Security Status
- Normal precautions
- High degree of caution
- Avoid non-essential travel
- Do not travel
- Overview
- Safety and Security
- Local Laws and Customs
- Health
- Entry requirements (visa/passport)
- Embassy Contact
Overview
Overview
General COVID-19 Travel Advisory in Operation
For the latest update please read the General COVID-19 Travel Advisory >
Overview
Security Status
Avoid non-essential travel.
Security Status Last Updated: 29 August 2019
General Travel Advice
Security
Avoid non-essential travel to the northwest part of the country that borders the Casamance region in Senegal due to the presence of armed rebel groups. Do not travel to the area within 20 km of the border with Senegal, including the road from São Domingos to Mpack, Senegal. Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Guinea-Bissau due to political instability.
In the run up to the Presidential elections in November 2019 there may be an increase in protests, demonstrations and large public gatherings should be avoided. Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations and in the event of any political unrest you should follow the advice of local authorities.
Guinea-Bissau is classified as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to the region.
Zika Virus
There is currently an outbreak of Zika Virus (a dengue-like mosquito-borne disease) in the region. 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).
Emergency assistance
Because there is no Irish Embassy or Consulate in Guinea-Bissau, we’re limited in the help we can offer you in an emergency. However, if you need assistance, you may contact the Duty Officer at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin at +353 (0)1 408 2000.
EU Directive on Consular Protection
Under the EU Consular Protection Directive, Irish nationals may seek assistance from the Embassy or Consulate of any other EU member state in a country where there is no Irish Embassy or permanent representation.
Our tips for safe travels
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance which covers all your intended activities
- Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly in an emergency, such as a natural disaster or a family emergency
- Follow us on twitter @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates
- Read our Topical ‘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.
Entry requirements (visa/passport)
Entry requirements (visa/passport)
Entry requirements (visa/passport)
If you are unsure about the entry requirements for Guinea-Bissau, including visa and other immigration information, ask your travel agent or contact the country’s nearest Embassy or Consulate.
You can also check with them how long your passport must be valid for.
Passports
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 abroad, we can help.
What we can do:
- Issue you a replacement passport that will let you finish your trip, or;
- Issue you with an emergency travel document to get you home.
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. As Ireland does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Guinea-Bissau there may be additional complications in processing and application for a new passport.
You should contact the nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate to find out what you need to do to apply for a passport. They will also be able to advise you on the fees which apply.
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