Guinea-Bissau

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Guinea-Bissau, facilitating international productions of every scale with a full range of services, including location scouting, obtaining permits, full range of logistic support and connecting production teams with local talent and experienced crew.

Ultimate Filming Guide for Guinea-Bissau

Capital

Bissau

Main Cities

Bafatá, Gabu, Canchungo, Farim, Cacheu

Local Languages

Pular is the most widely spoken (35%), followed by Maninka (25%) and Susu (18%)

Currency

West African CFA franc, XOF

Climate

Hot & Humid

General Visa Requirements:

Guinea-Bissau is open to foreign visitors, but a visa is required unless the traveller is from one of the countries on the visa-exempt list. Visas can be obtained in one of two ways:

Required Documents:

You can apply for a visa through the Guinean embassy or consulate in your home country.

  • Completed application form, signed by the applicant
  • Passport valid for at least 6 months
  • Two passport-sized photos
  • Vaccination certificate
  • Appointment letter confirming the details of your visit (received after booking your appointment)
  • Original, valid photo identification
  • Travel document (mandatory)
  • Supporting documents for online visa application

Visitors from select countries may be eligible for a visa on arrival. These travellers do not need to secure a visa beforehand and can obtain one at the entry point. The visa becomes valid as soon as it is issued and allows for a stay of up to 90 days, after which the holder must depart.

Note: It is advisable to confirm your eligibility and visa requirements prior to travel. Applying for a visa well in advance of your planned travel dates is recommended to allow sufficient processing time.

Visa Application Process:

You can complete an online pre-enrolment form, also known as the online visa application. https://btwvisas.com/visa-online/guinea-bissau-visa-online 

Processing Time:

3 to 5 working days

Cost:

Not available.

Accreditation Requirements:

To film in Guinea-Bissau, a filming permit is required, regardless of whether the project is for commercial or non-commercial purposes. The type of filming, location, and specific regulations around filming licenses can vary. It is essential for Hoodlum Ivory Coast to contact the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Communication, Tourism, or Culture, to determine the necessary licenses and authorizations for your project.

Required Documents:

It is essential for Hoodlum Ivory Coast to contact the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Communication, Tourism, or Culture, to determine the necessary licenses and authorizations for your project.

Processing Time:

3 to 5 working days

Cost:

It is essential for Hoodlum Ivory Coast to contact the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Communication, Tourism, or Culture, to determine the necessary licenses and authorizations for your project.

Issuing Organization:

  • Home Affairs Office
  • Ministry of Tourism

Required Documents:

  • Letter requesting authorization
  • List of filming equipment
  • Shooting locations
  • Production duration

Processing Time:

2 to 3 weeks

Cost:

Depends on film synopsis

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

These are privately owned locations, and the owner is contacted by Hoodlums Fixer and negotiates the terms and rates

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

These are privately owned locations, and the owner is contacted by Hoodlums Fixer and negotiates the terms and rates

Drone Regulations:

A list of filming equipment, including drones, must be submitted to the airport’s customs office for authorization before importing into Guinea-Bissau.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Authorization must be filed with the Ministry of the Interior, specifying the filming dates, locations, and times.

Permit Issuance:

Airport Customs Office

Timing:

2 to 5 working days

Cost:

Not available.

Carnet Status:

Yes, Guinea-Bissau is a carnet country.

General Process for Carnet Countries

  • Submit an import request for filming equipment.
  • Provide a detailed list of the filming equipment.
  • Include the value of the equipment.

Required Documents:

  • Import request for filming equipment.
  • Detailed list of the filming equipment.
  • Value of the equipment.

Issuing Organization:

Airport Customs Department

Timing:

3 to 5 working days

Cost:

Dependending on equipment list

General Overview:

Safety precautions are crucial to protect the well-being of both the crew and equipment. Due to occasional political instability and crime, particularly in urban areas, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings and stay informed about the local security situation.

