Sheet, the Bissau-Guinean Embassy is closed. Travelers needing information
about customs regulations should contact Bissau-Guinean authorities in Dakar, Senegal or Lisbon, Portugal before traveling.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: There is no permanent U.S. diplomatic or consular presence in Guinea-Bissau. The U.S. Embassy in Bissau suspended operations
on June 14, 1998. While officials from the U.S. Embassy in Dakar, Senegal, make periodic visits to Guinea-Bissau, their ability
to provide consular services, including emergency assistance, is very limited. The U.S. maintains a liaison office in Bissau,
located at Edifício SITEC, Rua José Carlos Schwarz 245, Bairro d’Ajuda (tel/fax 245-256382, 245-5954647). This office is
staffed by locally employed staff and, while not equipped to provide consular services, may be contacted in the event of an
emergency. The nearest U.S. Embassies are located in Banjul, the Gambia; Conakry, Guinea; and Dakar, Senegal.
Although the civil war that led to the closure of the U.S. Embassy ended in 1999 and elections were held in June and July
2005, travelers should be aware that political tensions persist. Sporadic politically-motivated violence remains an issue.
Due to the potential for violence, U.S. citizens should avoid political gatherings and street demonstrations, and maintain
security awareness at all times. With legislative elections scheduled for late 2008, the potential for future political unrest
remains high.
In December 2004, the Government of Senegal and some factions of the Movement of Democratic Forces of the Casamance (MFDC),
a Senegalese separatist movement, instituted an end to hostilities and agreed to negotiate with the goal of achieving a definitive
end to the armed conflict in the Casamance. This conflict has not yet been resolved, however, and its effects reach into
Guinea-Bissau. In the spring of 2006, Bissau-Guinean military forces conducted offensive operations near the town of Sao
Domingos to expel elements of the MFDC. The fighting reportedly resulted in dozens of military and civilian casualties, mostly
from landmine explosions. There are currently instances of fighting in the Casamance region (composed of the Ziguinchor and
Kolda regions) involving factions of the Casamance separatist MFDC (Mouvement des Forces Démocratiques de la Casamance) in
southern Senegal and the Senegalese military. Although the recent escalation in hostilities has not spilled over into Guinea-Bissau,
the potential for conflict along the border remains.
Unexploded military ordnance and landmines remain scattered throughout the country. Although the capital city of Bissau was
declared “mine-free” in June 2006 by the national de-mining center (CAAMI), occasional findings or unintentional explosions
do occur. There are two non-governmental organizations (NGOs) active in successfully removing mines.
To minimize the risks posed by both bandits and landmines, U.S. citizens are encouraged to limit driving outside of towns
to daylight hours only and to remain on well-traveled roads at all times.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of
Consular Affairs’ web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, including the Travel Warning for Uzbekistan and the Worldwide Caution can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada,
or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00
a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.
For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see
the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: Although there is a fairly low incidence of normal daytime street crime, travelers should observe security precautions in
the city, particularly with regard to pickpocket activity in marketplaces. Travelers should refrain from walking alone at
night. The lack of reliable public electricity means that urban streets are dark at night, even in Bissau. There have been
periodic incidents of bandits accosting travelers in rural areas.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy
or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the
nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate
medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and
prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the
local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
See our information on Victims of Crime.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: While modern medical facilities are virtually nonexistent in Guinea-Bissau and travelers should not rely on them, limited
emergency medical care is available at a new hospital in Bissau operated by the Sant’Egidio Community. Monday to Saturday
there are flights from Bissau to Dakar, Senegal, where more acceptable levels of medical care are available. Malaria, a serious
and sometimes fatal disease, is a risk for travelers to Guinea-Bissau.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection,
may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at
http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad
to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.
Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United
States. The information below concerning Guinea-Bissau is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate
in a particular location or circumstance.
The public transportation system, urban and rural road conditions, and the availability of roadside assistance are all poor.
There is no consistent public electricity in the capital, and the lack of lighting at night makes careful driving essential.
Since there are minefields left over from the civil war and the war of independence, travelers should not leave designated
roads and pathways. The landmines are scattered in several areas throughout Guinea-Bissau, including Bafata, Oio, Biombo,
Quinara and Tombali regions. While there has been significant progress in locating and removing landmines, an estimated 46,000
landmines remain. Speak with local authorities first and use caution if leaving a main road or highway to enter a trail network
or to make other types of cross-country movement.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Guinea- Bissau, the U.S. Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Guinea-Bissau’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International
Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s web site
at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Guinea-Bissau's customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning the temporary import or export of items
such as firearms, antiquities, medications, and business equipment. (See contact information in the section on Entry Requirements.)
International banking and finance is problematic due to a limited formal banking sector. ATMs are rarely available, credit
cards are rarely accepted, currency exchange outside of the black market is almost non-existent, wire transfer possibilities
are extremely limited, and repatriation of funds is problematic.
As there is currently no U.S. Embassy in Guinea-Bissau, U.S. consular officials may not be properly notified when an American
citizen is arrested or detained in Guinea-Bissau. Because notification would have to be made to consular officers at U.S.
Embassies in neighboring countries, there may be a delay in consular access to such citizens. U.S. citizens are encouraged
to carry a notarized copy of their U.S. passports with them at all times so that, if questioned by local officials, proof
of identity and U.S. citizenship is readily available.
Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest may result in problems with
authorities. Guinea-Bissau has a cash-only economy, so travelers should not count on using credit cards and ATMs.
Please see our Customs Information.
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CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Bissau-Guinean laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Guinea-Bissau are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Guinea-Bissau are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through
the State Department’s travel registration web site so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Guinea-Bissau. Americans without Internet access
may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the
Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy in Guinea-Bissau remains closed. U.S. citizens
who plan to enter Guinea-Bissau are encouraged to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy at Avenue Jean XXIII,
Dakar, Senegal. The mailing address is B.P. 49, Dakar, Senegal. The telephone number is (221) 33 829-2100 and the fax is
(221) 33 822-2991. The e-mail address is consulardakar@state.gov. The web site is http://dakar.usembassy.gov/.
* * * * *
This replaces the Country Specific Information for Guinea-Bissau dated September 12, 2007 to update sections on Country description,
Special Circumstances, Safety and Security, and Registration/Embassy Location.
