Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Guinea-Bissau depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for Guinea-BissauEmergency Numbers
- Police
- 117
- Ambulance
- 119
Currency
- Name
- West African CFA franc
- Code
- XOF
- Symbol
- CFA
Pegged to the euro. Cash-only outside Bissau.
Power Outlets
- Outlet type
- Type C
- Voltage
- 220V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0) — no daylight saving
Best Time to Visit
Major Airports
- OXB
Osvaldo Vieira International Airport
Bissau · only international airport
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% | — |
| Guides | USD 20+ per day | — |
Dress Code
What "modest dress" usually means
Shoulders and knees covered, nothing tight or sheer, no low-cut tops, no visible underwear or midriff. Loose, breathable fabrics work best in warm climates. In most places this is a social expectation rather than a legal rule — the country-specific notes below add any extras (headscarves at mosques, long trousers in temples, etc.).
- Modest dress in cities and villages
- Beachwear fine on the Bijagós islands
Social Etiquette
- Portuguese is the official language; Crioulo is the lingua franca
- The Bijagós Archipelago is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with a unique matriarchal culture — women own the land and choose their husbands
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate required
- Photography of government and military prohibited
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (Portuguese) | Olá | oh-LAH |
| Thank you (Crioulo) | Obrigadu | o-bree-GA-doo |
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