Updated to reflect addition of health risk indicator and update to “If you decide to travel” section.

Reconsider travel to Guinea-Bissau due to civil unrest, crime, and health.

Country Summary: The country has had periods of political instability for decades. Past demonstrations have escalated into violence. Access to health care is limited.

Crime is common in Guinea-Bissau:

• Aggressive vendors, panhandlers, and criminals target foreigners at the Bissau airport.
• Criminals also target crowded areas, especially Bandim Market in the capital’s center.
• Local police do not have the resources to respond quickly to serious crimes.
• The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. There is no U.S. Embassy in Guinea-Bissau.

Health care in Guinea-Bissau is limited. Facilities may not have adequate supplies of basic medications, especially outside of larger cities. It is highly recommended to have medical evacuation insurance for travel to Guinea-Bissau. Travelers should carry a supply of any needed prescription medicines, along with copies of their prescriptions and include the generic names of medicines, as well as a supply of over-the-counter medications (such as anti-diarrheals and pain medication).

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

If you decide to travel to Guinea-Bissau:

• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Review the Country Security Report for Guinea-Bissau
• Use caution when walking or driving at night. Be sure to always wear your seatbelt.
• Only drink bottled water.
• Avoid risky behavior, including swimming in fresh bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and ponds, which can be contaminated with bacteria and/or parasites.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.