Guinea-Bissau Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Guinea-Bissau, located on the West African coast, requires most international travelers to obtain a visa before arrival or upon entry. The country has implemented a visa-on-arrival system for many nationalities, making entry more accessible than in previous years. However, travelers should be prepared for a relatively basic immigration infrastructure and ensure all documentation is in order before departure. The main port of entry is Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau, though some travelers may enter overland from Senegal or Guinea. Immigration procedures can be slower than in more developed countries, and officials may have limited English language capabilities. It's essential to have all documents readily available, including proof of yellow fever vaccination, which is strictly enforced. Cash in Euros or West African CFA francs is typically required for visa fees. Travelers should note that Guinea-Bissau's administrative systems can be unpredictable, and requirements may be applied inconsistently. It's highly recommended to arrange visas in advance where possible, carry multiple copies of all important documents, and maintain patience during the entry process. The security situation and health infrastructure are considerations that should factor into travel planning.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Guinea-Bissau offers visa-on-arrival for most nationalities, though some travelers may need to obtain visas in advance. All visitors should verify current requirements with a Guinea-Bissau diplomatic mission before travel.

Visa-Free Entry

Varies by agreement, typically 90 days

Very limited visa-free access to Guinea-Bissau

Includes

ECOWAS member states (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo)

ECOWAS nationals can enter with valid national ID cards or passports. All other nationalities require a visa either obtained in advance or on arrival.

Visa on Arrival

Typically 90 days

Most nationalities can obtain a visa upon arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport

Includes

United States Canada United Kingdom European Union member states Australia New Zealand South Africa Brazil Japan China India Most other nationalities not listed as visa-free

How to Apply: Visa on arrival can be obtained at the airport immigration counter. Travelers should have exact payment in cash (Euros or CFA francs preferred), passport photos, and all supporting documents. Processing time varies from 30 minutes to several hours depending on arrival volume.
Cost: Approximately €85-100 (around $90-110 USD) for tourist visa, payable in cash. Fees may vary by nationality and visa type.

While visa on arrival is available, it's strongly recommended to obtain a visa in advance from a Guinea-Bissau embassy or consulate to avoid potential complications, delays, or denial of entry. Airport facilities are basic and payment systems can be unreliable.

Visa Required in Advance

Typically 30-90 days depending on visa type

While most can technically get visa on arrival, obtaining a visa in advance is highly recommended for all travelers

How to Apply: Apply at the nearest Guinea-Bissau embassy or consulate. Required documents typically include: completed application form, passport valid for at least 6 months, 2-3 passport photos, yellow fever vaccination certificate, proof of accommodation, return/onward ticket, and visa fee. Processing time is typically 5-10 business days but can be longer.

Tourist visas, business visas, and transit visas are available. Some nationalities may face additional scrutiny or requirements. Israeli passport holders and some Middle Eastern nationalities should verify entry eligibility in advance.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival in Guinea-Bissau, travelers will proceed through immigration control, collect baggage, and pass through customs. The process can be time-consuming, and facilities are basic. Officials may speak Portuguese, French, or Creole, with limited English.

Disembarkation

Exit the aircraft and proceed to the terminal building. Follow signs for immigration/passport control. Be prepared for limited air conditioning and basic facilities.

Health Screening

Present your yellow fever vaccination certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination). This is mandatory and strictly enforced. You may also face additional health screenings depending on current global health situations.

Visa on Arrival (if applicable)

If you don't have a pre-arranged visa, proceed to the visa-on-arrival counter before immigration. Complete the application form, provide required documents and photos, and pay the fee in cash. Retain your receipt.

Immigration Control

Present your passport, visa (or visa receipt), completed arrival card, and supporting documents. Officers may ask about your purpose of visit, accommodation, and departure plans. Answer clearly and have documentation ready.

Baggage Claim

Collect your luggage from the baggage claim area. Baggage handling can be slow, and porters may offer assistance (tipping is expected if you accept help).

Customs Declaration

Complete a customs declaration form if required. Proceed through customs inspection, where bags may be searched. Declare any items exceeding duty-free allowances or restricted items.

Exit

After clearing customs, exit the arrivals hall. Arrange ground transportation (pre-arranged pickup recommended). Official taxis and hotel shuttles are available.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay, with at least 2-3 blank pages for stamps and visa.