Security Requirements:

Engaging experienced local fixers and security personnel is recommended, as they can offer valuable insight and assistance in managing potential risks.

Rebates/Incentives:

No film rebate / incentives.

Contact our Local Team

Hoodlum Film Fixers

Meet Our Local Team

Name:
Mahktar - Hoodlum
Country:
Guinea-Bissau
Email:
africa@hoodlum.tv
Address:
Bairro Lala Quema- Antula. Bissau, C/O: AMARÁ PIRES

Client Brief

Fill in our client brief and we’ll get back to you with everything you need to start filming in this region.

Services We Provide in Guinea-Bissau

Accommodation

Airport Protocol & On-Ground Support

Casting & Talent

Catering

Crew Sourcing

Customs Clearance

Drone & Aerial Permits

Drone & Drone Operator

Equipment Rentals

Film Permits

Line Producers & Production Management

Local Film Fixers

Locations / RECCE’s

Logistics

Rebates & Incentives

Research

Risk Management

Security

Set Dressing / Production Design

Transport & Vehicles

Visas & Work Permits

News from the Region

Film Fixers in Guinea-Bissau
Production Company in Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau sits along the Atlantic edge of West Africa, defined by coastal wetlands,…

Introduction

Hoodlum offers top-tier film fixer services in Guinea-Bissau, providing essential support for international production teams. With our deep local expertise and hands-on experience, we specialize in securing permits, scouting diverse locations, and assembling expert local crews to ensure a smooth and efficient production from start to finish. Our services extend beyond film to include stills photography, giving you comprehensive support for both moving images and still visuals.

Guinea-Bissau’s landscapes are as varied as they are captivating. From the lively streets of Bissau to the stunning natural beauty of the Bijagos Archipelago, the country offers a range of settings for any production. Whether you need dramatic coastal scenery, rustic rural landscapes, or urban shots, Guinea-Bissau provides the perfect backdrop for commercials, feature films, TV series, reality shows, documentaries, and still photography shoots.

Planning to film or capture stills in Guinea-Bissau? Hoodlum manages every logistical detail—from securing permits to finding the most fitting locations—ensuring that you can focus on bringing your creative vision to life. Contact us today to learn how we can make your production in Guinea-Bissau smooth, successful, and visually stunning.

Country Overview

Guinea-Bissau, offers filmmakers a unique fusion of history and natural beauty. From vibrant urban settings to pristine, untouched nature, Guinea-Bissau provides a range of locations perfect for any film or stills photography project.

The Bijagos Archipelago, with its untouched islands and traditional villages, offers a tranquil and natural setting, while the lively streets and markets of Bissau offer an authentic glimpse into the country’s daily life. Guinea-Bissau’s landscapes are varied, from the lush forests of Tombali to the historical sites like colonial-era forts, giving filmmakers a rich canvas for storytelling.

The fusion of African and Portuguese influences is reflected in Guinea-Bissau’s architecture, music, and traditions.

Whether you’re planning a shoot on the beach, in the capital, or deep in nature, Hoodlum Film Fixers takes care of all the logistics—from securing permits to location scouting and crew assembly—ensuring your Guinea-Bissau production runs smoothly. Let us help bring your creative vision to life in this extraordinary country.

Bordering Countries:

Guinea-Bissau borders Senegal to the north and Guinea to the south, with its Atlantic Ocean coastline featuring the Bijagos Archipelago, which consists of 88 islands.

Main Cities:

Bissau, Bafatá, Gabu, Canchungo, Farim, Cacheu

Local Languages:

Pular is the most widely spoken (35%), followed by Maninka (25%) and Susu (18%)

Local Currency:

West African CFA franc, XOF

Climate:

Guinea experiences a generally hot and humid climate, with monsoon-type seasons from June to November, characterized by south-westerly winds. The dry season lasts from December to May, accompanied by north-easterly harmattan winds.

