Moving to Guinea-Bissau: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

1,927,104

Population Growth Rate

1.95%

Urban Population

43.900000

Population in Major Urban Areas

BISSAU (capital) 423,000

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Age Structure

39.280000

Median Age

19.700000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

34

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

14.77

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

4.37

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

14%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

14%

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.030000

Ethnic Groups

African 99% (Balanta 30%, Fula 20%, Manjaca 14%, Mandinga 13%, Papel 7%), European and mulatto less than 1%

Nationality Noun

Guinean(s)

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Literacy - total population

42.4%

Literacy - male

58.1%

Literacy - female

27.4%

Literacy Definition

Age 15 and over can read and write

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

9.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

49.500000

Infant Mortality Rate

92.660000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

92.660000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

790

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.07

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

1

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

6.3%

Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

very high

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

4.9%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

96.100000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

33.500000

Underweight - percent of children under five years

16.6%

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Economic Overview

Guinea-Bissau is highly dependent on subsistence agriculture, cashew nut exports, and foreign assistance.

Two out of three Bissau-Guineans remain below the absolute poverty line.

The legal economy is based on cashews and fishing.

Illegal logging and trafficking in narcotics also play significant roles.

The combination of limited economic prospects, weak institutions, and favorable geography have made this West African country a way station for drugs bound for Europe.

Guinea-Bissau has substantial potential for development of mineral resources, including phosphates, bauxite, and mineral sands.

Offshore oil and gas exploration has begun.

The country’s climate and soil make it feasible to grow a wide range of cash crops, fruit, vegetables, and tubers; however, cashews generate more than 80% of export receipts and are the main source of income for many rural communities.

The government was deposed in August 2015, and since then, a political stalemate has resulted in weak governance and reduced donor support.

The country is participating in a three-year, IMF extended credit facility program that was suspended because of a planned bank bailout.

The program was renewed in 2017, but the major donors of direct budget support (the EU, World Bank, and African Development Bank) have halted their programs indefinitely.

Diversification of the economy remains a key policy goal, but Guinea-Bissau’s poor infrastructure and business climate will constrain this effort.

Industries

Agricultural products processing, beer, soft drinks

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$1,500.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

4.7%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$3,640,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$1,500.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

4.7%

GDP - official exchange rate

$1,035,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 93.2% Government
• consumption: 12.5% Investment in fixed
• capital: 5.5% Investment in
• inventories: 0.1% Exports of goods and
• services: 18.3% Imports of goods and
• services: -29.6%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

44.7%

GDP by Sector- Industry

13.4%

GDP by Sector- services

41.9%

Industrial Growth Rate

4.7%

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Inflation Rate

3.8%

Currency Name and Code

Guinea-Bissau Peso (GWP) and CFA Franc BCEAO (XOF)

Fiscal Year

Calendar year

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

15%

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Labor Force

632,700

Major Industries

Agricultural products processing, beer, soft drinks

Agriculture Products

• Rice, corn, beans, cassava (tapioca), cashew nuts, peanuts, palm kernels, cotton
• timber
• fish

Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14

226,316

Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14

57%

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Labor Force By Occupation - industry and services

18%

Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

82%

Annual Budget

$0 (USD)

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-1.8%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

16.1%

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Full Country Name

Republic of Guinea-Bissau

Country Name

Guinea-Bissau

Local - Long

Republica da Guine-Bissau

Local - Short

Guine-Bissau

Former Name

Portuguese Guinea

Etymology- history of name

The country is named after the Guinea region of West Africa that lies along the Gulf of Guinea and stretches north to the Sahel; "Bissau," the name of the capital city, distinguishes the country from neighboring Guinea

Independence

24 September 1973 (declared); 10 September 1974 (from Portugal)

National Holiday

Independence Day, 24 September (1973)