Visa

Either obtained in advance or visa-on-arrival receipt. Keep this accessible throughout your stay.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

Mandatory for all travelers arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic countries. Often required for all travelers regardless of origin. Must be the official International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card).

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation, invitation letter from host, or address where you'll be staying. Immigration may ask for this information.

Return/Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from Guinea-Bissau, either return ticket or onward travel documentation.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Bank statements, cash, or credit cards to demonstrate you can support yourself during your stay.

Travel Insurance

While not always mandatory, comprehensive travel and medical insurance is highly recommended and may be requested.

Passport Photos

2-3 recent passport-sized photos if obtaining visa on arrival or for other administrative purposes.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Arrive with patience and plenty of time. Immigration and customs processes can take 1-3 hours during busy periods.

Bring cash in Euros or West African CFA francs for visa fees, as card payment systems are often unavailable or unreliable.

Make multiple photocopies of your passport, visa, yellow fever certificate, and other important documents. Keep originals and copies separate.

Have all documents organized and easily accessible in a travel folder before approaching immigration.

Dress respectfully and maintain a polite, cooperative demeanor with officials, even if processes seem slow or unclear.

Learn a few basic phrases in Portuguese (the official language) or French, as English is not widely spoken.

Pre-arrange airport pickup with your hotel or a trusted contact if possible, as transportation options can be limited and confusing for first-time visitors.

Keep small denomination bills separate for tips and small purchases at the airport.

Don't photograph immigration areas, military installations, or government buildings without explicit permission.

Customs & Duty-Free

Guinea-Bissau's customs regulations are relatively standard for West Africa, but enforcement can be inconsistent. All travelers must complete a customs declaration form and may be subject to baggage inspection. It's important to declare all items of significant value and comply with restrictions on prohibited items.

Alcohol

2 liters of alcoholic beverages (wine or spirits)

Must be 18 years or older. Excessive quantities may be subject to duty or confiscation.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco

Must be 18 years or older. For personal use only.

Currency

No limit on foreign currency, but amounts exceeding €10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared

Declaration required on both entry and exit. Keep declaration forms safe for departure. Local currency (CFA franc) export may be restricted.

Gifts/Goods

Personal items and gifts up to a reasonable value for personal use

Goods clearly for commercial purposes will be subject to duty. New, unopened items may raise questions. Electronics and valuable items should be declared.

Perfume

Reasonable quantity for personal use (typically up to 250ml)

Excessive quantities may be considered commercial and subject to duty.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - Severe penalties including lengthy imprisonment
Weapons and ammunition - Unless with special permit from authorities
Counterfeit goods and pirated media - Subject to confiscation
Pornographic materials - Prohibited under local laws
Items deemed harmful to public morals or national security
Endangered species and products derived from them - Including ivory, certain animal skins, and protected plants
Certain agricultural products and seeds - May require phytosanitary certificates

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - Bring only what's needed for your stay, in original packaging with prescription documentation. Large quantities may require special permission.
Professional camera/video equipment - May require temporary import permit and deposit, particularly if for commercial purposes.
Drones and radio communication equipment - Require special permits from relevant authorities; unauthorized use is illegal.
Cultural artifacts and antiques - Export of items of cultural significance is restricted or prohibited; obtain proper documentation.
Precious metals and gemstones - May require declaration and documentation, particularly in large quantities.
Satellite phones and GPS equipment - May require registration or permits; check with authorities before bringing.

Health Requirements

Guinea-Bissau has strict health entry requirements, particularly regarding yellow fever vaccination. The country has limited medical facilities, so travelers should take health precautions seriously and ensure comprehensive travel health insurance.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Mandatory for all travelers aged 9 months and older. The International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) must be presented at entry. Vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before arrival. This is strictly enforced.

Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers
Hepatitis B - Recommended for most travelers, especially if you might be exposed to blood or bodily fluids
Typhoid - Recommended for most travelers, especially those visiting smaller cities or rural areas
Malaria prophylaxis - Malaria is endemic throughout Guinea-Bissau; antimalarial medication is strongly recommended
Rabies - Consider for travelers with extensive outdoor activities or those who may have contact with animals
Meningococcal meningitis - Recommended, particularly during dry season (December-June)
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) - Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date
Polio - Booster recommended if not received in adulthood
Tetanus-Diphtheria - Ensure up to date

Health Insurance

Comprehensive travel health insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Medical facilities in Guinea-Bissau are extremely limited, and serious medical conditions often require evacuation to Senegal or Europe. Ensure your insurance covers medical evacuation, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Most medical facilities require payment upfront in cash.

