Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Austria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Austrian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Guinea-Bissau. As of 2026, you simply show up at the airport in Bissau, pay the fee, and receive your visa. No need to apply in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Austrian passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Guinea-Bissau. Airlines check this before boarding, so verify your passport's expiry date before heading to the airport. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Obtain at the airport upon arrival | You get a visa on arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. Have cash in euros or CFA francs ready for the fee — the exact amount varies, but expect around €55–€85. No online application is needed, but bring a passport photo just in case. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guinea-Bissau | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone showing your flight out of Guinea-Bissau within your intended stay. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Guinea-Bissau. Immigration may ask where you're staying, and having this ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or cash on hand to demonstrate you have enough money for your stay. There's no fixed minimum, but showing at least €200–€300 for a short trip is a safe bet. | Recommended |
Cash only at immigration
The visa fee must be paid in cash — euros or CFA francs. There are no ATMs before immigration, so bring enough cash with you. Change is rarely given, so have the exact amount ready.
Visa validity check
Always check the dates on your visa sticker before leaving the counter. Mistakes happen — if the validity is shorter than expected, ask the officer to correct it immediately.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. There's a dedicated counter for visa on arrival. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot), and accommodation booking ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
The fee is paid in cash at the counter. Euros or CFA francs are accepted. As of 2026, the cost is around €55 or 35,000 XOF. Keep the receipt.
3
Receive your visa
The officer will stamp or stick the visa into your passport. Check that the validity dates are correct before walking away. The process usually takes 10–15 minutes.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
After immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. No additional forms are needed.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Austria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€70 (~$77 USD)
Apply at Guinea-Bissau embassy in Vienna or nearest embassy; allows single entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€120 (~$132 USD)
Requires embassy application; suitable for frequent travellers.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
Requires invitation letter from a Guinea-Bissau company.
work visa
Autorização de Trabalho (Work Permit)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$220 USD) per year
For those with a job offer from a Guinea-Bissau employer. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and police clearance. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Visto de Estudante (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (~$110 USD) per year
For enrolment in a recognised educational institution in Guinea-Bissau. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Visto de Investidor (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a local business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in euros or US dollars at the border; cash only. | €55 (~$60 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)Available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport; cash only. | €85 (~$93 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure. | €5 (~$5.50 USD) per day, max €500 (~$550 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Guinea-Bissau
No transit visa needed
Austrian passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsOsvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB), Bissau
Health & vaccines for Guinea-Bissau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission; may be required for all travellers depending on current regulations.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMeningitis (ACWY)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists but can occur in areas with poor sanitation; drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, including urban areas. CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine prophylaxis.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Bissau
Serviço de Migração e Estrangeiros (SME)
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Bissau
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Main immigration office for visa extensions and overstay fines; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Bafatá
Delegação do SME Bafatá
Rua Principal, Bafatá
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for inland travellers; limited services, call ahead.
Practical information for AT travellers
Country basics
CapitalBissau
LanguagePortuguese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyWest African CFA franc (XOF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 561.56 XOF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,E,FTypes C (Europlug), E (French), and F (Schuko) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
As of 2026, the fee is approximately €55 or 35,000 West African CFA francs (XOF). Pay in cash — euros or CFA are both accepted. Credit cards are not accepted at the immigration counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you would need to exit and re-enter.
The visa on arrival typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. The exact duration is written on the visa sticker — check it before leaving the counter.
Guinea-Bissau requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Even if you're coming directly from Austria, it's strongly recommended to get the vaccine and carry the certificate — immigration may ask.
Visa on arrival is available at all official entry points, including land borders. The process is the same — pay the fee and get the visa. However, land border crossings can be less predictable; carry extra cash and patience.
No, Guinea-Bissau does not offer an e-visa for Austrian passport holders. The only option is visa on arrival.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a printed or digital copy of your return ticket, and your first night's accommodation booking. That's it. No visa application form, no photo — just show up and pay.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.