Security Status
- Normal precautions
- High degree of caution
- Avoid non-essential travel
- Do not travel
- Overview
- Safety and Security
- Local Laws and Customs
- Health
- Additional information
- Embassy Contact
Overview
Overview
Overview
Security Status
High Degree of Caution
COVID-19 Entry Requirements
All passengers entering or leaving Guinea-Bissau are required to provide one of the following:
- Valid proof of vaccination with at least two doses (an EU Digital Covid-19 Certificate is accepted), at least four weeks since the second dose was administered;
- A negative PCR test result taken less than 72 hours before the start of your journey;
- A valid certificate of recovery.
General Travel Advice
Irish citizens require a visa to enter Guinea-Bissau.
A valid passport is required for travel to Guinea-Bissau. Irish passports should have a minimum validity of 6 months. Passport cards cannot be used.
For more information on visas and passports, please see the Additional Information tab.
Visitors to Guinea-Bissau are advised to follow the guidance of national and local authorities and stay fully informed of what's going on by monitoring local news and social media.
The Department of Foreign Affairs advises to:
- Avoid non-essential travel to the northwest part of the country that borders the Casamance region in Senegal as there may still be land mines present in this area as a result of recent armed conflict.
- Against all travel to the area within 20 km of the border with Senegal, including the road from São Domingos to Mpack, Senegal.
In view of the potential for risks to personal security, protests, demonstrations and large public gatherings should be avoided. Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations and in the event of any social unrest, you should follow the advice of local authorities.
Additional safety precautions may be needed. Only travel during daylight hours and avoid carrying jewellery, large sums of money, or other valuables on your person.
It is essential to be covered by comprehensive travel insurance for the duration of your stay in Guinea-Bissau.
Guinea-Bissau remains classified as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. Irish Citizens especially those with a weakened immune system or women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant are advised to follow guidance available on the website of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).
As there is no Irish Embassy in Guinea-Bissau, we are limited in the help we can offer you in an emergency. However, if you need assistance, you can contact the Irish Embassy in Lisbonor the Duty Officer at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin at +353 (0)1 408 2000.
Emergency Assistance
The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.
You can contact the emergency services in Guinea-Bissau by dialling 112. Specific emergency numbers are:
- Police: 117
- Fire brigade: 118
- Ambulance: 119
Our tips for Safe Travels:
- Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers all your planned activities.
- Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there’s an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
- Follow us on twitter @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates.
- Read our ‘Know Before You Go’ guide.
Safety and Security
Safety and Security
Local Laws and Customs
Local Laws and Customs
Local laws and customs
Practical advice
- Read our travel advice, inform yourself before travelling and get advice locally when you arrive
- Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them
- Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or even illegal
Health
Health
Health
Get travel and medical insurance
Before travelling, the Department strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.
Vaccinations
Check what vaccinations you may need for your trip at least eight weeks before you travel. We can’t advise you on vaccinations, but you can get information about vaccinations from your local GP or an International Health and Travel Centre.
Evidence of vaccination (in the form of a certificate) can be a requirement for entry to some countries.
Medication
Make sure you bring enough medication for your entire trip and for any unexpected delays. You may wish to also bring copies of your prescription in case you lose your medication.
Additional information
Additional information
Entry requirements (visa/passport)
Entry requirements (visa/passport)
Irish citizens need a visa to enter Guinea-Bissau. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry.
You can apply for a visa in person at diplomatic missions of Guinea-Bissau, such as the Embassy in Paris (Rue St Lazare 94) or the Embassy in Lisbon (Rua da Alcolena 17A).
The cost of a visa depends on the length of stay: 45 days (€70.00), 90 days (€110.00) or 180 days (€200.00).
It’s advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you when travelling to Guinea-Bissau and you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times during your stay.
If your passport is lost or stolen while you’re in Guinea-Bissau you should contact the Irish Embassy in Lisbon. We’ll do our best to help you as quickly as possible but this can take some time. Your location and circumstances may limit the help we can give you.
What we can do:
- Issue an emergency travel document that will get you home;
- If required, provide advice on applying for new passport.
You will need a police report if you want to make a claim on your travel insurance. We will not provide you with a travel document without a police report.
Embassy contact
Embassy Contact
Please note that if you require assistance in the case of emergency while the Embassy is closed, contact the main Embassy number, 00 351 213308200, and leave a message on the Duty Officer voice mailbox. This mailbox will be monitored regularly.
Alternatively, you can call the Duty Officer at the Department of Foreign Affairs at 00353 1 408 2000.
Embassy of Ireland
Avenida da Liberdade 200, 4th Floor
1250-147 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351 21 330 8200
Fax: +351 21 397 7363
Monday to Friday 09:30-12:30
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