Guinea-Bissau

Security Status

Avoid Non-Essential Travel

Travel Alert

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises against non-essential travel to Guinea-Bissau at this time due to political instability. On 26 November a faction of the army seized power and announced the closure of the land, sea and air borders until further notice.

General Travel Advice 

Irish citizens in Guinea-Bissau are advised to follow the guidance of national and local authorities and stay fully informed of what is going on by monitoring local news and social media.

In view of the potential for risks to personal security, protests, demonstrations and large public gatherings should be avoided.

Additional safety precautions may be needed. Only travel during daylight hours and avoid carrying jewellery, large sums of money, or other valuables.

It is essential to be covered by comprehensive travel insurance for the duration of your stay in Guinea-Bissau.

Guinea-Bissau remains classified as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. Irish Citizens especially those with a weakened immune system or women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant are advised to follow guidance available on the website of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).

Emergency Assistance

The best help is often close at hand so if a problem arises, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.

Visitors can contact the emergency services in Guinea-Bissau by dialling 112. Specific emergency numbers are:

• Police: 117
• Fire brigade: 118
• Ambulance: 119

Our Tips for Safe Travels:

• Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers all planned activities.
• Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there is an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
• Follow us on X @dfatravelwise and Instagram @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates.
• Read our ‘Know Before You Go’ guide.
• Read our Consular Assistance Charter that clearly sets out the assistance that can be provided to citizens in difficulty overseas, and the limits of what the Department can do.

As there is no Irish Embassy in Guinea-Bissau, we are limited in the help we can offer in an emergency. However, if assistance is required, please contact the Irish Embassy in Lisbon or the Duty Officer at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin at +353 (0)1 408 2000.

Practical Advice

• Read our ‘Know Before You Go’ guide for useful security tips when travelling abroad
• Get advice locally about areas of risk and security concerns
• Take common-sense precautions about safety and security
• Know who to contact in case of an emergency

Get Travel and Medical Insurance

Before travelling, the Department strongly recommends obtaining comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. Check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers all the activities you want to undertake.

Vaccinations

Check what vaccinations may be needed for your trip at least eight weeks before travel. We cannot advise on vaccinations, but information can be obtained from your local GP or an International Health and Travel Centre.

Evidence of vaccination (in the form of a certificate) can be a requirement for entry to some countries.

Medication

Make sure to bring enough medication for your entire trip and for any unexpected delays. Also bring copies of your prescription in case your medication is lost.

Practical Advice

• Read our travel advice, inform yourself before travelling and get advice locally when you arrive
• Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them
• Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or even illegal

Visa/Passport

Irish citizens need a visa to enter Guinea-Bissau. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry. Passport cards cannot be used.

Citizens can apply for a visa in person at diplomatic missions of Guinea-Bissau, such as the Embassy in Paris (Rue St Lazare 94) or the Embassy in Lisbon (Rua da Alcolena 17A).

The cost of a visa depends on the length of stay: 45 days (€70.00), 90 days (€110.00) or 180 days (€200.00).

It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport and to also carry a photocopy of your passport at all times during your stay.

Lost or Stolen Passport

If your passport is lost or stolen while in Guinea-Bissau you should contact the Irish Embassy in Lisbon. We will do our best to help as quickly as possible but this can take some time. Location and circumstances may limit the help we can give you.

What we can do:

• Issue an emergency travel document that will get you home;
• If required, provide advice on applying for new passport.

A police report is needed if you want to make a claim on your travel insurance. We will not provide a travel document without a police report.

As there is no Irish Embassy in Guinea-Bissau, we are limited in the help we can offer you in an emergency. However, if you need assistance, you can contact the Embassy of Ireland in Lisbon, Portugal.

Please note that if assistance is required in the case of emergency while the Embassy is closed, contact the main Embassy number, 00 351 213308200, and leave a message for the Duty Officer. This mailbox will be monitored regularly.

Alternatively, please call the Duty Officer at the Department of Foreign Affairs at 00353 1 408 2000.

Monday to Friday 09:30-12:30