Africa
Is Guinea-Bissau safe?
L3Reconsider travel
Is Guinea-Bissau safe?
No blanket UK warning, but political instability, military rule and landmines outside Bissau mean care is needed. Street theft is common in the capital.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 3: Reconsider travel, updated 2025-12-10.
- Homicide rate: 1.1 per 100,000 people (2017, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 32.2 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Solo women: Generally respected, but harassment occurs in Bissau. Solo women should avoid the unlit areas after dark.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Coup attempts and sudden political unrest
- Landmines outside Bissau; stay on paved roads
- Bag and phone snatching in Bissau
- Malaria and poor emergency care
Common scams
- Bribe demands at police checkpoints
Laws visitors break by accident
- Photographing military sites or government buildings is prohibited.
- Carry a passport copy; police stops are routine.
Quick answers
Is Guinea-Bissau safe for tourists?
No blanket UK warning, but political instability, military rule and landmines outside Bissau mean care is needed. Street theft is common in the capital.
Is Guinea-Bissau safe for solo female travelers?
Generally respected, but harassment occurs in Bissau. Solo women should avoid the unlit areas after dark.
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Guinea-Bissau
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.