Current Health Requirements: Always check current health requirements before travel, as these can change based on disease outbreaks (such as COVID-19, Ebola, or other infectious diseases). Consult your doctor or a travel medicine clinic 4-6 weeks before departure. Visit the CDC, WHO, or your national health authority website for the latest health advisories for Guinea-Bissau. Bring sufficient supplies of any prescription medications, as they may not be available locally. Consider bringing a basic medical kit including antimalarial medication, water purification tablets, oral rehydration salts, and basic first aid supplies.

Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Guinea-Bissau or the nearest accredited mission (often in Senegal)

Register with your embassy upon arrival for extended stays. Check your government's travel advisory website (such as travel.state.gov for US citizens, gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for UK citizens) for current security and safety information.

Immigration Authority

Direcção Geral de Migração e Fronteiras (Directorate General of Migration and Borders)

For visa extensions, immigration questions, or official information. Located in Bissau. Limited online presence; in-person visits may be necessary.

Emergency Services

Police: 117 | Medical Emergency/Ambulance: Limited formal ambulance services | Fire: 118

Emergency services are extremely limited. Response times can be very slow or non-existent outside Bissau. Have contact information for your embassy and hotel/host for emergency assistance. Consider private medical evacuation insurance.

Guinea-Bissau Tourism

Limited official tourism infrastructure

Tourism services are underdeveloped. Contact hotels, tour operators, or your embassy for local assistance and information.

Hospitals in Bissau

Hospital Nacional Simão Mendes (main public hospital) - Limited facilities and supplies

Medical facilities are very basic. For serious medical issues, evacuation to Dakar (Senegal) or Europe is usually necessary.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport and visa. If traveling with one parent or without parents, carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) in Portuguese or French, along with copies of the child's birth certificate. This helps avoid issues related to child trafficking concerns. Ensure children have all required vaccinations, especially yellow fever (required for children 9 months and older). Be aware that medical facilities for children are extremely limited.

Traveling with Pets

Importing pets to Guinea-Bissau requires: a valid health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (administered at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before travel), import permit from Guinea-Bissau veterinary authorities (should be arranged well in advance), and microchip identification (recommended). Airlines have specific requirements for pet travel. Be aware that veterinary care in Guinea-Bissau is very limited. Consider whether bringing a pet is advisable given the challenging conditions.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas typically allow stays of 30-90 days. For longer stays, you must apply for a visa extension at the Direcção Geral de Migração e Fronteiras in Bissau before your visa expires. Required documents typically include: passport, current visa, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, letter explaining reason for extension, and extension fee (payable in local currency). Processing can take several days to weeks. Overstaying your visa can result in fines, detention, and difficulties with future travel. For work, study, or residence, apply for the appropriate visa category before arrival or convert your tourist visa to the appropriate category in-country (complex process). Consider registering with your embassy for extended stays.

Business Travelers

Business travelers should obtain a business visa rather than a tourist visa. Required documents include a letter from your employer stating the purpose of your visit and financial responsibility, and an invitation letter from the Guinea-Bissau company or organization you're visiting. Business visas may allow longer stays or multiple entries. Keep all business-related documentation accessible during your stay. Be prepared for bureaucratic challenges and bring patience when dealing with official procedures.

Journalists and Media Workers

Journalists and media professionals must obtain special accreditation and permits before arrival. Contact the Ministry of Information and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs well in advance. Unauthorized journalism activities can result in detention, equipment confiscation, and deportation. Be extremely cautious when photographing or filming, especially near government buildings, military installations, or public demonstrations.

Dual Nationals

If you hold dual nationality including Guinea-Bissau citizenship, you must enter and exit using your Guinea-Bissau passport. Contact the Guinea-Bissau embassy for specific requirements. Be aware that Guinea-Bissau may not recognize your other nationality while you're in the country, which can affect consular assistance from your other country of nationality.