Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau, (website in French), is a former Portuguese colony bordered by Senegal to the north and Guinea to the south and east.

Regions of Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau regions map - 600px

Guinea-Bissau is divided into 8 administrative regions (regiões) and 1 autonomous sector (sector autónomo), and are subdivided into 37 sectors.

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Cities

• Bissau - capital
• Bafatá - Bafata is a pleasant town with an interesting colonial centre, located on the Rio Gêba. Hometown of Bissau-Guinean patriot Amilcar Cabral. Ask around near the old market to visit his house.
• Bolama - capital of the nation until 1941, has some magnificent examples of colonial architecture and has been suggested as a world legacy site.
• Buba - End of the tarmac going to the south of Guinea-Bissau. The town is built along a tidal river and the Rio Grande de Buba. Decent hotel.
• Bubaque - Largest town in the Bijagos archipelago, with hotels and harbor for boat trips to other islands.
• Cacheu - Cacheu was once an important place for slave-trading, and there is still a little fort.
• Catió
• Farim
• Gabú - Busy market town, with a predominantly Muslim population.

More Destinations

• Bijagos Islands - an archipelago of some twenty tropical, beautiful islands. On the island of Orango it is feasible to see hippos, and there are many other possibilities of eco tourism on the "unspoiled islands". On some islands there are even turtle nesting grounds. Many islands have French-owned fishing lodges.
• Varela - Just south of Cap Skirring, but on the Guinea-Bissau side of the border, it is a tour de force to get to Varela on a 50 kilometers long bumpy dirt road from São Domingos - but it is all rewarded when you reach this little paradise, with a superb Italian-owned hotel, beautiful beaches and pine forests and a very relaxed atmosphere with almost no other tourists.

Guinea-Bissau Halal Travel Guide

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History

Paesaggio savana con termitai in Guinea-Bissau - Savannah landscape with termite hills

Guinea-Bissau was once part of the kingdom of Gabu, part of the Mali Empire; parts of this kingdom persisted until the eighteenth century. Early reports of Europeans reaching this area come from 1456 CE/AD. The rivers and coast of this area were among the first places colonized by the Portuguese from 1588 onward and the interior was not explored until the 19th century.

The Portuguese tried desperately to hang on to their colony much longer than other European countries. An armed independence rebellion began in 1956, but it was not until 1974 that the Portuguese finally accepted independence for Guinea-Bissau.

Guinea-Bissau's post-independence history has been chequered. A civil war in 1998, followed by the imposition of a military junta in 1999 has been replaced with a multi-party democracy. The economy remains fragile, however hopes are high.

How is the Climate in Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau is warm all year around and there is little temperature fluctuation; it averages 26.3 °C (79.3 °F). The average rainfall for Bissau is 2,024 mm although this is almost entirely accounted for during the rainy season which falls between June and September/October. From December through April and the nation experiences drought.

The People of Guinea-Bissau

The ethnic groups in Guinea-Bissau include Fula and Mandinka in the north and northeast and the Balanta and Papel in the southern coastal regions, and the Manjaco and Mancanha in the northern and central coastal areas.

Economy

Guinea-Bissau's GDP per capita is one of the lowest in the world, and its Human Development Index is also one of the lowest on earth. More than two-thirds of the population lives below the poverty line. The economy depends mainly on agriculture; fish, cashew nuts and ground nuts are its major exports.

Travel to Guinea-Bissau

Visa policy of Guinea-Bissau - A map showing the visa requirements of Guinea-Bissau, with countries in green having visa-free access

Visa & Passport Requirements to enter Guinea-Bissau

No Guinea-Bissau embassies have websites to obtain entry info. To complicate matters more and there are no Guinea-Bissau embassies in the U.S. or UK. Visa-seekers are advised to visit the GB Embassies in either Dakar, Senegal; Lisbon, Portugal; or Paris, France (☎ +33 1 48 74 36 39) for visa information.

Visas are required for citizens of most non ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) countries. If you are coming from a country where Guinea-Bissau does not have diplomatic representation, you have 2 options at your disposal. The first is to obtain a visa at the Bissau Guinean embassy in Lisbon. The embassy processes tourist visas same-day, within 2-3 hours. Call ahead to confirm this though before making travel plans for Portugal and Bissau. The second option is to obtain a letter of invitation and arrange for a visa on arrival in Bissau. Whatever individual or organization that is hosting you will need to make these arrangements and there is not a clear well-defined policy regarding this. This second option is also more expensive than getting the visa in Lisbon.

