Overview
Guinea-Bissau is a small coastal country south of Senegal, where the population speaks a variety of native languages, as well as Creole, Portuguese and some French. Until recently, hardly any tourists went to Guinea-Bissau. The struggle for independence and a civil war from 1998 to 1999 hit the economy hard. Tourist facilities and infrastructure remain very limited, but in recent years there has been an attempt to encourage visitors to give this undiscovered gem of West Africa a try. Although Guinea-Bissau is relatively small, it has excellent beaches and fascinating wildlife. West African traditions and remnants of the Portuguese colonial power are also of particular interest to tourists. On the coast there are fishing villages surrounded by forests, while inland the landscape is dry and dusty. The waters around the extraordinarily beautiful Bijagos Islands off the coast of Guinea-Bissau are home to turtles, sharks, manatees and a particularly rare species of hippo.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
According to top-medical-schools, there are no non-stop flights to Guinea-Bissau from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. TAP Air Portugal (TP) fly from Frankfurt/M., Vienna and Zurich via Lisbon and Royal Air Maroc (AT) via Casablanca to Bissau. Flights to Lisbon and Casablanca to continue to Bissau are also offered by the national German, Austrian and Swiss airlines.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Bissau: 9 hours 25 minutes; Vienna – Bissau: 9 hours 55 minutes; Zurich – Bissau: 9 hours 20 minutes
Departure fee
None.
Arrival by car
There are some paved connecting roads to Senegal, Gambia and Guinea. Border crossings are located between M’pack (Senegal) and Jegue (Guinea-Bissau) and Kandika (Guinea) and Burunduma (Guinea-Bissau). In the rainy season, the roads are partially impassable. Long-distance buses: From Dakar (Senegal) there is a bus to Bissau several times a week. Buses run daily between Banjul (Gambia) and Bissau. Toll: When entering the country by car, a road toll must be paid. Documents: In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license must be carried.
Arrival by train
There is no rail service in Guinea-Bissau.
Arrival by ship
Ferries connect the coastal ports with the inland ports and are an important part of the transport system as the roads are often impassable. The main seaport is Bissau.
Transportation
Traveling by plane
There are currently no domestic flights in Guinea-Bissau.
Traveling by car/bus
The road network covers 4,150 km, 360 km of which are asphalted and about another 20% paved.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Condition of the roads
The roads are in a very bad condition and are often completely flooded and impassable, especially during the rainy season. In addition, there are hardly any street signs.
Car rental
Rental cars are available at Bissau Airport and in the city.
Taxi
Taxis are available in Bissau; they are blue with a white roof. The fare should be agreed before starting the journey. There are also cheaper shared taxis.
Coach
Buses do not have fixed stops in the city, but are stopped by hand signals. Inexpensive intercity buses connect the villages.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of damage to the vehicle: Tel. +49 (0)89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (0)89 76 76 76. In the event of breakdowns or accidents with the rental car, the car rental company should be contacted first.
Documentation
In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license must be carried.
Locally on the way by train
There is no rail service in Guinea-Bissau.
Traveling by ship
Many cities can be reached by ship; River boats operate in almost all regions. There are ferry connections from Bissau to the Bissagos archipelago (journey time: 4.5 hours), to the island of Bubaque (journey time: 4 hours) and to Enxudé (journey time: 45 minutes). Coastal ferries connect the north coast to Bissau.
