No advisory against travel
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Updated 2026-10-07T10:24:23Z
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Is Bissau safe? 🇬🇼
Guinea-Bissau · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Bissau scores 52/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. Travel to Bissau requires a high degree of caution due to political instability and potential for civil unrest. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Bissau 🇬🇼
Guinea-Bissau · Assessed 13 October 2026
52
/ 100
What drives this score
Crime53/100CautionHomicide 1.1 / 100k
Sentiment56/100FairMostly Negative
Advisories75Good
Stability55Fair
Health61Fair
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for Guinea-Bissau: exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-09-24T08:53:34.179309-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Caution
Mugging & robbery risk
Moderate risk
62
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
Moderate risk
78
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
35 / 100 (Mostly Negative)
35
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
440k residents
76
City SignalCity Geocoding
Robbery / mugging
ModerateWhile overall crime rates are low, opportunistic robbery and theft can occur, especially in markets and crowded areas.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching are risks in busy public spaces like markets and bus stations.
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Fair
04 · Institutions
Stability
Fair
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Moderate
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly Negative
56/100
Reported feel35Mostly Negative
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Travel advisories and news reports highlight ongoing political instability and security concerns, suggesting a cautious sentiment among travelers.
Travel to Bissau requires a high degree of caution due to political instability and potential for civil unrest.
Bissau faces ongoing political instability, with a history of coups and power struggles, which can impact public safety. While violent crime rates are statistically low, the risk of opportunistic crime exists, particularly in crowded areas. Health infrastructure is limited, and travelers should be aware of ongoing global health concerns.
Recent developments
- Oct 2026Reports of unrest among troops mentioned, urging calm.— NewVision.co.ug
- Sep 2026Nigerian soldiers protested unpaid allowances after ECOWAS missions in Guinea-Bissau.— Sahara Reporters
- Jul 2026An imprisoned opposition leader was allowed to travel for medical treatment.— Reuters
- Apr 2026The country was on edge after the killing of an activist.— DW.com
Common scams
- Bribery attempts by officials
- Overcharging by taxi drivers
Full briefing
Recent reports indicate ongoing political instability in Guinea-Bissau, with a coup occurring in November 2025 and continued tensions, including reports of unrest among troops in October 2026. This volatile environment necessitates a high degree of caution for travelers. While official statistics suggest low rates of violent crime and business crime, the risk of opportunistic theft, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is present in crowded areas like markets and transportation hubs.
Travelers should remain vigilant and informed about the local security situation. It is advisable to avoid political gatherings and demonstrations, as these can quickly escalate. Official advisories from Canada and the UK recommend exercising a high degree of caution. Be aware that bribery can be a concern when interacting with officials, and taxi fares should be agreed upon in advance to avoid overcharging.
Health infrastructure in Bissau is limited, with fewer hospital beds per capita than the country average. Travelers should ensure all vaccinations are up to date, considering global alerts for polio, dengue, and measles. Carrying a comprehensive medical kit is also recommended. The air quality is currently moderate, and while there are no active natural disaster alerts, road traffic safety is a concern.
Was this Bissau, Guinea-Bissau report helpful?
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 6 Bissau districts for visitors: 1 safer, 5 needing caution. See them plotted on the Bissau safety map.
Bissau City CentercautionHigher foot traffic can mean more petty crime; stay aware of surroundings.
Antigo MercadocautionBusy market area, prone to pickpocketing and opportunistic theft.
Praia de BissaucautionCan be less patrolled; exercise caution, especially after dark.
CanchungocautionWhile a district, it's outside the main city; general country-level caution applies.
CumuracautionMore rural outskirts, less infrastructure; be extra vigilant.
Airport AreasaferGenerally considered safe, but standard precautions apply.
07 · After Dark
Is Bissau safe at night?
While overall crime rates are low, opportunistic robbery and theft can occur, especially in markets and crowded areas.
After dark, be most careful around Bissau City Center, Antigo Mercado, Praia de Bissau, Canchungo. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Bissau safety FAQ (2026)
Is Bissau safe right now (2026)?
Travel to Bissau requires a high degree of caution due to political instability and potential for civil unrest. Bissau faces ongoing political instability, with a history of coups and power struggles, which can impact public safety. While violent crime rates are statistically low, the risk of opportunistic crime exists, particularly in crowded areas. Health infrastructure is limited, and travelers should be aware of ongoing global health concerns. (Assessed 13 October 2026.)
Is Bissau safe for women, families and solo travelers?
Safety is not one number, and this Bissau report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Which areas of Bissau should tourists avoid?
Areas with limited lighting after dark (general advice); Areas where political demonstrations may occur (unpredictable). See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Bissau (2026)?
- Bribery attempts by officials
- Overcharging by taxi drivers
How does Bissau compare with other places in Guinea-Bissau (2026)?
Bissau scores 52/100 — see the Guinea-Bissau safety overview for country-level data.
How is this bissau safety score calculated (2026)?
The score blends 12+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
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Raw data: bissau.json (CC BY 4.0).