Local Laws

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.

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.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States.  You can be prosecuted in the United States for engaging in sexual conduct with children or for using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country regardless of the legality of these activities under that country’s laws.  Counterfeit and pirated goods are illegal in the United States and if you purchase them in a foreign country, you may be breaking local law as well. 

Arrest notifications in host country: While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in that country, others may not.The United States does not have an agreement with Guinea-Bissau requiring notification of the U.S. Embassy of your arrest. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify U.S. Embassy Dakar as soon as you are arrested or detained while in Guinea-Bissau.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Guinea-Bissau's customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning the temporary import or export of items such as firearms, antiquities, medications, and business equipment.

Currency: International banking and finance is problematic due to a limited formal banking sector. ATMs are not available, credit cards are not accepted, but currency exchange exists at banks and hotels and is available on the street. Wire transfer possibilities, while limited, are available and repatriation of funds is problematic. Purchases of goods and services are possible only in cash and in the local currency, the Franc of the West African Economic and Monetary Zone (CFA). It is recommended that travelers secure more than adequate sums of CFA before arriving in Guinea-Bissau.

WOMEN TRAVELER INFORMATION: If you are a woman traveling abroad, please review our travel tips for Women Travelers.

LGBT RIGHTS: In December 2008, Guinea-Bissau became one of 66 nations to sign the "United Nations Statement on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity," which supports decriminalization of homosexuality and transgender identity.

For more detailed information about Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights in Guinea-Bissau, you may review the State Department’s annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.  For further information on LGBT travel, please read our LGBT Travel Information page.

ACCESSIBILITY: While in Guinea-Bissau, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States.