Guinea Bissau Visitor Information

Climate Chart for Guinea Bissau

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.

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

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.

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.

Sea and Rivers

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

Bus

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

Road

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.

1st January - New Years Day
20th January - Death if Amilcar Cabral
8th March - International Women's Day
1st May - Labour Day
3rd August - Anniversary of the killing of Pidiguiti
24th September - Independence Day
14th November - Anniversary of the Movement of Readjustment
25th December - Christmas Day
Moveable holidays:

click to view plug types

Electric Power is 220V - 240V running at 50Hz.
The Plug type used in Guinea Bissau is: "Type C, E & F"