Destinations / Guinea-Bissau
Driving in Guinea-Bissau as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Guinea-Bissau drives on the right; an IDP is recommended with your home licence on its limited road network.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Guinea-Bissau expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | Local rules |
| Valid for | Not recognised |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 117 (police) |
| Top speed limit | 90 km/h highways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | Local rules |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in XOF. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Roads | Few paved roads outside the capital. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Guinea-Bissau
At the pump
Petrol (gasolina) and diesel (gasóleo) are sold in CFA francs, typically by attendants; stations cluster in Bissau and are sparse upcountry, so refuel before long trips and carry cash as card acceptance is rare.
After a crash
There is no reliable nationwide emergency line; in a serious crash do not move the vehicles if there are injuries, summon the Polícia de Ordem Pública locally and obtain a written police report (auto), which insurers and rental firms require.
Sources: internationaldrivingpermit.org · idpservices.org · gov.uk
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Guinea-Bissau?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Guinea-Bissau drives on the right; an IDP is recommended with your home licence on its limited road network.
Which translation format is used for Guinea-Bissau?
Guinea-Bissau uses the Local rules convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Guinea-Bissau ask for a translation?
Bissau rental is limited; an IDP and passport advised.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Guinea-Bissau?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Africa
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.