• If you are going overland, a good place to get a 30 day visa is from the Guinea-Bissau Consul in Ziguinchor, Senegal which cost CFA20,000 =£27 and takes only 30 minutes. the Consul is open Monday-friday from 08.30-14.00.
• For German (and perhaps other EEA) citizens there is an easy way to obtain a visa for Guinea Bissau: the honorary consul, Horst-G. Reissenberger, from the Guinea Bissau consulate based in Luxembourg is authorised to issue visas for Guinea Bissau. This is normally done quickly, rather cheaply and in a simple manner. The consul can be contacted via email: consul@-guine-bissau.org
• For longer stays in Guinea Bissau, a "resident card" can be obtained in the governmental migration office in Bissau. The rather affordable price depends on the duration of the resident card.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Guinea-Bissau

Direct connecting Flights from Portugal with EuroAtlantic airways every Wednesday and Friday, returning same day.

 TACV Cabo Verde Airlines have daily Flights from Dakar, Senegal to Bissau every day. The flight time is 75 minutes.

Travel by train to Guinea-Bissau

There are no trains in Guinea-Bissau.

By car

• From Ziguinchor, Senegal to Bissau it should take you 3-4 hours by sept-places (seven-seat Peugeot) or your own car, depending on the border bureaucracy. Roads are in good conditions, only some potholes after São Domingos. After sunset and the border with Senegal is closed.
• From Gambia (Serrekunda), count on 7-8 hours if everything goes smooth. If going by sept-place, you'll have to switch in Ziguinchor.
• Dakar -Bissau with public transport can be done in one day with a little luck, but you need to leave Dakar early and change vehicle in Ziguinchor.

Other main borderposts include Pirada (dirtroad from there to Gabú) to Senegal, and Buruntuma to Guinea -Conakry (also via Gabú).

A Saltinho (16) - Saltinho Waterfalls

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Guinea-Bissau

There is a sea route between Dakar and Bissau. Additionally there are boats to and between the Bijagos islands.

How to get around in Guinea-Bissau

In Bissau shuttle vanes called toca-toca work for transports within the city. There are also regular taxis. For inter-city travel there are sept-places, (seven-seat Peugeot) and candongas, big commercial vehicles carrying ten to twenty passengers. Prefer sept-place or at least try to get the front seats. It is also feasible to rent taxis to other towns and cities.

The main bus-station "paragem" of Bissau is situated behind the BCEAO (Banco Central dos Estados de África Ocidental) on the Airport Road. Are you heading for Biombo or Prabis, you need to go to another bus-station in Estrada de Bor. There are no time-schedules; cars leave when they are full. As most local residents travel in the early morning (7.00 a.m.-ish), cars fill up quicker in the morning. It might be hard to get transport in late afternoon and evening.

To go to the islands and there's a choice between cheap, but rather unsafe, canoas (pirogues) leaving from Porto Pidjiguiti or Porto de Bandim, and expensive modern boats owned by French fishing lodges on the Bijagos islands. In 2007 a ferry started sailing between Bissau and Bubaque, leaving Friday and returning Sunday. Schedules depend on tides, so check in advance.

As Guinea Bissau is very flat and there is virtually no traffic on the roads outside Bissau, it's a good country for cycling. Bikes can be purchased in the nation, which will probably ( as in most parts of the world) be Chinese made bikes. As always of good value for money.

Local Language in Guinea-Bissau

Portuguese phrasebook|Portuguese is the official language and the language used for writing; however, a Portuguese creole is the language spoken among the local residents. There are several local languages such as Fula, Balanta, Mandinka, Pepel, Bijago etc. But you will always find people who speak English and French from other African countries (Gambia, Senegal, Guinea Conakry, Mauritania, Nigeria). You can buy a Creole/English dictionary at the WEC Mission which is in Caracol, and in the Mavegro supermarket which is located right next to the Simão Mendes Hospital (on the road that passes on the right hand side, 300m forward on the right)

What to see in Guinea-Bissau

A Varela Beach 06-10-2007 - Varela Beach

• Forests of Jemberem - Cantanhez Natural Park, where you can see chimpanzees with a little luck.
• Varela Beach - one of the few nice beaches in Guinea Bissau.
• Bijagós Archipellago - stunningly beautiful group of islands, some with resorts. Find, among others, turtles and hippos here

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Guinea-Bissau

Money Matters & ATM's in Guinea-Bissau

The West African CFA franc (XOF) is used by Guinea-Bissau. It is also used by Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo. While it is a separate currency from the Central African CFA franc (XAF) and the two currencies are used interchangeably at par throughout all countries that use the CFA franc (XAF & XOF).

