Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
Australian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Guinea-Bissau. Just show up at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau with the right documents and cash. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for Australians.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Australian passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Guinea-Bissau. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Guinea-Bissau immigration, but airlines may enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guinea-Bissau | Immigration officers at Bissau airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure within the visa-on-arrival validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly 500 USD to demonstrate you can cover your stay. Immigration may ask for this at entry. | Recommended |
| Visa on arrival Obtain visa upon landing at Bissau airport | You can get a visa on arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. Pay the fee in cash (around 55–85 EUR or equivalent in CFA francs) — have exact change ready. The process takes 10–15 minutes. | Required |
Cash only at the airport
There are no ATMs at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. Bring enough euros or CFA francs to cover the visa fee (around €85) and any immediate expenses. You can exchange money at banks in Bissau.
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot (which carries risks). Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter. Join the queue and have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
2
Complete the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to fill out — name, passport number, flight details, hotel address. Bring a pen. The form is in French or Portuguese, but staff can help.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in cash. They accept West African CFA francs (XOF) or euros. No card payments. Keep the receipt — you may need it when leaving.
4
Receive your visa and enter
The officer will stamp your passport with a visa-on-arrival sticker. Check the validity dates before walking away. Then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days (extendable up to 90 days)
Validity3 months from issue
Cost55 EUR (~60 USD)
Obtainable on arrival or in advance from an embassy. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry (extendable)
Validity6 months
Cost~90 EUR (~98 USD)
Available from Guinea-Bissau embassies. Allows multiple entries for tourism.
Business visa
Max stay30 days (extendable)
Validity3 months
Cost~70 EUR (~76 USD)
Requires invitation letter from a local company. Apply at embassy.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) at the airport or border. Exact change recommended. | 55 EUR (~60 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are enforced at departure. Avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry issues. | ~10 EUR per day (estimated, no official cap) |
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
Australia passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, most international flights require clearing immigration due to airport layout.
Transit hubsOsvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
Health & vaccines for Guinea-Bissau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission; recommended for all visitors due to endemic risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; use mosquito repellent and sleep under nets.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Guinea-Bissau. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed nets.
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 Fronteiras (SMF)
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Bissau
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash (EUR or XOF).
Bafatá
Delegação do SMF Bafatá
Rua Principal, Bafatá
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for inland travellers. Limited services; may refer to Bissau for complex cases.
Practical information for AU 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 = 558.8 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
The fee is around 55,000 West African CFA francs (XOF), which is roughly €85 or AU$140. They also accept euros. Pay in cash — no cards. The exact amount can vary slightly, so bring a little extra.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to exit and re-enter or apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Guinea-Bissau has a high crime rate, especially in Bissau. Avoid walking alone at night, don't flash valuables, and use registered taxis. The political situation can be unstable — check your government's travel advisory before booking.
Visa on arrival is available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. For land border crossings, you should check with the nearest embassy — policies vary and may require a pre-arranged visa.
Your passport (6+ months validity), a printed or digital copy of your return/onward ticket, proof of first-night accommodation (hotel booking), and your yellow fever vaccination certificate. Have them ready before you reach the counter.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.