Guinea-Bissau travel guide

Getting there

Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau has flights via Lisbon, Dakar and other West African hubs. Overland routes connect the country with Senegal and Guinea.

Best time to visit: Nov–May – the dry season.

Flights: see the cheapest month to fly to Bissau, with live one-way and return fares from your nearest airport.

Tougher months: June to October – the rainy season brings very heavy downpours, flooded roads and rougher seas.

Weather by month in Bissau

• 31°J
• 33°F
• 34°M
• 34°A
• 33°M
• 31°J●●
• 29°J●●●
• 28°A●●●
• 29°S●●●
• 31°O●●
• 32°N
• 31°D

Average daytime highs in °C; dots show how rainy the month is (one dot dry, three dots wet).

Time zone: Africa/Bissau. Compare with your local time.

Visas: in our passport dataset, 198 of 198 other passports can enter Guinea-Bissau without arranging a visa first (visa-free or visa on arrival), 0 need an e-visa or electronic authorisation, and 0 need a visa in advance. Check your passport.

Background: Visa policy of Guinea-Bissau (Wikipedia).

Official advisory: Level 3: Reconsider Travel (U.S. Department of State, updated 2025-12-11). Read the advisory.

Stay

Most trips to Guinea-Bissau are based around Bissau, Bijagós Archipelago or Orango Islands National Park. Pick a base for your main interest, then add day trips rather than moving hotels every night.

Typical daily budget: about US$35–55 for a backpacker and US$80–140 mid-range, per person.

Connect

Plug types: C. Voltage: 220 V. Check your own devices on the plug and currency checker.

Calling code: +245.

Mobile data: set up a travel eSIM or check your roaming plan before you fly, so data works as soon as you land.

Do

• Bissau (Capital · colonial heritage): A relaxed capital with the old Bissau Velho district, the Fortaleza d'Amura and lively markets.
• Bijagós Archipelago (Atlantic islands · nature & culture): Dozens of islands with matriarchal traditions, empty beaches and rich marine life.
• Orango Islands National Park (Bijagós · wildlife): Home to rare saltwater hippos, sacred sites and traditional Bijagós villages.
• Bubaque (Bijagós · island base): The most accessible island and main jumping-off point for exploring the archipelago.
• Cacheu (North · history & mangroves): A former slave-trading port with a fort and the mangrove-rich Cacheu River Natural Park.
• Varela (Northwest coast · beach): A remote, beautiful beach with dunes and a peaceful village atmosphere.
• Cantanhez National Park (South · forest): Lush forest where chimpanzees and other primates live alongside local communities.

Things to do

• Island-hop the Bijagós. Travel by boat between remote islands of white sand, palm forest and traditional villages.
• Look for saltwater hippos. Join a guided trek on Orango Island, where hippos live in lagoons and graze near the sea.
• Watch sea turtles nest. Visit the protected João Vieira and Poilão islands, among the most important green turtle nesting sites in the Atlantic.
• Wander Bissau Velho. Stroll the faded colonial streets and fortress walls of the capital's old quarter.
• Join Carnival in Bissau. Watch masked dancers and costumed groups from across the country parade through the streets.
• Explore Cacheu's fort. See the old Portuguese fort and the memorial to the slave trade in this historic river town.
• Birdwatch in the mangroves. Paddle through mangrove channels rich with herons, pelicans and migratory waders.
• Relax at Varela. Lie on a long, wild beach near the Senegalese border with few other visitors around.

Eat and drink

• Caldo de mancarra – peanut stew with rice
• Grilled oysters – from the mangroves
• Caldo de peixe – fish stew with palm oil
• Cashew fruit – the country's main crop, eaten fresh or as juice

Money and safety

Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF). Currency and plug checker.

Tipping: Not expected; small tips appreciated.

Emergency numbers: 117 police · 118 fire.

• The currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF), shared with neighbouring countries.
• ATMs are few and mostly in Bissau and may not accept all foreign cards, so bring enough cash, ideally euros to exchange.
• Check your government's latest travel advice before travelling, as political tension can flare up and some governments advise caution.
• Avoid demonstrations and large political gatherings.