Guinea-Bissau Travel Status

WATCH

Travel to Guinea-Bissau remains possible, with international entry and ordinary immigration procedures functioning. Travellers should nevertheless be aware of significant official warnings concerning political unrest, limited healthcare and landmines in some areas.

Political situation

Guinea-Bissau has a long history of political instability. Travellers should monitor local developments and avoid demonstrations, political gatherings and areas where security forces are deployed.

Demonstrations

Large demonstrations can occur with little warning. Protests and political unrest can disrupt roads, transportation and other essential services.

Visa requirements

Visa requirements depend on nationality. Travellers who require a visa should arrange the appropriate permission before travelling and confirm the latest requirements with a Guinea-Bissau embassy or consulate.

Passport requirements

Travellers should check the passport requirements applying to their nationality. Current UK guidance requires British visitors to have a passport valid for at least six months after arrival.

Yellow fever

Travellers must have a certificate showing that they have been vaccinated against yellow fever. Keep the vaccination certificate with your travel documents.

Landmines

Landmines and unexploded ordnance remain a risk in some parts of Guinea-Bissau. Travellers should remain on established roads and paths and avoid unexplored or clearly marked hazardous areas.

Senegal border

Guinea-Bissau shares a major northern border with Senegal. Travellers using overland routes should confirm conditions at their intended crossing shortly before departure.

Guinea border

Overland travel is also possible towards Guinea, but road conditions can be poor and travellers should check the status of their intended route and border crossing.

Healthcare

Medical facilities are extremely limited, particularly outside Bissau. Travellers should have comprehensive insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation.

Consular assistance

Some countries have no resident embassy in Guinea-Bissau. U.S. citizens, for example, receive consular services through the U.S. Embassy in Dakar, Senegal.

Political transition continues

Guinea-Bissau remains in a sensitive political period following the military takeover in November 2025.

Constitutional referendum held

A constitutional referendum was held in September 2026 as the country continues its political transition. Travellers should monitor developments surrounding the transition and upcoming political events.

International travel continues

No major nationwide closure affecting international entry, airport operations or ordinary immigration procedures has been identified.

Current security advisory

The current U.S. travel advisory places Guinea-Bissau at Level 3 because of unrest, inadequate health infrastructure and landmines.

Check your airline, passport and visa requirements before departure.

Carry your yellow fever vaccination certificate because proof of vaccination is required for entry.

Avoid demonstrations, political gatherings and concentrations of security forces. Political conditions can change quickly and protests can disrupt transport.

If travelling overland, confirm that your intended border crossing is operating and remain on established roads and paths.

Arrange comprehensive travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation because healthcare facilities are limited.

Travellers should keep sufficient flexibility in their itinerary in case political developments cause temporary transport or road disruption.

Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.