Sub Saharan Africa

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  For more general information see Terrorism abroad.

Crime

Crime rates in Guinea-Bissau are not high but Guinea-Bissau is an extremely poor country in a severe economic crisis.  You should take precautions.  Do not carry valuables in public. 

 

For more general information see Victims of crime abroad.

 

Political Situation

Guinea-Bissau has a history of political instability.  A presidential election took place on 28 June 2009.  This follows the assassination of the President on 2 March 2009 which was linked to the assassination of the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces on 1 March 2009.  On 5 June 2009 a candidate for the presidential election, the former interior minister, was also killed.  A government communiqué states that he was killed as he resisted arrest for charges related to planning a coup d'etat.   While the country remains generally calm for the moment, these incidents illustrate the significant political tensions and fragility which persist in Guinea-Bissau.

You should closely monitor daily developments through the local media. Political rallies should be avoided and if a demonstration or disturbance is taking place, you should leave the area as quickly and safely as possible.

Guinea-Bissau Country Profile

Local Travel

 

In 2006 there were clashes between factions of Senegalese separatist groups and the Bissau-Guinean armed forces in areas near the border with Senegal in the northwest of Guinea-Bissau. Land mines remain a problem in areas of Guinea-Bissau and de-mining operations are continuing.  The capital city of Bissau was declared “mine-free” in June 2006 by the national de-mining centre (CAAMI), which is responsible for de-mining operations and maintains lists of known minefields. Outside of the capital city, you should take local advice and stick to paved roads.

If you are thinking of travelling to Guinea-Bissau by road should note that the Casamance region of south-western Senegal (an area between the southern border of Gambia and the north-western border of Guinea-Bissau) remains affected by incidents involving presumed separatist groups and by incidents of banditry. We advise against all road travel in the Casamance region to the west of Kolda other than on the main road from Ziguinchor to Cap Skirring, which is often used by groups of tourists during daylight hours.  If you  travel on  this road, we advise that you do so only during daylight hours and that you monitor the local security situation before travelling.  You should read the Travel Advice for Senegal for more details.

 

Road Travel

 

Traffic is generally light in Guinea-Bissau but road conditions (including in the capital) and driving standards are poor.  Because of unseen hazards, you should avoid road travel at night and you should take suitable precautions in the rainy season (June to October) when road and driving conditions can become particularly poor.

 

For more general information see Driving abroad.

 

Air Travel

 

You should reconfirm onward/return flights 72 hours in advance.

The European Commission has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the European Union.  You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel - European Commission Transport - Air.

For more general information see Airline security.