Both CFA francs are guaranteed by the French treasury and are pegged to the euro at 1 euro = 655.957 CFA francs.

In December 2007 the first ATMs arrived to the nation of Guinea-Bissau - in the BAO (Banco da Africa Occidental) branches of Bissau and Gabú. An ATM is also being set up in the Hotel Malaika in Bissau. These ATMs only function if you have a local account with that bank. It is probably safest to bring euros or FCFA enough to cover the time you plan to stay.

Western Union is present in Bissau (eight locations), Bafatá, Gabú, Buba, Canchungo and Mansoa. They charge a 10% commission.

ATMs

from 2014 Ecobank has ATMs in Bissau which take Master card/visa card for cash withdrawal.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Guinea-Bissau

The largest market in the nation is Bandim Market, which is on the primary street going into town. You can buy many things there and the atmosphere is nice. Otherwise there are small vendors on most roads of the capital. In the villages (Tabankas) you will also find small vendors selling the necessities. In the main towns in the nationside there are larger markets called "Lumo", which give farmers and merchants the possibility to sell or trade their goods. Guinea-Bissau is a poor country so there are fewer possibilities for shopping than in the Gambia or Senegal.

Useful creole shopping phrases: Ke ku bu misti? (what do you want?) N mistil (I want it) N ka mistil (I don't want it)

Halal Restaurants

Most Guineans eat Rice with fish, because the nation is rich in fish, and Rice (homegrown or imported from Thailand) is relatively cheap. The more costly meals contain beef, goat, Chicken or Beef. Meals are also made with palm oil and peanut Sauces and diverse vegetables. Guineans also eat wild/game Meat (deer, monkey, beaver etc.) but these animals are considered to be in danger of extinction and so it is not recommended to support this. Guineans are known for their warm heartedness and so you will always be asked to come have a bit with a group of people (it is common to eat from a large bowl)..."bin kume, no kume"

Fruit available depends on the season, but mangos, papayas, oranges, grape fruits, bananas, cashews and peanuts are abundant. Also try the sour "fole" fruits and the baobab fruit juice (sumo de cabaceira). Imported fruit can be purchased in "fera de prasa" in the center of Bissau (apples, pears, pineapples, watermelons etc.) but is more expensive than in Europe.

Vegetables sold in the markets include lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper, parsley, okra, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, chili, sweet potatoes.

Street Snacks are typically sandwiches with hardboiled egg, omelete, fish or beef - or donuts, cake or hardboiled eggs. Frozen juice in small plastic bags is popular among local residents.

Warga - Warga (strong sweet green tea)

The people of Guinea-Bissau love to drink a sweet green tea known as "warga" and the non-Muslims also enjoy drinking cashew or palm soft drinks. There are also possibilities to buy Portuguese and soft drinks but these are more expensive. It is recommended that foreigners only drink bottled, filtered or boiled water.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Guinea-Bissau, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Guinea-Bissau. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Guinea-Bissau and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Guinea-Bissau. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Guinea-Bissau. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Guinea-Bissau: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Guinea-Bissau.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Guinea-Bissau: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Guinea-Bissau, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Guinea-Bissau.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Guinea-Bissau, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Guinea-Bissau, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Guinea-Bissau and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Guinea-Bissau, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Guinea-Bissau, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Guinea-Bissau without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Guinea-Bissau is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Guinea-Bissau.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Guinea-Bissau is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Guinea-Bissau, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Guinea-Bissau Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Guinea-Bissau

eHalal Group Guinea-Bissau is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Guinea-Bissau. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Guinea-Bissau.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Guinea-Bissau ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Guinea-Bissau. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Guinea-Bissau, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Guinea-Bissau are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Hotels in Bissau are generally overpriced - but some hotels were undergoing renovation in 2007, giving hope for more competition and lower prices.

In most of the towns outside the capital and there are possibilities to find hotels or other rentable rooms.

There are also mainly French-run hotels on the Bijagos islands which are recommendable.

How to work legally in Guinea-Bissau

There are numerous NGOs, missionaries and international organizations (UN, EU, WHO, UNICEF, The Global Fund) working in Guinea Bissau.

