Briefing de orientación en Guinea-Bisáu

Durante gran parte de su historia, Guinea-Bisáu estuvo bajo el control del Imperio de Malí y del Reino de Kaabu. En el siglo XVI, Portugal comenzó a establecer puestos comerciales a lo largo de la costa de Guinea-Bisáu. Al principio, los portugueses se limitaron a la costa y a las islas. Sin embargo, el comercio de esclavos y de oro era lucrativo para los líderes africanos locales, y los portugueses lograron extender poco a poco su poder e influencia hacia el interior. A partir del siglo XVIII, el Imperio de Malí y el Reino de Kaabu se desintegraron gradualmente en entidades locales más pequeñas. En el siglo XIX, Portugal había incorporado por completo Guinea-Bisáu a su imperio.

Desde que obtuvo la independencia en 1974, Guinea-Bisáu ha experimentado una considerable agitación política y militar. En 1980, un golpe militar instaló como presidente al general João Bernardo "Nino" VIEIRA. El régimen de VIEIRA reprimió la oposición política y depuró a sus rivales políticos. Varios intentos de golpe de Estado durante los años ochenta y comienzos de los noventa no lograron destituirlo, pero un motín militar y una guerra civil en 1999 llevaron a la expulsión de VIEIRA. En 2000, un gobierno de transición cedió el poder al líder de la oposición Kumba YALA. En 2003, un golpe militar sin derramamiento de sangre derrocó a YALA e instaló como presidente interino al empresario Henrique ROSA. En 2005, VIEIRA fue reelegido, comprometiéndose a impulsar el desarrollo económico y la reconciliación nacional; fue asesinado en 2009. Malam Bacai SANHA fue elegido presidente a continuación, pero falleció en 2012 a causa de una enfermedad crónica. Un golpe militar bloqueó la segunda vuelta de las elecciones para sustituirlo, pero, tras la mediación de la Comunidad Económica de los Estados de África Occidental (CEDEAO), un gobierno civil de transición asumió el poder. En 2014, José Mário VAZ fue elegido presidente en unas elecciones libres y justas, y en 2019 se convirtió en el primer presidente en la historia de Guinea-Bisáu que completó un mandato íntegro. Umaro Sissoco EMBALÓ fue elegido presidente en 2019, pero no asumió el cargo hasta 2020 debido a una prolongada impugnación de los resultados electorales.

Guinea-Bissau suffers from political instability. In the event of any political unrest follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media for information. Stay alert to local developments and avoid sensitive areas like military installations and government buildings. Avoid demonstrations or large public gatherings.

If you have any doubts about the level of security in an area, stay at home or in your hotel.

Before you travel 

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. 

About FCDO travel advice 

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. 

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Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Guinea-Bissau

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Guinea-Bissau, attacks cannot be ruled out. 

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Political situation

Guinea-Bissau suffers from political instability. In the event of any political unrest follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media for information. Stay alert to local developments and avoid sensitive areas like military installations and government buildings. Avoid demonstrations or large public gatherings.

If you have any doubts about the level of security in an area, stay at home or in your hotel.

Crime

Pickpocketing and bag and phone snatching are relatively common in the capital city, Bissau. Where possible, keep valuables such as phones hidden when out in public.

Be especially careful in remote areas where security forces have a limited presence.

Landmines

Landmines remain a risk in parts of the country, and demining operations continue. The national demining centre (CAAMI) declared Bissau free from landmines. Outside of Bissau, take local advice and stay on paved roads.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

You must carry ID such as a passport or residence permit, particularly when driving or in a taxi. Police forces regularly ask for ID.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

There are severe penalties for all drug offences. Local prison conditions are harsh.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual relationships are not criminalised. However, Guinea-Bissau is a conservative society and same-sex couples showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Money

Guinea-Bissau is a cash-based economy. Credit cards are rarely used and there are not many ATMs in the country. If you need to exchange foreign currency, use an official bureau de change.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Guinea-Bissau, see information on driving abroad.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Guinea-Bissau for up to 3 months. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well. You’ll also need a registration card number with you in the vehicle – your car hire firm should provide this.

It’s recommended you get local car insurance recognised by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Brown Card scheme.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.

Drink-driving is a serious offence in Guinea-Bissau. If you are tested and found to have any alcohol in your system, you may get a fine and a possible prison sentence.

Road conditions

Traffic is generally light but driving standards and road conditions, including in Bissau, are poor. Avoid road travel at night and take suitable precautions in the rainy season, which runs from June to October. Heavy rains can make road and driving conditions difficult.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 1313 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Guinea-Bissau
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Guinea-Bissau, including:

• dengue
• Zika virus
• yellow fever
• schistosomiasis
• malaria

HIV/AIDS

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund’s report for 2022 estimated that 34,000 people (adults and children) in Guinea-Bissau were living with HIV. The prevalence percentage was estimated at around 2.4% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should use normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.

Medication

Pharmacies in Guinea-Bissau are limited and may sometimes lack supplies. Pharmacies will accept UK prescriptions and are the only place you can buy medicines. Pharmacies in Guinea-Bissau do not have accreditation with UK insurance companies, so speak to your insurance company beforehand if you need a refund.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Guinea-Bissau

Medical facilities in Guinea-Bissau are extremely limited and hospitals are not fully operational. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.