Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Bissau. Have 55 EUR or 85 USD in cash ready for the visa fee — the airport ATM is unreliable and card payments are not accepted. Bring two passport-sized photos and a printout of your hotel booking or invitation letter. | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport with at least 6 months validity | Your Australian passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Guinea-Bissau. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately in case the original is held for processing. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they may check it at the visa counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Guinea-Bissau. Immigration may ask for this during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged tour operator. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least 500 EUR in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. The visa officer may ask to see evidence of financial means, and card acceptance is limited outside the capital. | Recommended |
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 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry) – pre-arranged
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€55 EUR (~$60 USD)
Apply at Guinea-Bissau embassy abroad; allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry) – pre-arranged
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€85 EUR (~$93 USD)
Requires embassy application; suitable for frequent travellers.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€70 EUR (~$77 USD)
Requires invitation letter from a company in Guinea-Bissau.
work visa
Temporary Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD (processing fee)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Guinea-Bissau employer. Requires work contract, police clearance, and medical certificate. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in Guinea-Bissau. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a local business. Requires business plan, proof of investment, and registration with the investment agency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR or XOF) upon arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. | €55 EUR (~$60 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry, up to 90 days)Available at the airport; confirm with airline before travel. | €85 EUR (~$93 USD) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure; overstay may affect future visits. | ~5,000 XOF (~$8 USD) per day, max 50,000 XOF (~$82 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
Australian 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, a visa on arrival is required.
- Transit without visa only applies to Osvaldo Vieira International Airport.
Transit hubsOsvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
Health & vaccines for Guinea-Bissau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission; may be required for all arrivals depending on current regulations.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round nationwide. Atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine prophylaxis is recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito 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
Direção Geral de Migração e Estrangeiros
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Bissau
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Main office for visa extensions and overstay payments; bring passport, photo, and fee in cash (XOF).
Bissau
Serviço de Migração – Aeroporto Internacional Osvaldo Vieira
Osvaldo Vieira International Airport, Bissau
Open during flight arrivals
Handles visa-on-arrival issuance and some exit formalities.
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 = 565.17 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 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.