CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Guinea-Bissau

1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.

Section 2 has been updated (removal of military activity in Bissau information).

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Guinea-Bissau

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Canadians are advised to exercise a high degree of caution and to maintain a high level of security awareness at all times.

Travellers should be aware that the political climate has been unstable, particularly since the President's assassination on March 2, 2009, a day after the military Chief was killed in an explosion.

Regional Warning

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the northwest part of the country that borders the Casamance region including the San Domingos/Mpack road. The northwest portion of the country, bordering on Senegal, has long been the scene of clashes between Guinea-Bissau's army and Casamance rebels, who have been driven off Guinean soil since 2002. It would be dangerous to cross this border by land. Attacks in this region have resumed since March 2006, causing the displacement of thousands of residents. The road between San Domingos and Varela has been closed because of the presence of landmines. Small arms proliferation is rampant in this conflict zone, and consequently there are many hold-ups. Further serious tensions are expected, as the government increased security measures and the deployment of soldiers along the border.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

Although some NGOs are still working on the clearance of minefields, it is possible that unexploded military ammunition and antipersonnel mines are present outside Bissau, especially in the regions of Bafata, Oio, Biombo, Quinara and Tombali.

Incidents of road banditry and car-jacking also pose a risk for travellers. Canadians should avoid travelling at night outside major cities and be particularly vigilant.

Travellers should avoid political events and situations where violence and demonstrations may occur.

Petty crime, including pickpocketing, is common at the airport, in markets, and at public gatherings. Burglaries have increased. Security provision is inadequate. Ensure your personal belongings and your travel documents are secure at all times, and avoid walking alone after dark. Assaults often take place in the streets of Bissau. Avoid going out on foot after dark.

Tourist facilities are limited.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Guinea-Bissau authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Guinea Bissau, c/o the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau to the United Nations, based in New York, New York (USA) and its consulate in Montreal for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Guinea-Bissau. The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Travellers are required to carry evidence of yellow fever vaccination if they are arriving from infected areas.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

There is no resident Canadian government office in Guinea Bissau. You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Senegal - DAKAR, Embassy of Canada
Address: corner of Galliéni and Amadou Cissé Dia Streets, Dakar, Senegal
Postal Address: P.O. Box 3373, Dakar, Senegal,
Tel.: 221 33 889 4700
Fax: 221 33 889 4720
E-Mail: dakar@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.senegal.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Dakar, Senegal, and follow the instructions. You may also make a call to the Department in Ottawa at 613 996 8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends that travellers use personal protective measures against mosquito bites to prevent getting dengue fever. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue. People experiencing flu-like symptoms are advised to seek medical attention immediately.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

A number of cholera cases have recently been reported in Guinea-Bissau. The Public Health Agency of Canada reminds travellers that travel to tropical and sub-tropical climates and to developing countries poses a risk for food-borne and water-borne gastrointestinal disease. Travellers should take precautions regarding the quality of the food and water consumed and use good personal hygiene practices at all times.

In Guinea-Bissau, malaria is endemic. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reminds travellers that anti-malarial medication and the use of personal protective measures against mosquito bites are recommended to prevent getting malaria.

Please notet that tap water is not fit for consumption. Water used for consumption should be boiled or otherwise sterilized.

Medical facilities are limited in the capital city and throughout the country. Medical clinics or trained medical personnel are non existent on the islands.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Homosexuality is illegal in Guinea-Bissau.

Sentences for drug related incidents can be very severe.

Taking photographs of the airport, docks, or military or police installations is strictly forbidden.

Hunting is restricted in Guinea-Bissau. Authorizations for hunting areas can be issued by the Forests and Animal Resources Directorate. Hunting in the Cantanhes reserve in southern Guinea-Bissau, however, is strictly forbidden.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Roads are poorly lit and not well maintained. Travellers should not leave the roads and pathways designated by local authorities because of possible minefields. There is no rail service. Air travel is not available from the mainland to the Bijagos Islands. You should avoid canoes, which are not safe. You can contact tour operators that organize boat trips to the islands. The Embassy of Canada in Dakar, Senegal, should be contacted in the event of an emergency on the islands.

Guinea-Bissau does not participate in the International Driving Permit (IDP) program. Tourists should hire a driver. However, Canadians with a valid Canadian driver's licence may drive for a maximum of three months. After three months, Canadian cooperants should contact the International Cooperation Directorate to obtain a cooperant's licence; those in the private sector should contact the Transportation Directorate for a Guinean licence.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the African Financial Community franc (XOF). The economy is cash-based. Import and export of local currency is prohibited. Import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided it is declared on arrival; export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on arrival. Traveller's cheques in euros or US dollars can be exchanged.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The rainy season extends from May to November, with high humidity from July to September. The dry season lasts from December to April, with hot winds blowing from the interior. You should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Telecommunications are expensive and unreliable. There are few public telephones. Utilities and infrastructure have been severely damaged. Electricity and water supplies are available for only a few hours daily.

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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