Guinea-Bissau Travel Vaccines and Advice
Despite political crises, Guinea-Bissau is doing its best to encourage tourists to come to its discovery. In an attempt to protect its exceptional biodiversity, local authorities promote ecotourism. Furthermore, many projects have been put in place to showcase local traditions and culture. The main asset of this former Portuguese colony is its small archipelago of Bijagos which hides from the usual tourist paths. Made up of 88 islands, UNESCO Natural Reserve lists this country thanks to its marine and terrestrial natural wealth composed of unique flora and fauna. The islands of Bubaque, Caravela or Bolama do not lack attractions. With forests of flame trees and giant kapok trees, the mangroves offer spectacular scenery. Around Rio Corubal, visit traditional villages such as Bissau, which still houses traces of its colonial past.
Recommended travel vaccinations for Guinea-Bissau
Vaccine | Disease Transmission |
---|---|
Traveler’s diarrhea | Contaminated water/food |
Cholera | |
Typhoid | |
Hepatitis A | |
Hepatitis B | Contaminated body fluids (blood, sex, razors, needles, etc.) |
Rabies | Infected Animals |
Yellow Fever | Mosquito bites |
Meningitis | Contaminated water/food |
Influenza |
Recommended Medication for Travelling to Guinea-Bissau
Medication | Additional Information |
---|---|
Azithromycin or Suprax | Antibiotic in case of traveler’s diarrhea |
Malarone, Doxycycline or Mefloquine | Recommended anti-malaria medication |
Current Weather in Guinea-Bissau
Medical Care in Guinea-Bissau
Primary care is unavailable in Guinea-Bissau as a result of a shortage of medical staff, medicines and equipment. The Simão Mendes National Hospital is the country’s main hospital, but services are limited or poor quality. Likewise in rural areas, medical services are far from adequate.
Call 119 for medical assistance. For an emergency situation, call the emergency unit at the Follerau Raoul Hospital which has been recently renovated. Another option is the emergency services at the Bissau hospital. In the event of a complication, it is necessary to be evacuated to Dakar. Ensure to take medical insurance for care and repatriation before embarking on your trip.
Is Guinea-Bissau Safe for Travel?
Safety and Security | Descriptive |
---|---|
Crime | High risk; Avoid travelling after sunset |
Demonstrations | Risk of violence |
Road safety | Roads in bad condition and poorly lit |
Border with Senegal | AVOID NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL |
Health | Zika virus warning |
Risk level | High degree of caution |
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Guinea-Bissau?
Prior to travel, make sure you check with your transportation company about any passport requirements. This is important as in some cases their regulations on passport validity may be more strict than those of the destination country.
Both, a visa and a passport are required to enter Guinea-Bissau. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of departure.
Please click here for more information.
Embassy of Canada to Guinea-Bissau information
When travelling to another country, it is important to know where the Canadian embassy is located in the event of:
- A legal problem
- A lost passport
- The need to report a crime
It is advisable to make a copy of your original passport in case you lose it.
Canadian Embassy to Senegal (DAKAR)
Street Address:
corner of Galliéni and Amadou Cissé Dia Streets,
Dakar, Senegal
Tel.: +221 33 889 4700
Fax: +221 33 889 4720
Email: [email protected]
Please note that this is the website for the Canadian Embassy in Senegal. There is no Canadian government office in Guinea-Bissau.