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Government Type

Semi-presidential republic

Constitution

• History: Promulgated 16 May 1984; note - constitution suspended following military coup April 2012, restored 2014; note - in May 2020, President EMBALO established a commission to draft a revised constitution
• Amendments: Proposed by the National People’s Assembly if supported by at least one-third of its members, by the Council of State (a presidential consultant body), or by the government; passage requires approval by at least a two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly; constitutional articles on the republican and secular form of government and national sovereignty cannot be amended; amended 1991, 1993, 1996

Legal System:

Mixed legal system of civil law, which incorporated Portuguese law at independence and influenced by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), African Francophone Public Law, and customary law

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President Umaro Sissoco EMBALO (since 27 February 2020)
• head of government: Prime Minister Braima CAMARA (since 7 August 2025)
• cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the prime minister, appointed by the president election/appointment
• process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for up to 2 consecutive 5-year terms; prime minister appointed by the president after consultation with party leaders in the National People's Assembly most recent election
• date: 24 November 2019, with a runoff on 29 December 2019
• election results: 2019: Umaro Sissoco EMBALO elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Domingos Simoes PEREIRA (PAIGC) 40.1%, Umaro Sissoco EMBALO (Madem G15) 27.7%, Nuno Gomez NABIAM (APU-PDGB) 13.2%, Jose Mario VAZ (independent) 12.4%, other 6.6%; percent of vote in second round - Umaro Sissoco EMBALO 53.6%, Domingos Simoes PEREIRA 46.5% 2014: Jose Mario VAZ elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Jose Mario VAZ (PAIGC) 41%, Nuno Gomez NABIAM (independent) 25.1%, other 33.9%; percent of vote in second round - Jose Mario VAZ 61.9%, Nuno Gomez NABIAM 38.1% (2019) expected date of next
• election: 2025
• note: President EMBALO was declared winner of the 2019 runoff presidential election by the electoral commission; in 2020, EMBALO inaugurated himself with only military leadership present, even though the Supreme Court of Justice had yet to rule on an electoral litigation appeal

Legislative Branch:

• Description: Unicameral National People's Assembly or Assembleia Nacional Popular (102 seats; 100 members directly elected in 27 multi-seat constituencies by closed party-list proportional representation vote and 2 elected in single-seat constituencies for citizens living abroad (Africa 1, Europe 1); all members serve 4-year terms)
• Elections: Last election held 4 June 2023 (next election on 30 June 2027)
• Note: on 4 December 2023 the president dissolved the parliament with new elections held at a future date
• Election Results: Percent of vote by party - PAIGC 39.4%, Madem G-15 21.1%, PRS 14.9%, other 12.5%; seats by party - PAIGC 54, Madem G-15 29, PRS- 12, other 7;
• Composition: men 92, women 10, percent of women 9.8%

Judicial Branch:

• office: judges nominated by the Higher Council of the Magistrate, a major government organ responsible for judge appointments, dismissals, and judiciary discipline; judges appointed by the president for life
• Subordinate courts: Appeals Court; regional (first instance) courts; military court

Regions or States:

9 regions (regioes, singular - regiao); Bafata, Biombo, Bissau, Bolama/Bijagos, Cacheu, Gabu, Oio, Quinara, Tombali

Political Parties and Leaders:

• African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cabo Verde or PAIGC [Domingos SIMOES PEREIRA]
• Democratic Convergence Party or PCD [Vicente FERNANDES]
• Movement for Democratic Alternation Group of 15 or MADEM-G15 [Braima CAMARA]
• National People’s Assembly – Democratic Party of Guinea Bissau or APU-PDGB [Nuno Gomes NABIAM]
• New Democracy Party or PND [Mamadu Iaia DJALO]
• Party for Social Renewal or PRS [Alberto NAMBEIA]
• Republican Party for Independence and Development or PRID [Aristides GOMES]
• Union for Change or UM [Agnelo REGALA]

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: Yes Citizenship by descent
• only: Yes Dual citizenship
• recognized: No Residency requirement for
• naturalization: 5 years

Capital Name

Bissau

Capital - geographic coordinate

11 51 N, 15 35 W

Capital Time Difference

UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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International Organization Participation:

