Guinea Bissau

Visitor Information

Climate | Latest Travel Advice | Visas & Immigration | Money | Local Time | Getting Around | Public Holidays | Electrical Power | Travel Insurance


CLIMATE

Guinea-Bissau has a hot, humid, typically tropical climate, with a rainy season that lasts from mid June to mid-November. The average temperature in the rainy season ranges from 79°F - 82°F (26°C to 28°C ), but temperatures can exceed 90°F. Rainfall exceeds 78 inches, and the wettest months are July, August. and September. and at this time humidity is very high. The coolest months are December and January.

Climate Chart for Bissau

For today's weather forecast see     CNN - Africa Weather Forecasts

LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department - Travel Warnings

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

Visa are required by all except national of Benin, Burkina Fasso, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. Visa are valid for a month but can be extended relatively easily at the central police station in Bissau. - when extending check whether you will need an exit visa. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the intended departure date.

MONEY

Official Currency:    CFA (Communauté financière africane) Franc=100 centimes.
Current Exchange Rate:    Today's Exchange Rate

You will only be able to use credit cards in the Capital and then only limited. Travelers cheques can be changed at banks and are best taken in US Dollars. Cash should also be taken.

The import and export of local currency is forbidden and there is no limit on the import of foreign currency but it must be declared on arrival, particularly if you want to take any out with you.

BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS

Banking:    Monday to Friday: 07:30 - 14:30

LOCAL TIME

Guinea-Bissau has the same time as GMT

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

Air:

Domestic Flights

The domestic airline provides flights internally and to outlying islands


Public Transport:
Consists of mini buses and bush taxis on most the main routes and picks ups on the lesser used routes. Fares are very cheap.

Sea/River
Most towns are accessible by ship or riverboats. Ferries are available from Bissau to Bolama, Bubaqque Island, Bafatá, Catio and Enxudé.

Self Drive / Hire Cars:

Map & Atlases for Sale

Road conditions are relatively goods but during the wet season unsealed roads can become impassable. Driving is on the right hand side and an International Permit is recommended. You can obtain a temporary driving licence from the local authorities on presentation of a valid UK driving licence.

Car Hire is very limited and expensive and generally only available in Bissau.


PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Electrical Power

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Guinea Bissau, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.

	Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected while you're away.
	- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies, single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get your quote and policy on-line....
	Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel insurance needs. .
	Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55 years of age.