Bissau: what to see and whether to move there

What the city lives on and who it suits

Bissau is the capital of Guinea-Bissau, a small Portuguese-speaking country in West Africa, a city of about 500,000 at the mouth of the Geba River. The economy rests on cashew nuts, the main export, plus fishing, rice and aid from international organisations. The official language is Portuguese, and Creole is spoken daily.

The city suits staff of international organisations, contract professionals, fishing and agricultural companies, and travellers heading to the Bijagós archipelago. Moving independently is hard: infrastructure is weak and the political situation unstable.

The situation in 2026

On 26 November 2025 the military removed the president and declared a transition period, with constitutional order suspended. New elections are scheduled for 6 December 2026. The situation is tense, especially ahead of the elections, so check your government's current advice before travelling and avoid mass gatherings.

Cost of living

The currency is the West African CFA franc, about 585 francs per dollar on 6 October 2026. Imported goods and fuel are expensive, and payments are mostly in cash.

Practicalities: climate, health, transport

Climate. Tropical: the rainy season runs from June to October and the dry season from November to May, hot all year. Health. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry, malaria protection should be planned in advance, and complex treatment means Dakar or Europe. Transport. Taxis and minibuses run in the city, and boats and ferries go to the Bijagós islands, with schedules depending on the tides.

Moving and legal status

• the visa is obtained in advance, usually electronically, and most nationals cannot get one on arrival;
• work requires a contract with a local employer or an international organisation;
• there is no citizenship by investment programme; naturalisation comes after 6 years of lawful residence, with Portuguese or Creole;
• dual citizenship has been allowed since 2010.

More on the Guinea-Bissau citizenship page.

The Bijagós archipelago

A few hours by boat from Bissau lies the Bijagós archipelago, dozens of islands with mangroves, turtles and rare saltwater hippos. It is a biosphere reserve, and in 2025 its coastal and marine ecosystems were added to the World Heritage list. It is the reason most travellers come to the country.

History and economy

Guinea-Bissau was a Portuguese colony and declared independence in 1973, recognised in 1974 after a long liberation war. Since then the country has seen several coups. The main source of foreign currency is cashew exports: the buying season in spring and early summer enlivens the whole city, and many families' incomes depend on it.

Money, communications and getting there

Payments are mostly in cash in CFA francs, ATMs are few, and mobile wallets are used for small payments. Power cuts are common, so houses have generators. Regular flights link Bissau with Lisbon, Dakar and Casablanca, and from Senegal you can come by road via Ziguinchor.

Work and business

The main employers of foreigners are international organisations, development projects, fishing and agricultural companies. Companies are registered through a one-stop centre in Bissau, with documents in Portuguese. For the cashew trade the buying season matters: contracts and financing are closed before it starts.

Getting to the Bijagós islands

Ferries and boats run from Bissau port to Bubaque, the archipelago's main island, a trip of several hours with schedules depending on tides and weather. Between islands people use private boats. In the rainy season crossings can be rough, so trips are usually planned for the dry season.

Phones, internet and daily life

Mobile coverage and internet work in Bissau and larger towns, with a weak signal on the islands. Remote workers install home internet and backup power. Shops with imported goods are concentrated in the centre, and prices are higher than in Dakar, so much is brought from there.

Is the city worth considering

The pluses are a calm pace, the ocean and the Bijagós islands, the Portuguese language and modest rents. The minuses are military rule and elections at the end of 2026, weak healthcare, power cuts and a small job market. Bissau is a place for contract work or a trip to the islands, not for moving with a family.