Guinea-Bissau🇬🇼
Guinea-Bissau, a small country located in West Africa, is bordered by Senegal to the North, and Guinea to the east and south. Despite its size, the country is known for its diverse ethnic groups, each with its own unique traditions and languages. Its friendly, intimate relations with neighbor countries and the rest of Africa makes it the gateway to African culture. The landscape is dotted with numerous national parks and rainforests, known for their biodiversity, such as the Dulombi-Boe National Park and Boe Sector. What makes it special is its vibrant culture and the use of percussion instruments in traditional music, especially the Djumbay drum. Recommended activities include visiting the Portuguese colonial capital Bissau, the Bijagos Islands, known for turtle nesting grounds, and encountering local wildlife.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid drinking tap water due to sanitation issues and potential health risks.
- Avoid getting involved in political conversations and situations due to the sensitive nature of the political climate.
- Avoid driving at night due to poorly lit roads and possible road defects.
- Avoid public protests and gatherings due to potential violence and conflicts.
- Avoid dissemination or engaging in any content that could be perceives as offensive to the local customs, traditions or religion.
- Avoid traveling without required vaccination protection against diseases such as Yellow Fever, Malaria and Typhoid.
- Avoid displaying valuable items openly to avoid becoming a target for thieves.
- Avoid travelling during the rainy season where flooding can occur and impact travel.
- Avoid engaging in transactions that may involve corruption.
- Avoid solo travel at night especially in less populated areas due to safety issues.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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Crime in Guinea-Bissau is a serious problem, with common occurrences such as theft, burglary, and violent crime, due to the economic instability of the region. Cities like Bissau show higher cases of crime and travelers are advised to exercise caution. Political instability often contributes to crime rates, especially after the December 2018 situation.
Terrorism 💣
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Terrorism activities in Guinea-Bissau have been low, with no major incidents reported. However, the border proximity to countries with militant groups, like Mali and its regions, might pose potential risks. There is a general threat from terrorism, but the government has been proactive in securing its boundaries and general regions.
War ⚔️
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Guinea-Bissau has experienced several political crises, coup attempts and military conflicts since its independence, the last incident reported in 2012 with a coup d’etat. Although currently stable, the aftermath of years of struggles are noticeable. Potential political instability can always lead to a tensed environment.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Guinea-Bissau faces certain environmental threats such as season flooding due to heavy rainfall especially during the rainy season of June to November. In November 2020, it has suffered flooding which impacted thousands of residents. Moreover, the country is vulnerable to climate change, which can lead to other environmental hazards.
Medical Care 🏥
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The country's medical facilities are poorly equipped and not up to Western standards. There is a lack of quality healthcare facilities, especially outside the capital region. Serious or complex conditions often require evacuation to neighboring countries.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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Tap water in Guinea-Bissau is not safe for drinking due to low standards in sanitation facilities and practices. Visitors are advised to consume and use bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes, and to avoid ice cubes.
Disease Burden 🤒
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Diseases like malaria, yellow fever, and typhoid fever are prevalent in this region. In addition, cholera outbreaks were reported in 2012 and 2018, affecting thousands. The HIV/AIDS situation is also a point of concern.
Corruption 💸
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Corruption is endemic in Guinea-Bissau and effects most sectors, posing obstacles to foreign investments. The government has been trying to combat the corruption issues, but it still prevails. In 2019, an investigation led to several arrests connected to a drug trafficking case.
Safety for Women ♀️
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While women travelers do not face specific threats, it is advised to avoid traveling alone at night and to dress modestly, respecting the local customs. Reportedly, domestic violence and discrimination against women have been problems within the society.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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While homosexuality is not illegal in Guinea-Bissau, societal discrimination based on sexual orientation can occur. There are no specific protections for the LGBTQ+ community under their law. It's better to avoid displays of affection.
Censorship 📺
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The media environment in Guinea-Bissau is considered moderately free. While legal protections for press freedom exist, self-censorship due to fear of reprisals, and occasional threats or attacks against journalists undermine free expression.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Public transport, like buses and taxis, are the primary means of getting around, but they are often crowded and lack safety measures. Roads can be in poor condition and pose safety challenges, particularly during the rainy season. In 2020, an accident involving a public transport vehicle claimed a dozen lives.
Other useful information
⚔️ How safe is it?
Guinea-Bissau has several safety challenges to consider, including potential crime, corruption, and medical facilities that are not up to Western standards. It's crucial, as with any travel, to stay aware of your surroundings and to follow local laws and customs. The situation can vary greatly depending on the region and the current political climate.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Guinea-Bissau hosts several embassies including those of Portugal, Brazil, France, Angola, United States, China among others. The US embassy is located in the capital city of Bissau.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Recommendations include vaccination against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Rabies, Meningitis, Polio, Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), Chickenpox, Shingles, Pneumonia and Influenza. Malaria medication is recommended.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Guinea-Bissau is home to various species of potentially dangerous wildlife. Snakes such as puff adders, green mambas, and Gaboon vipers are found here, and crocodiles inhabit some coastal areas.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Guinea-Bissau which can be issued on arrival. However, it's advisable to obtain a visa beforehand especially when arriving overland. Details should be confirmed with your local embassy.
💳 Currency
The currency in Guinea-Bissau is the West Africa CFA franc. Currency can be exchanged at the airport, hotels, and several locations around the country. Carrying small denominations is useful for everyday transactions.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit card acceptance is low in Guinea-Bissau. Major establishments in cities may accept credit cards. However, it is advisable to carry cash for everyday transactions.
🏃♀️ Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
While it is possible, it is not highly recommended due to the country's economic instability and low employment opportunities. Furthermore, obtaining the necessary authorizations and work permits can be challenging.
💰 Cost of Travel and Living
Despite being one of the poorest countries in the world, the cost of living in Guinea-Bissau can be relatively high for tourists. This is largely due to limited tourism infrastructure and the need to import many goods. Budget accommodation can be hard to find.