State Dept Travel Advisory - Level 3

African Country of Guinea-Bissau Level 3 Travel Advisory Issued

US Department of State issued a Reconsider Travel Advisory when visiting Guinea-Bissau
map of guinea bissau in the colors of their flag
Africa (Precision Vaccinations News)

A Level 3 Travel Advisory has been issued by the US Department of State for the African country of Guinea-Bissau. 

This ‘Reconsider Travel’ Advisory was issued on April 25, 2019, and is related to Guinea-Bissau’s chronic political and institutional dysfunction, and the potential for violence. 

Guinea-Bissau has a population of 1.8 million.

The US State Department said in a website statement ‘aggressive vendors, panhandlers, and occasionally criminals target foreigners at the Bissau airport and other crowded areas, especially Bandim Market in the center of the capital.’   

And, ‘Guinea-Bissau local police lack the resources, capacity, and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. 

Since the USA does not have any diplomatic presence in Guinea-Bissau, it cannot provide services to American citizens in Guinea-Bissau. And, limited services are available for travelers to Guinea-Bissau at the U.S. Embassy in Dakar. 

Separately, on March 4, 2019, the UK.GOV website said, ‘although the security situation in Guinea-Bissau is currently calm, you should stay alert to local developments and avoid sensitive areas and avoid any demonstrations. 

Additionally, the Canadian government said on April 8, 2019, ‘Avoid non-essential travel in Guinea-Bissau within 20 km of the border with Senegal, including the road from São Domingos to Mpack, Senegal. 

The US State Department says if you decide to visit Guinea-Bissau, you should:

  • Avoid demonstrations; Be aware of your surroundings; Only travel during daylight.
  • Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations, such as this Traveler’s Checklist.

Additionally, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on March 29, 2019, that visitors to Guinea-Bissau should be up to date on Routine Vaccinations and be prepared for entry requirements for Yellow Fever virus, and Zika related concerns upon departure. 

And, visitors to get travel vaccines and medicines 30-days prior to departure because there is a risk of various diseases in the Guinea-Bissau. Travel counseling sessions can be scheduled at Vax-Before-Travel. 

Relevant Links: CDC vaccination schedules, CDC vaccine price list, international travel alerts, and report vaccine side effects.

 

Our Trust Standards: Medical Advisory Committee

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