• ACP
• AfDB
• AOSIS
• AU
• CPLP
• ECOWAS
• FAO
• FZ
• G-77
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICRM
• IDA
• IDB
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM
• IPU
• ITSO
• ITU
• ITUC (NGOs)
• MIGA
• MINUSMA
• NAM
• OIC
• OIF
• OPCW
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNIDO
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WADB (regional)
• WAEMU
• WCO
• WFTU (NGOs)
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

Accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; non-party state to the ICCt

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Michael RAYNOR (since 20 April 2022)
• Mailing Address: 2080 Bissau Place, Washington DC 20521-2080
• Email: dakarACS@state.gov
• Website: https://gw.usmission.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: none; note - Guinea-Bissau does not have official representation in Washington, DC

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Geographic Location

Africa

Geographic Coordinates

12 00 N, 15 00 W

Total Area

13,948 Square Miles 36,125 Square Kilometers

Land Area

10,857 Square Miles 28,120 Square Kilometers

Water Area

3,091 Square Miles 8,005 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

450 Miles 724 Kilometers

Border Countries

Guinea 386 km, Senegal 338 km

Coastline

217 Miles 350 Kilometers

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Terrain

Mostly low coastal plain rising to savanna in east

Highest Point

300 Meters

Highest Point Location

Unnamed location in the northeast corner of the country 300 m

Lowest Point Location

Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Natural Resources

Fish, timber, phosphates, bauxite, unexploited deposits of petroleum

Irrigated Land

87 Square Miles 225 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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Climate

• Tropical
• generally hot and humid
• monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds
• dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds

Terrain

Mostly low coastal plain rising to savanna in east

Location

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea and Senegal

Total Area

13,948 Square Miles 36,125 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Guinea 386 km, Senegal 338 km

Environment - Current Issues

Deforestation; soil erosion; overgrazing; overfishing

Environment - International Agreements

Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements

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Exports

$133,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$200,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

Cashew nuts, shrimp, peanuts, palm kernels, sawn lumber

Major Imports

Foodstuffs, machinery and transport equipment, petroleum products

Top Export Partners

India 50%, Thailand 19.2%, Uruguay 19.2%

Top Import Partners

Senegal 19.6%, Portugal 18.8%, India 15.2%

Export Partners

India 50%, Thailand 19.2%, Uruguay 19.2%

Import Partners

Senegal 19.6%, Portugal 18.8%, India 15.2%

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Country Description

The U.S.

Liaison Office in Bissau suspended its operations on April 4, 2013, and therefore cannot provide consular services to U.S. citizens in Guinea-Bissau.

Guinea-Bissau currently falls under the consular jurisdiction of the U.S.

Embassy in Dakar, Senegal.

The Republic of Guinea-Bissau, a small country in western Africa, is one of the world’s poorest nations.

The capital is Bissau and the official language is Portuguese.

Many people outside of Bissau speak only an indigenous language or Creole.

English is not widely used.

The country’s 1998-99 civil war devastated the economy.

Tourist facilities and infrastructure in general are very limited and not up to U.S. standards.

Safety & Security

Guinea-Bissau is one of the poorest countries in West Africa and lacks sufficient resources and infrastructure to insure a stable security environment.

Since Guinea-Bissau gained independence from Portugal in 1974, the country has been plagued by coups, political assassinations, and a civil war.

The country’s fragile political system and weak governance allows for widespread corruption directly influenced by illicit activity.

Criminals, corrupt officials, and drug cartels continue to undermine the rule of law and utilize the country for criminal activity, including using Guinea-Bissau as a major transit-point for cocaine and light-arms trafficking, and for illegal immigration.

Guinea-Bissau’s unprotected coastline and archipelago, with over 90 islands, many un-policed, and remote airstrips, is a haven for narcotics trafficking and other criminal activity.

Due to the current political, economic, and security instability in Guinea-Bissau, all U.S. citizens and organizations should exercise heightened personal security awareness.

