Small on the map, immense in culture. Guinea-Bissau welcomes those who arrive prepared — and preparation starts with understanding the visa, health rules and the reality of arrival. Here is the essential, verified.

Travel essentials

Entry depends heavily on your passport. ECOWAS citizens enter visa-free for up to 90 days; European citizens need an entry authorization (visa). Always confirm with the Guinea-Bissau consulate responsible for your country before buying your ticket.

⚠️ Border rules change without notice. Always confirm with the official source (consulate, immigration, travel.state.gov, gov.uk, Portal das Comunidades) before travelling.

💡 Dual nationals: if your Guinean passport has expired, confirm with the consulate which document to enter on — entering on a European passport may require a visa.

Health

A yellow fever certificate is required at the border for travellers over 1 year old (confirm with your airline). The CDC also recommends routine vaccines and hepatitis A/B — a clinical recommendation, not a border requirement.

Passport

Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry, plus an onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds.

Arrival & Safety

Airport

Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB), also known as Bissalanca — the country’s only international airport.

Getting in

No reliable ride-hailing apps operate (Uber/Bolt/Yango are not confirmed in Bissau). The norm is hotel-arranged transfers and recommended taxis — agree the price before getting in. Avoid unmarked street taxis at night, especially in poorly lit areas.

Safety

Money

Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF), also used in Senegal and Mali. The economy runs mostly on cash; ATMs are concentrated in Bissau and card acceptance is patchy. Bring euros to exchange and enough cash for outside the capital.

Connectivity

Main operators: Orange (market leader), Telecel (formerly MTN, rebranded in 2025) and Guinetel. 4G is concentrated in Bissau; coverage drops quickly outside the capital and is weak in the Bijagós islands.

A local SIM requires in-person registration with your passport (KYC) at a physical store, and activation can be slow. This is exactly what the Verde Wave eSIM avoids: you’re connected the moment you land, no queues, no stores.

WhatsApp and data apps work well in Bissau; there are reports of throttling on very cheap bundles at peak times. In rural areas and on the islands, expect network drop-offs.

Sending money Guinea-Bissau

Sending money to Guinea-Bissau is part of diaspora life. The usual options: bank transfer (slower and sometimes with hidden FX margins), specialist apps like Wise, Remitly and WorldRemit (fast and transparent on fees), and cash pickup via Western Union or MoneyGram. In Guinea-Bissau, with limited banking outside the cities, cash pickup is the most common; money arrives in CFA francs (XOF). Always compare the total cost — fee plus exchange-rate margin — and the speed before sending. Verde Wave never handles money; we just point you to the tools.

Sending boxes / cargo Guinea-Bissau

Sending boxes, barrels or drums to Guinea-Bissau is a diaspora tradition — food, clothes, electronics and gifts for family. Shipping is almost always by sea (cheaper but slow — typically several weeks to a couple of months), with an air option (faster, pricier) for urgent items. The essentials: make a packing list with values for customs, clearly identify sender and recipient with a local contact, and check import duties — used personal effects may have allowances, but new or bulk goods are taxed. Some shipments to Guinea-Bissau require a cargo tracking note (ECTN/BSC) arranged before loading — check with your forwarder. Declare the contents honestly, avoid prohibited or poorly protected perishable items, and keep your receipts. Compare freight forwarders on reputation and insurance, not just price.

Message us on WhatsApp if you need a hand.

Practical tips

Best time

Dry season (roughly November to May): more passable roads and fewer mosquitoes. In the rainy season, some rural areas become hard to reach.

Languages

Portuguese is the official language, but Guinean Creole (Kriol) is the everyday lingua franca. A few phrases in Kriol open doors. See the phrasebook →

Etiquette

A relatively conservative society: dress modestly, especially in rural or religious settings. Greet and ask after family before getting to business — the relationship comes first. Always ask permission before photographing people or villages.

What to see & culture

Places

Bissau Velho (the colonial centre), the Amura fortress and the Bandim market. And the Bijagós Archipelago — 88 islands, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with beaches, mangroves, sea turtles and hippos.

Culture

National identity is deeply tied to Amílcar Cabral. It is the birthplace of gumbé, a rhythm that influenced music across West Africa and the diaspora.

Food

Rice with fish or seafood, caldo de mancarra (a rich peanut stew) and palm-oil dishes are the staples of the Guinean table.

Sources

1. Portal das Comunidades (MNE Portugal) — Guiné-Bissau
2. US State Department — Guinea-Bissau Travel Advisory (Nível 3)
3. UK FCDO — Guinea-Bissau foreign travel advice
4. CDC Travelers’ Health — Guinea-Bissau
5. ECOWAS / CEDEAO — Estados-membros e Protocolo de Livre Circulação (Cabo Verde é membro desde 1977)