• Bandim Health Project
• Médicos do Mundo
• INDE - Intercooperação e Desenvolvimento

Stay Safe

Guinea-Bissau has one of the highest rates of petty and violent crime on the continent, which should not be underestimated, a lack of much law enforcement, and a very dysfunctional government. The country is home to several drug kingpins and a large volume of narcotics passes through remote islands and airstrips en route from South America to Europe. The country also has the onerous distinction of never having an elected president complete a full 5-year term in office and there have been dozens of coups and attempted coups as well as numerous assassinations of officials and military leaders since independence in 1974. The most recent coup was in April 2012, which follows a failed coup attempt in 2011 and the house-arrest of the prime minister by the military (and threat of killing him) in 2010, and the assassination of the president by soldiers in 2009 (a day after a top military leader & rival of the president was killed by a bomb).

Avoid any political demonstrations and stay clear of any large presence of military on the streets. Many western nations lack a diplomatic presence in Guinea-Bissau, which means you will have a much harder time if arrested, detained, or in need of consular assistance in an emergency.

Guinea-Bissau is a violent country, and is considered by the UN to be a major port for drug shipments into Europe. The military is known for corruption, prompting the head of the UN to refer to the head of the Air Force as a drug kingpin.

The country also has the lowest per capita productivity and income in the world, which has the violence and crime to go along with it.

White Europeans are especially vulnerable, and will be singled out by natives seeking to enact racial crime. White Europeans tend to be left alone if it is believed they are part of foreign aid efforts, or far left activists. Guinea-Bissau has had several Marxist Governments, providing a safe haven for Marxist radicals worldwide.

There is no US or UK embassy in GB. The US & UK embassies in Dakar, Senegal are accredited to GB. The US has a liaison at: Edifício SITEC, Rua José Carlos Schwarz 245, Bairro d’Ajuda (tel.(245) 325-6382).

Do not trust hotel safes, and stay away from any late night restaurants not attached to major hotels.

If you are arrested, be prepared to pay a bribe. However, it is not recommended to bribe officials directly. Simply ask if they can pay the fine for you, because you do not understand the customs procedures. Then leave the nation as soon as feasible.

You must be careful around the wildlife because they may be dangerous and you must respect the animals at all times. Do not attempt to feed or touch an animal. Remember: Take nothing but photos, Leave nothing but footprints, and kill nothing but time. Having fun and being safe makes your trip the best it can be.

Medical Issues in Guinea-Bissau

Houses, Caravela island 25-03-2007 - Houses in Caravela, one of the Bijagós islands

Before traveling, make sure you have the yellow fever, hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid vaccinations up to date. Malaria prophylaxis is highly recommended - consult a medical doctor for advice on which type to choose. Depending on the length and purpose of your stay, also consider vaccinations for hepatitis B, rabies, meningitis and tuberculosis.

HIV is prevalent, as are most major sexually transmitted diseases. The CDC in the U.S. listed Guinea-Bissau as a groundswell point for new HIV infections.

If bitten by a dog, cat, monkey or bat - seek a doctor as fast as feasible, no matter if you've been vaccinated or not. Everybody needs post-exposure rabies prophylaxis - but if vaccinated beforehand, you'll need less vaccines. Rabies can be prevented with vaccines and immunoglubulin, but once the symptoms present and there is no cure and about 100% die.

Always use a condom when having sexual relations with new partners.

Make sure you drink only bottled/filtered water.

Local Customs in Guinea-Bissau

Ramadan 2025 in Guinea-Bissau

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslims are mostly tolerant of others in this country, if your presence is considered to be temporary. There are a few radicalized masjids in the nation, so it is advised that you do not venture into these areas. The Christian minority is tolerated, but under constant surveillance by Guinea-Bissau activists and Government officials.

Check your home office or state department warnings about Guinea-Bissau.

Some people (especially children) will ask you to take their photo, while others will get upset if you take photos - always ask in advance, if taking close-ups. Avoid taking photos of military installations without asking, though sometimes you'll be allowed to.

Telecommunications in Guinea-Bissau

There are numerous internet cafés in the center of Bissau, but ask around, more of them are hard to spot from outside. Other options are Lenox or go wireless in Restaurant Phoenicia or hotel Bissau Palace.

There are three mobile companies in Guinea Bissau all with prepaid mobile cards, that can be purchased all over. It's easy to call abroad or other mobiles of the same company, but can be hard to call from one company to another (e.g. MTN->Guinétel).

• MTN GSM 900 - simcard 500 FCFA, not expensive to call Europe or other African countries. Will soon be feasible to get internet connection via an MTN mobile.
• Orange GSM 900/1800
• Guinétel GSM 900

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