Guinea-Bissau continues to experience periodic political disruptions and instability; all travelers to the country should closely monitor the political situation.

In January 2012, Bissau-Guinean President Malam Bacai Sanhá died from natural causes.

A transitional government is in place following a coup d’état on April 12, 2012, that interrupted elections to replace him.

The government plans to hold presidential and legislative elections in 2013.

Visitors should avoid political gatherings and street demonstrations.

Demonstrations typically begin or end in front of the former Presidential Palace in “Praca dos Herois Nacionais.” While most demonstrations in Bissau are non-violent, the imbalance of power in the country can lead to violent demonstrations.

Unexploded military ordnance and landmines remain scattered throughout the country.

Although the capital city of Bissau was declared “mine-free” in June 2006 by the national de-mining center (CAAMI), there have been occasional findings or unintentional mine explosions.

Two non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been active in successfully removing mines.

Avoid driving in rural areas at night and remain on well-traveled roads at all times to minimize the risks posed by landmines.

The U.S.

Embassy in Bissau suspended operations on June 14, 1998, at the outbreak of a violent civil war.

There is currently no permanent U.S. diplomatic or consular presence in Guinea-Bissau.

The U.S.

Embassy in Dakar, Senegal, is accredited for all diplomatic and security concerns to the Government of Guinea-Bissau.

In 2007, the U.S. government opened a U.S.

Liaison Office in Bissau (BLO), staffed by locally employed personnel who provided limited services to U.S. citizens in the event of an emergency.

The Bissau Liaison Office suspended operations on April 4, 2013.

All security and consular services should be coordinated through the American Citizens Services Section and the Regional Security Office at the U.S.

Embassy in Dakar, Senegal.

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Crime

Guinea-Bissau is rated high for crime due to the frequency of crimes committed and lack of law enforcement resources and capabilities.

Foreigners are primarily the targets of crimes of opportunity to include, petty-theft, pick-pocketing, theft of valuables from vehicles, and minor assaults.

In particular, low-level criminal activity occurs in crowded areas such as the Bandim Market and port in central Bissau.

Criminals take advantage of foreigners attempting to navigate through the crowded markets.

Exercise good personal security practices to reduce the risk of being victimized.

Keep a low profile, remain vigilant, and avoid potential conflict situations.

Do not wear flashy clothing or jewelry, and be cautious about displaying any amount of currency in public.

To avoid theft do not walk alone in isolated areas, particularly at night, and lock all doors and close all windows when driving.

Do not walk on dark streets at night, even in groups.

To minimize inconvenience in the event of theft, carry copies, rather than originals, of your passport and other identification documents.

While some of the larger hotels may accept credit cards, Bissau is largely a cash based economy and it is therefore recommended that travelers plan for and bring appropriate amounts of currency.

Valuables should be stored in hotel safes.

In conjunction with the high crime rate, the poor infrastructure and lack of lighting at night also present a more opportune environment for criminals to exploit.

It is recommended to arrange for transportation and limit walking around Bissau at night to reduce the risk of being a victim of a crime.

In addition, banditry also occurs with some regularity on the main highways throughout the country after dark.

The U.S.

Embassy recommends that travel be completed during daylight hours only and, if possible, in convoy.

The unstable security environment and high rates of unemployment strongly influence criminals to go to extreme measures to achieve their goals.

While most criminals in Guinea-Bissau seek crimes of opportunity with low risk of confrontation, they are not afraid to exert violence.

In many cases, criminal elements in Bissau operate in small, loosely affiliated groups to perpetrate a crime.

Criminals use one or two individuals to cause a distraction or remain on lookout, while the others commit the crime.

While violent crime towards foreigners are not common in Guinea-Bissau, the increase in narcotics trafficking has contributed to an increase in criminal activity and aggressive assaults among the local population in more rural areas of Guinea-Bissau.

The Bandim market and other vendors in Bissau offer a wide variety of illicit and counterfeit goods.

