Guinea-Bissau

Recommended Vaccinations For Guinea-Bissau

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Cholera Vaccine

**The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions.**

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all arriving travellers 1 year of age and older. However, the vaccination is recommended for all travellers 9 months of age and older.

Meningitis Vaccine

Because this country is located in the sub-Saharan meningitis belt, vaccination against meningitis is recommended if travelling during the dry season (December to June).

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Recommended Medications For Guinea-Bissau

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

**Recommended anti-malaria medications include atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine or tafenoquine. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported.**

Diseases To Be Aware of for Guinea-Bissau

For Most Travellers

Dengue Fever

Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Guinea-Bissau through contaminated food or water.

Cholera

Cholera outbreaks occur in Guinea-Bissau. The risk to travellers is low unless living or working in poor sanitary conditions, drinking untreated water or eating poorly cooked or raw seafood in this country.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Guinea-Bissau.

For Some Travellers

Malaria

All areas of Guinea-Bissau are at high risk for malaria.

Yellow Fever

There is a risk for yellow fever transmission in this country.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in Guinea-Bissau. Travellers to Guinea-Bissau are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Guinea-Bissau, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

African Tick Bite Fever

This disease may occur in the country.

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

Schistosomiasis

This disease is present in Guinea-Bissau and is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Meningitis

Meningitis outbreaks may occur in Guinea-Bissau. Travellers who visit during the dry season (December to June) or expect to have prolonged contact with the local population are especially at risk.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Guinea-Bissau. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Guinea-Bissau

Personal Safety

Foreigners face regular targeting at key locations like Bissau airport and Bandim Market, where aggressive vendors, panhandlers, and criminals operate. Pickpocketing, phone snatching, and petty theft occur frequently in crowded areas throughout the capital. Local police lack the resources to respond quickly to serious crimes, so you cannot rely on rapid law enforcement assistance. Crime risk increases significantly after dark because public lighting is inconsistent or absent. The Mindara and Reino neighborhoods warrant extra caution due to higher crime rates. Walking alone after dark is strongly discouraged. Even during daylight hours, maintain heightened awareness in public spaces, tourist areas, and markets. The country has no US embassy, and limited security infrastructure means emergency services are poorly trained and under-resourced. Medical evacuation insurance is highly recommended because healthcare facilities are limited, especially outside larger cities.

Extreme Violence

Terrorism has no recent history in Guinea-Bissau, though attacks cannot be ruled out. The domestic terrorism threat remains low despite arrests of two individuals with suspected al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb links in 2016 and 2019. Guinea-Bissau contributes to UN peacekeeping in Mali, which may make it a potential target for regional terrorist groups. Drug trafficking is prevalent, with the country serving as a major transshipment point for cocaine moving from Latin America to Europe. Senior military officials face international sanctions related to drug trafficking. However, drug-related violence typically remains contained within elite political circles and rarely affects ordinary citizens or tourists. Unlike cocaine capitals elsewhere, murders and violence linked to the drug trade are uncommon in Bissau, and when violence occurs, it tends to be political rather than street-level.

Political Unrest

Guinea-Bissau has experienced at least 10 coups or attempted coups since independence in 1974, with only one democratically elected president completing a full term. A failed coup attempt occurred at the Government Palace in February 2022, leaving 11 people dead. In November 2023, clashes between the National Guard and presidential forces left at least two dead, prompting the president to dissolve parliament. Elections scheduled for November 2024 were postponed to November 2025 amid disputes over the president’s term limits. Past demonstrations have escalated into violence, and the political situation remains volatile. Further attacks against government and military personnel cannot be ruled out. Political tensions run through security forces, with the National Guard answering to the government and the Presidential Guard loyal to the president. Avoid all demonstrations, large public gatherings, and areas near military installations and government buildings. The situation can deteriorate without warning. Monitor local media closely for updates on political developments.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid all travel within 20 kilometers of the border with Senegal, including the road from Sao Domingos to Mpack. Casamance rebels operate in this border area, where small arms proliferation fuels banditry. Crossing this border by land may be dangerous. Unexploded ordnance and antipersonnel mines persist outside Bissau, particularly in the Bafata, Biombo, Oio, Quinara, and Tombali regions. While the national demining center declared Bissau free from landmines, clearing operations continue elsewhere. Do not leave roads and pathways designated by local authorities. The Mindara and Reino neighborhoods in Bissau warrant caution due to elevated crime levels. Bandim Market in the capital center attracts criminals who specifically target foreigners. The Bijagos Islands require chartered air services or boat travel from the mainland. Avoid pirogues, as these traditional canoes are unsafe. The confusing currents running through the islands create dangerous conditions for navigation.