Bissau Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Bissau.
Healthcare System
Guinea-Bissau has one of the least developed healthcare systems in the world. Medical facilities in Bissau are extremely limited with severe shortages of equipment, medications, and trained personnel. Even basic medical care may not meet international standards.
Hospitals
Hospital Nacional Simão Mendes is the main referral hospital but has limited capabilities. Clínica Bomfim and Clínica Raoul Follereau are private options with marginally better conditions. No facilities are equipped for complex surgeries or intensive care by Western standards.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies exist in Bissau but stock is unreliable and counterfeit medications are a concern. Bring all necessary prescription medications with you, along with copies of prescriptions. Basic over-the-counter medications may be available but quality cannot be guaranteed.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage (minimum $100,000 USD) is absolutely essential and should be considered mandatory. Verify that your policy covers Guinea-Bissau specifically, as some policies exclude high-risk destinations.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive medical kit including prescription medications, antibiotics (if prescribed), antimalarials, oral rehydration salts, and basic first aid supplies
- Carry contact information for medical evacuation services and ensure your insurance covers air ambulance to Dakar or Europe
- Identify the location of your embassy and any recommended medical facilities before arrival
- Consider consulting a travel medicine specialist at least 6-8 weeks before departure for vaccinations and preventive medications
- Bring extra supplies of any essential medications as refills will not be available
- Avoid any medical procedures in Bissau unless absolutely necessary due to infection control concerns
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft of unattended items occur, particularly targeting tourists who may be carrying valuables or appear unfamiliar with the area.
Guinea-Bissau has a history of political instability, coups, and attempted coups. Demonstrations and political gatherings can occur with little notice and may turn violent. Security forces may use tear gas or live ammunition.
Malaria is endemic throughout Guinea-Bissau year-round, with high transmission rates. Other diseases include dengue fever, yellow fever, typhoid, and cholera. Waterborne and foodborne illnesses are common.
Road conditions are poor with potholes, lack of lighting, and minimal traffic control. Many vehicles are poorly maintained. Accidents are common and emergency response is minimal. Livestock and pedestrians on roads create additional hazards.
Armed robberies can occur, particularly targeting vehicles at night or in isolated areas. While less common than petty theft, incidents do occur and can turn violent.
Frequent power outages, water shortages, and telecommunications disruptions are common. These can affect safety by disabling lighting, security systems, and communication capabilities.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals posing as police officers or government officials may approach tourists demanding to see documents, then claim there are problems requiring on-the-spot fines or bribes. Some may offer to 'help' with bureaucratic processes for a fee.
Street money changers offer favorable rates but use sleight of hand, counterfeit bills, or quick counting tricks to shortchange tourists. Some may switch bills during the transaction.
Taxi drivers may significantly inflate prices for tourists or take unnecessarily long routes to increase fares. Some may claim meters are broken or that prices have increased dramatically.
After taking photos of people, buildings, or certain areas, individuals may aggressively demand payment or claim you need permission/permits, threatening to call police or confiscate your camera.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something on you, asking for help, creating a commotion) while an accomplice steals your belongings.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy upon arrival and maintain regular contact during your stay
- Keep multiple copies of important documents (passport, visa, insurance) in separate locations and leave copies with contacts at home
- Maintain a low profile and avoid displaying wealth, expensive jewelry, cameras, or large amounts of cash
- Learn basic Portuguese phrases for emergencies and navigation
- Keep emergency cash in US dollars or euros separate from your regular money
- Inform someone of your daily plans and expected return times
- Trust your instincts - if a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself immediately
Accommodation Safety
- Choose hotels with good security, backup generators, and positive recent reviews from international travelers
- Verify that rooms have working locks and consider using a portable door lock or door wedge
- Keep valuables in hotel safes when available, though understand security may be limited
- Know emergency exits and evacuation procedures
- Keep a flashlight, water, and essential items accessible in case of power outages
- Avoid ground floor rooms if possible for added security
Transportation Safety
- Never travel after dark - plan all activities to conclude well before nightfall
- Use only registered taxis or drivers recommended by reputable hotels
- Keep car doors locked and windows up while driving
- Avoid motorcycles and unofficial transport options
- Plan routes in advance and inform others of your travel plans
- Carry a charged phone with local emergency numbers programmed
- Be prepared for checkpoints and have documents readily accessible
Health and Hygiene
- Drink only bottled water (check seals are intact) or water you have purified yourself
- Avoid ice, raw vegetables, unpeeled fruits, and food from street vendors
- Wash hands frequently with soap or use hand sanitizer (60%+ alcohol)
- Take antimalarial medication as prescribed without interruption
- Apply insect repellent regularly, especially at dawn and dusk
- Avoid swimming in fresh water due to risk of schistosomiasis and other parasites
- Seek medical attention immediately for fever, severe diarrhea, or concerning symptoms
Money and Valuables
- Carry only what you need for the day and leave excess cash and valuables secured at your hotel
- Use a money belt or hidden pouch for passport and main cash reserves
- Divide money between multiple locations on your person and in your accommodation
- ATMs are limited and often unreliable - bring sufficient cash in euros or US dollars
- Be discreet when handling money and count it in private, secure locations
- Photograph or photocopy credit cards and important documents for emergency replacement
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication, though network coverage can be spotty
- Download offline maps of Bissau before arrival
- Keep your embassy's 24-hour emergency contact number readily accessible
- Establish check-in times with family or contacts at home
- Consider a satellite communicator if traveling outside the capital
- Learn emergency phrases in Portuguese and Kriol (local creole language)
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers should exercise additional caution in Bissau. While harassment is not as prevalent as in some destinations, women may experience unwanted attention, particularly if traveling alone. The local culture is relatively conservative, and foreign women may stand out. Solo women travelers should be especially vigilant and consider joining group activities or hiring reputable guides for excursions.
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, to minimize unwanted attention and show respect for local customs
- Avoid walking alone, especially after dark or in isolated areas - always use trusted transportation
- Consider wearing a fake wedding ring to deflect unwanted attention
- Be firm but polite when declining unwanted interactions - avoid engaging in prolonged conversations
- Stay in reputable accommodations with good security and female staff if possible
- Keep your phone charged and accessible with emergency contacts programmed
- Trust your instincts - if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself immediately
- Join organized tours or activities to meet other travelers and avoid being alone
- Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers and never leave drinks unattended
- Inform hotel staff of your plans and expected return times
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Guinea-Bissau with no specific laws criminalizing homosexuality. However, there are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Exercise extreme discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity
- Avoid any public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Do not discuss LGBTQ+ topics openly or with people you don't know well
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance, though options are extremely limited
- Be aware that there is no visible LGBTQ+ scene or community resources for travelers
- Consider the risks carefully before traveling as a couple - some couples may choose to present as friends or travel companions
- Have a support network and emergency contacts established before arrival
- Understand that local police may not be supportive if incidents occur
- Monitor LGBTQ+ travel resources and forums for updated information from recent travelers
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with robust medical evacuation coverage is absolutely essential for travel to Bissau and should be considered non-negotiable. The extremely limited healthcare infrastructure means that any serious illness or injury will require evacuation to Dakar, Senegal or Europe, which can cost $50,000-$200,000+ USD without insurance. Political instability also creates risks of trip interruption or emergency evacuation needs.
Planning your trip? Make sure you have the right travel insurance for Bissau Safety Guide before you go.