While the items are widely available, all travelers are urged to not purchase any illicit items to prevent breaking local laws and U.S. laws if brought back to the United States.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Guinea-Bissau, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own.

In some places, you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you.

In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings.

In some places, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

These criminal penalties will vary from country to country.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in Guinea-Bissau, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not wherever you go.

Persons violating Bissau-Guinean laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Guinea-Bissau are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drug trafficking is endemic in Guinea-Bissau.

The United States does not have an agreement with Guinea-Bissau requiring notification of the U.S.

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Medical Facilities

Modern medical facilities are virtually nonexistent in Guinea-Bissau, and travelers should not rely on them.

More acceptable levels of medical care are available in Dakar, Senegal; however, as of this writing, there are extremely limited air travel options available between Dakar and Bissau.

In addition, malaria, a serious and sometimes fatal disease, is a risk for travelers to Guinea-Bissau.

Guinea-Bissau has a high HIV/AIDS infection rate.

Traffic Safety

While in Guinea-Bissau, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning Guinea-Bissau is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

The public transportation system, urban and rural road conditions, and availability of roadside assistance are all poor.

There is no consistent public electricity in the capital, and the lack of lighting at night makes careful driving essential.

Since there are landmines left in place from the civil war and the war of independence, travelers should not leave designated roads and pathways.

The landmines are scattered in several areas throughout Guinea-Bissau, including the Bafata, Oio, Biombo, Quinara, and Tombali regions.

While there has been significant progress in locating and removing landmines, a substantial number remain.

Speak with local authorities first and use caution if leaving a main road or highway to enter a trail network or to make other types of cross-country movement.

Passengers should also exercise caution if choosing to use a taxi for transportation because many are in sub-standard condition.

If a taxi is used, it is important for passengers to inform taxi drivers that they do not want additional patrons to be picked up along the route.

Taxis in Bissau serve as a bus service, in which each passenger pays for a seat.

Furthermore, the

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Airports - total

8

Airports with Paved Runways

2

Roadways- total

2,147 Miles 3,455 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

600 Miles 965 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Bissau, Buba, Cacheu, Farim

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Telephones

4,800

Cell Phones

296,200

Internet Users

37,000

Internet Country Code

.gw

Internet Hosts

82

Broadcast Media

• 1 state-owned TV station and a second station, Radio e Televisao de Portugal (RTP) Africa, is operated by Portuguese public broadcaster (RTP)
• 1 state-owned radio station, several private radio stations, and some community radio stations
• multiple international broadcasters are available

Telephone System

• assessment: Small system including a combination of microwave radio relay, open-wire lines, radiotelephone, and mobile-cellular communications
• Domestic: Fixed-line teledensity less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity is roughly 50 per 100 persons
• International: country code - 245

Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

60,450,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

65,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

2,922

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Anthem History

"Esta é a Nossa Pátria Bem Amada" ("This Is Our Beloved Country") is the national anthem of Guinea-Bissau. Written and composed by Amílcar Cabral, it was adopted upon independence in 1974.

Anthem Lyrics

• sangue: Esta é a nossa pátria amada.
• CHORUS: Viva a pátria gloriosa! Floriu nos céus a bandeira da luta. Avante, contra o jugo estrangeiro! Nós vamos construir Na pátria immortal A paz e o progresso! Nós vamos construir Na pátria imortal A paz e o progresso! paz e o progresso! Ramos do mesmo tronco, Olhos na mesma
• luz: Esta é a força da nossa união! Cantem o mar e a terra A madrugada e o sol Que a nossa luta fecundou. CHORUS

Anthem Lyrics English

• blood: This is our beloved country.
• CHORUS: Long live our glorious country! The banner of our struggle Has fluttered in the skies. Forward, against the foreign yoke! We are going to build Peace and progress In our immortal country! Peace and progress In our immortal country! Branches of the same trunk, Eyes in the same light; This is the force of our unity! The sea and the land, The dawn and the sun are singing That our struggle has borne fruit! CHORUS