International crew accreditation

General accreditation requirements

To film in Guinea-Bissau, a filming permit is required, regardless of whether the project is for commercial or non-commercial purposes. The type of filming, location, and specific regulations around filming licenses can vary. It is essential for Hoodlum Ivory Coast to contact the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Communication, Tourism, or Culture, to determine the necessary licenses and authorizations for your project.

Processing Time:

3 to 5 working days

General Film Permit

Which Organization Issues Filming Permits?

Home Affairs Office

Ministry of Tourism

Processing Time

2 to 3 weeks

Required Documentation for Filming Permit Application:

  • Letter requesting authorization
  • List of filming equipment
  • Shooting locations
  • Production duration

Private Locations

These are privately owned locations and the owner is contacted by Hoodlums Fixer and negotiates the terms and rates

Visa Requirements

General Requirements for Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau is open to foreign visitors, but a visa is required unless the traveller is from one of the countries on the visa-exempt list. Visas can be obtained in one of two ways:

Foreign Diplomatic Missions / Guinean Embassies and Consulates:

You can apply for a visa through the Guinean embassy or consulate in your home country.

Online Visa Application:

You can complete an online pre-enrolment form, also known as the online visa application.

Visa on Arrival:

Visitors from select countries may be eligible for a visa on arrival. These travellers do not need to secure a visa beforehand and can obtain one at the entry point. The visa becomes valid as soon as it is issued and allows for a stay of up to 90 days, after which the holder must depart.

Note: It is advisable to confirm your eligibility and visa requirements prior to travel. Applying for a visa well in advance of your planned travel dates is recommended to allow sufficient processing time.

Visa Application Link:

Visa Application for Guinea-Bissau

Required Documentation:

  • Completed application form, signed by the applicant
  • Passport valid for at least 6 months
  • Two passport-sized photos
  • Vaccination certificate
  • Appointment letter confirming the details of your visit (received after booking your appointment)
  • Original, valid photo identification
  • Travel document (mandatory)
  • Supporting documents for online visa application

Processing Time:

Visa on Arrival: Instant at the airport

Consulate Application: Approximately 3 working days

General Film Permit

Permit Issuing Authority

Film permits are issued by Baraza La Sanaa & Film Board Zanzibar through a local fixer.

Processing Time

The permit can be issued immediately or within 1-2 days after payment is made for the film permit.

Required Information and Documentation for Application

  • Completed film permit form
  • Shoot synopsis
  • List of filming equipment
  • Filming locations
  • Production duration

Cost

The film permit fee is $1,000.

Hoodlum Film Fixers is here to assist with the entire permit application process and handle the logistics, ensuring your Zanzibar production runs smoothly and efficiently.

Private Locations

General process

Film Permit – application for a location permit in certain areas.

Drone Permit

Drone Importation Regulations

A list of filming equipment, including drones, must be submitted to the airport’s customs office for authorization before importing into Guinea-Bissau.

Which Organization Issues Drone Permits?

Airport Customs Office

Required Documentation for Local Drone Authorization

Authorization must be filed with the Ministry of the Interior, specifying the filming dates, locations, and times.

Processing Time

2 to 5 working days

Equipment Customs Clearance

Is Guinea-Bissau a Carnet Country?

Yes, Guinea-Bissau is a carnet country.

General Process for Carnet Countries

  • Submit an import request for filming equipment.
  • Provide a detailed list of the filming equipment.
  • Include the value of the equipment.

Required Documentation for Equipment Customs Clearance

  • Import request for filming equipment.
  • Detailed list of the filming equipment.
  • Value of the equipment.

Which Organization Issues the Clearance?

Airport Customs Department

Processing Time

3 to 5 working days

Safety and Security

General Overview

Safety precautions are crucial to protect the well-being of both the crew and equipment. Due to occasional political instability and crime, particularly in urban areas, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings and stay informed about the local security situation.

Type of Security Required

Engaging experienced local fixers and security personnel is recommended, as they can offer valuable insight and assistance in managing potential risks.