Last updated: 20 Oct 2025
Guinea Bissau
About
| Guinea-Bissau is a small coastal country just to the South of Senegal where the people speak a host of local languages and Creole together with Portuguese and a little bit of French. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Bissau, the capital. The Portuguese quarter, with its winding streets and Mediterranean-style houses, is worth a visit. Guinea-Bissau’s beaches and wildlife are exceptional while West African traditions and Portuguese colonial remains can still be seen. On the coast, you can find fishing villages surrounded by forests, whereas further inland the country is dry and dusty. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Bissau, the capital. The Portuguese quarter, with its winding streets and Mediterranean-style houses, is worth a visit. Visit the Museum of African Artefacts, which is a treasure trove of traditional sculpture, pottery, weaving and basketware. Visit the Cantanhez Natural Park in Jemberem. This community-based conservation project was initiated to protect birds, monkeys and chimpanzees. |
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| Capital: | Bissau (OXB) |
| Currency: | West African CFA Franc (XOF) |
| Language: | Portuguese. Guinean Creole, Balante and Fulani are also spoken. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 245 |
| Time Zones: | No UTC / GMT offset (2 hours behind South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right. (An International Driving Permit is recommended, although it is not legally required.) |
| Best Time to go: | Late November – February |
| Best For: | Beaches, Wildlife, Cultural Exploration |
| Plugs: | Limited electricity supply on 220 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style plugs with two round pins are used. |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Milk is unpasteurised. |
| Health: | Medical facilities are very limited. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. Doctors will require cash payment regardless of whether you have health insurance. |
| Customs: | Respect to religious and social customs should be shown. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Homosexuality is illegal. |
| Duty Free: | The following goods can be imported into Guinea-Bissau without incurring customs duty: • A reasonable quantity of tobacco products. • A reasonable quantity of perfume in opened bottles. |
Issuing Authorities
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1, 20; Mar 31; Apr 20; May 1; Jun 7; Sep 24; Dec 25
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1, 20; Mar 20; Apr 5; May 1, 27; Sep 24; Dec 25
Visa Requirements
Visa application and payment is to be done online: www.rgb-visa.com
Your passport must have validity for 6 months beyond departure from Guinea Bissau.
Entry Requirements
- Proof of onward travel
- Print-out of e-visa
- Proof of sufficient funds
Visa Validity
Single Entry: 30 to 90 days.
SA Representative
SA Embassy
Avenue Amilcar Cabral (Opposite UDIB building), Bissau
Tel: +245 6678910
E-mail: bissau@dirco.gov.za
Web: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/guinea-bissau/
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
