What the governments of the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada tell their own citizens about travelling to Guinea-Bissau, in their own words, plus practical help with packing.
Travel advice levels
Each government rates the risks for its own citizens, on its own scale. The levels are shown exactly as published; they are not equivalent to each other and are not combined here.
UK
United KingdomForeign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Does not advise against travel
No numbered levels
Updated 10 December 2025
Latest change, in the source's words:New information about dual nationals returning to the UK (‘Entry requirements’ page).
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Emergency numbers
From the section “Emergency services in Guinea-Bissau” of the UK government's travel advice for Guinea-Bissau, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Ambulance: 1313
Fire: 1313
Police: 117
Local laws and customs
From the section “Laws and cultural differences” of the UK government's travel advice for Guinea-Bissau, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Personal ID
You must carry ID such as a passport or residence permit, particularly when driving or in a taxi. Police forces regularly ask for ID.
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
There are severe penalties for all drug offences. Local prison conditions are harsh.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex sexual relationships are not criminalised. However, Guinea-Bissau is a conservative society and same-sex couples showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention.
Guinea-Bissau is a cash-based economy. Credit cards are rarely used and there are not many ATMs in the country. If you need to exchange foreign currency, use an official bureau de change.
Travelling with medicines
From the section “Medication” of the UK government's travel advice for Guinea-Bissau, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Pharmacies in Guinea-Bissau are limited and may sometimes lack supplies. Pharmacies will accept UK prescriptions and are the only place you can buy medicines. Pharmacies in Guinea-Bissau do not have accreditation with UK insurance companies, so speak to your insurance company beforehand if you need a refund.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Practical suggestions from Trip Rulebook, based on open data and fixed rules. They are not safety or legal advice: rules on clothing, medicines and restricted items are covered only by the official text on this page.
Chargers and plugs
Plug typesCEF
Voltage220/380 V
Frequency50 Hz
Plug and voltage data: Wikipedia, “Mains electricity by country”, CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence), retrieved 2026-09-29. Sockets in hotels can differ; the label on your charger (for example “INPUT 100–240V”) tells you which voltages it accepts.
Clothes for the weather
Rainfall Average temperature
January
Average
26 °C (79 °F)
Lows
18 °C (64 °F)
Highs
34 °C (94 °F)
Rain
0 mm (0.0 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Big difference between day and night: pack layers.
Usually dry.
February
Average
27 °C (81 °F)
Lows
19 °C (66 °F)
Highs
36 °C (97 °F)
Rain
0 mm (0.0 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Big difference between day and night: pack layers.
Usually dry.
March
Average
29 °C (85 °F)
Lows
21 °C (70 °F)
Highs
37 °C (99 °F)
Rain
0 mm (0.0 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Big difference between day and night: pack layers.
Usually dry.
April
Average
30 °C (86 °F)
Lows
23 °C (73 °F)
Highs
38 °C (100 °F)
Rain
1 mm (0.0 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Big difference between day and night: pack layers.
Usually dry.
May
Average
30 °C (86 °F)
Lows
24 °C (75 °F)
Highs
37 °C (98 °F)
Rain
30 mm (1.2 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Big difference between day and night: pack layers.
Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.
June
Average
29 °C (84 °F)
Lows
24 °C (75 °F)
Highs
34 °C (93 °F)
Rain
160 mm (6.3 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Frequent rain on average: a rain jacket or umbrella.
July
Average
27 °C (81 °F)
Lows
24 °C (74 °F)
Highs
31 °C (88 °F)
Rain
348 mm (13.7 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very wet month on average: waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes and a dry bag.
August
Average
27 °C (81 °F)
Lows
24 °C (75 °F)
Highs
30 °C (87 °F)
Rain
521 mm (20.5 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very wet month on average: waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes and a dry bag.
September
Average
27 °C (81 °F)
Lows
23 °C (74 °F)
Highs
31 °C (88 °F)
Rain
395 mm (15.5 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very wet month on average: waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes and a dry bag.
October
Average
28 °C (83 °F)
Lows
23 °C (74 °F)
Highs
33 °C (91 °F)
Rain
173 mm (6.8 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Frequent rain on average: a rain jacket or umbrella.
November
Average
28 °C (82 °F)
Lows
21 °C (70 °F)
Highs
34 °C (94 °F)
Rain
20 mm (0.8 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Big difference between day and night: pack layers.
Usually dry.
December
Average
26 °C (79 °F)
Lows
18 °C (65 °F)
Highs
34 °C (93 °F)
Rain
1 mm (0.0 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Big difference between day and night: pack layers.
Usually dry.
National averages for 1991-2020. Coasts, mountains and regions can be very different, and any given year can be warmer, colder or wetter. Suggestions come from fixed rules based on these averages. Climate data: World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal, observed climate data (CRU TS), CRU TS (cru_ts4.09), Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia, CC BY 4.0 (licence).
What is acceptable to wear is a matter of local law and custom: read Local laws and customs.
Packing checklist
A general list for any trip. Ticks are not saved.
Entry requirements and visas
Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change often, so Trip Rulebook does not summarise them. Each government explains the rules for its own citizens. If you travel on another passport, check with the embassy or the official immigration website of Guinea-Bissau.
This page is guidance, not legal advice. Laws and advice change without notice and are written for each government's own citizens, so they may apply to you differently. Confirm everything with the official source before you travel. Terms of use.