Guinea-Bissau Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Entering Guinea-Bissau involves navigating straightforward but sometimes inconsistently applied immigration procedures. Most travelers require a visa in advance, though some nationalities benefit from visa-free entry or can obtain a visa on arrival (VOA) at the main international airport, Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Bissau. The immigration process can be slow, and officials may request to see proof of onward travel, accommodation, and sufficient funds. It is important for travelers to ensure their passport has at least six months of validity remaining and several blank pages. The border control system is less formalized than in many countries, so patience and having all documents well-organized are key to a smooth entry. Travelers should be aware that land borders with neighboring countries (Senegal and Guinea-Conakry) exist, but crossing them can be subject to closures or require special permits. Air travel via Bissau is the most common and reliable entry point. Upon arrival, expect basic facilities; the process may involve manual checks and potential language barriers, as Portuguese is the official language, but some French and Creole may also be spoken by officials. Before traveling, it is highly recommended to check the latest travel advisories from your home country, as political stability can fluctuate. Ensure you have the correct visa or authorization, as being denied entry can result in immediate deportation at the traveler's expense.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Guinea-Bissau's visa policy is based on nationality. While some countries are visa-exempt, most travelers must obtain a visa either in advance from an embassy or, in many cases, a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the Bissau airport. An eVisa system has been announced but, as of mid-2024, is not consistently operational. Always confirm the current method with the nearest embassy.

Visa-Free Entry

Typically 90 days

Citizens of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member countries do not require a visa for short visits.

Includes

Senegal Gambia Guinea Côte d'Ivoire Ghana Nigeria Cabo Verde All other ECOWAS member states

Must travel on a valid national passport or an ECOWAS Travel Certificate.

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Typically 30 days, extendable

Available for many nationalities at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB). Pre-approval or an invitation letter may be required.

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia Japan South Korea Many EU citizens (e.g., France, Germany, Spain)

How to Apply: Apply at the immigration counter upon arrival. Payment is in cash (Euros or West African CFA francs). Processing is immediate but subject to officer discretion and document checks.
Cost: Approximately €85 (subject to change)

VOA availability can change without notice. It is strongly advised to obtain a visa in advance if possible. You may be asked for a hotel booking, return ticket, and proof of yellow fever vaccination.

Visa Required

As specified on the visa (often 30 days)

Nationalities not listed above must obtain a visa prior to travel from a Guinean-Bissau embassy or consulate.

How to Apply: Apply in person at a diplomatic mission. Requirements usually include a completed application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel reservation, proof of funds, and the visa fee. Processing times vary.

There are very few Guinean-Bissau embassies worldwide, often requiring applicants to use embassies in neighboring countries (e.g., Senegal) or via honorary consulates.

Arrival Process

The entry process at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport is generally straightforward but can be slow. Have all documents ready and be prepared for basic questioning.

1. Health Check

Officials may check your International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) for yellow fever vaccination. This is a standard requirement.

2. Immigration

Proceed to the immigration counter. Present your passport, completed arrival/departure card (if provided on the flight), visa or proof of visa-free eligibility, and proof of onward travel and accommodation. If applying for VOA, state your intention and be ready to pay the fee.

3. Visa on Arrival Payment

If applicable, you will be directed to a separate cashier to pay the VOA fee before returning to the immigration officer for passport stamping.

4. Baggage Claim and Customs

Collect your luggage and proceed through the green (nothing to declare) or red (goods to declare) customs channel. Your baggage may be subject to a scan or manual inspection.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport

Must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry and have at least two blank visa pages.

Visa or Proof of Visa-Free Status

Required for all non-ECOWAS travelers. Either a pre-issued visa stamp or eligibility for VOA.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

Required for all travelers aged 9 months and over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (which includes many connecting points). Often checked rigorously.

Proof of Onward Travel

A return or onward ticket is frequently requested by immigration officials.

Proof of Accommodation and Sufficient Funds

May be requested. Have a hotel booking confirmation and evidence of financial means (cash, credit cards).

Tips for Smooth Entry

Carry Euros or West African CFA francs in cash for the VOA fee, as credit cards are not accepted for this payment.

Have multiple copies of your passport, visa, and vaccination certificate. Keep them separate from the originals.

Be patient and polite with officials. The process may be slower than in major international hubs.

Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases (like "Bom dia" for good morning) as a sign of respect.

Customs & Duty-Free

Guinea-Bissau has standard customs regulations. Declare all valuable items and currency above the threshold. The duty-free allowances are typical for the region.

Alcohol

1 liter of spirits and 2 liters of wine

Travelers must be of legal drinking age (18).

Tobacco

200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco

For personal use only.

Currency

Equivalent of XOF 1,000,000 (West African CFA francs) or foreign currency exceeding €10,000

Amounts exceeding this must be declared upon arrival and departure. Keep declaration forms.

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and gifts up to a reasonable value for personal use.

Commercial quantities or high-value items may be subject to duty.

Prohibited Items

Narcotics and illegal drugs
Counterfeit goods and pirated copies
Firearms and ammunition without special permit
Pornographic material
Endangered animal or plant species (CITES listed) without proper documentation

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - should be in original packaging, accompanied by a doctor's prescription.
Pets - require an import permit and valid health/vaccination certificates issued within 10 days of travel.
Communications equipment (e.g., satellite phones, high-powered radios) - may require prior authorization.

Health Requirements

Health requirements are focused on preventing the importation of infectious diseases, with yellow fever being a primary concern.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever

Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A & B
Typhoid
Rabies (for extended stays/animal exposure)
Meningitis (for dry season travel)
Polio (booster)
Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
COVID-19 (check current status)

Health Insurance

complete travel health insurance, including medical evacuation coverage, is highly recommended but not strictly required for entry. Medical facilities in Guinea-Bissau are extremely limited.

Current Health Requirements: As of mid-2024, there are no COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements for entry. However, this can change rapidly; always check official sources (WHO, IATA Travel Centre, your airline) for the latest health advisories before departure.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate. Guinea-Bissau hosts few foreign embassies; many are based in Dakar, Senegal.

Check your government's travel advisory website (e.g., US State Department, UK FCDO) for contact details and local assistance information.

Immigration Authority

Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) / Immigration Service

Official information is often disseminated through embassies. There is no reliable public-facing immigration website.

Emergency

Emergency services number

Police: 112 or 117; Ambulance/Fire: 112. Note: Emergency services are very limited and response may be slow.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport. If traveling with only one parent or without parents, a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) or legal guardian(s) is strongly recommended, though not always formally requested. The letter should include travel dates, destinations, and contact details.

Traveling with Pets

Pets (dogs and cats) require a valid veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old, but not older than one year), and an import permit obtained in advance from Guinean-Bissau authorities. An ISO-compliant microchip is also required.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas (VOA or pre-issued) are typically valid for 30 days and can often be extended for an additional 30-60 days at the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) office in Bissau. For longer stays, work, or residency, you must apply for the appropriate long-term visa or residence permit from an embassy before travel or initiate the process in-country with a local sponsor.

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