Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Belgium passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Belgian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Guinea-Bissau. As of 2026, you just show up at Bissau's airport, pay the fee, and get your visa on the spot. No need to apply in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Bissau. Pay in cash — EUR or CFA francs accepted, around €55–€85 depending on nationality. Have two passport photos ready. | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Belgian passport needs at least one blank page for the visa sticker. No minimum validity beyond your stay is required, but airlines sometimes enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guinea-Bissau | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. A flight out of Bissau or a bus/ferry ticket to Senegal works. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely check it, but having it avoids delays at the visa-on-arrival counter. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificate Required for entry | Guinea-Bissau requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. Carry the International Certificate of Vaccination — officers check it at the visa counter. | Required |
Cash is king
ATMs are scarce in Guinea-Bissau, and card payments are rare. Bring enough euros or CFA francs for your entire stay, including the visa fee. Exchange money at the airport or a bank.
Visa on arrival only at the airport
This facility is only available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. If you enter by land, you must have a visa arranged in advance.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport
You'll land at Bissau's main airport. Follow signs to immigration. There's a dedicated counter for visa on arrival.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete. Have your passport and flight details handy.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in cash (usually EUR or XOF). As of 2026, it's around €55-85 depending on nationality. Have exact change if possible.
4
Receive your visa and enter
The officer will stamp your passport and issue the visa. You're then free to proceed to baggage claim and exit.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Belgium Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost55 EUR (~60 USD)
Apply at embassy or on arrival. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost90 EUR (~98 USD)
Allows multiple entries; extension possible for each stay.
work visa
Temporary Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~200 EUR (~218 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Guinea-Bissau. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~100 EUR (~109 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or XOF) upon arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. | 55 EUR (~60 USD) |
| Overstay fineApplicable if you exceed the visa-on-arrival stay period (usually 30 days). | 500 XOF (~0.85 USD) per day, max 50,000 XOF (~85 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
Belgium passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsOsvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
Health & vaccines for Guinea-Bissau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission; certificate may be checked upon entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
Food/waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
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 08:00–15:00
Bring passport, visa-on-arrival receipt, and proof of funds for extension requests.
Practical information for BE 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 = 563.11 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
No. Belgian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. No prior application is needed.
The fee is typically around €55 to €85, depending on your nationality and the current rate. Pay in cash — euros or West African CFA francs (XOF) are accepted. Have exact change if possible.
The standard visa on arrival is usually valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — check with the immigration office in Bissau if you need to stay longer.
Visa on arrival is only guaranteed at the airport. If you enter by land border (e.g., from Senegal or Guinea), you may need to arrange a visa in advance. Check with the nearest Guinea-Bissau embassy.
Extensions are possible but not automatic. You'll need to visit the immigration office in Bissau. The process can take a few days, and there is a fee. It's best to plan your stay within the initial 30 days.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Travel insurance is not mandatory but recommended.
Guinea-Bissau is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime can occur in Bissau. Avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables out of sight, and use registered taxis. The country is politically stable but can have occasional protests.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.