Guinea-Bissau – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health.

Reconsider travel to Guinea-Bissau due to civil unrest.  Exercise increased caution due to crime.

Country Summary:  The country has experienced intermittent political instability for decades.  Demonstrations occur frequently, and some have escalated into violence.

Crime is fairly prevalent in Guinea-Bissau.  Aggressive vendors, panhandlers, and occasionally criminals target foreigners at the Bissau airport and other crowded areas, especially Bandim Market in the center of the capital.  Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.  The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens because there is no U.S. Embassy in Guinea-Bissau.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Guinea-Bissau.

If you decide to travel to Guinea-Bissau:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.
• See the U.S. Embassy’s webpage regarding COVID-19.
• Visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel and COVID-19.  
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Only travel during daylight.
• Monitor local media for breaking events, and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Make contingency plans to leave the country.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Guinea-Bissau.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.