Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Bulgaria 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
Bulgarian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at airports and land borders in Guinea-Bissau. You pay the fee and receive the visa at the immigration counter — no prior application needed. This policy is current as of 2026.
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 XOF (West African CFA) — expect around €55–€85 depending on your nationality. Have a passport photo ready.Check MFA website | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your Bulgarian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Guinea-Bissau. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight out of Guinea-Bissau. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they may refuse entry without it. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Guinea-Bissau. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays at the visa-on-arrival counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or bank statement | Bring enough cash (EUR or XOF) to cover your stay — around €50–€100 per day is a safe estimate. ATMs are scarce outside Bissau, and credit cards are rarely accepted. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash. Cards are not accepted. Bring euros or West African CFA francs (XOF) in small denominations. ATMs in Bissau are unreliable and often out of cash.
Yellow fever vaccine mandatory
You must have the yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) to enter Guinea-Bissau. Without it, you risk being denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the border. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau) or any land border, go to the 'Visa on Arrival' counter. There's no separate queue — just join the main immigration line and tell the officer you need a visa.
2
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation address. Pay the visa fee in cash (EUR or XOF). The officer will process the visa — expect 5–15 minutes.
3
Receive visa and enter
The visa sticker is placed in your passport. Check that the validity dates and your name are correct before leaving the counter. Then proceed to baggage claim.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria 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 date
Cost70 EUR (~77 USD)
Apply at Guinea-Bissau embassy in Sofia or nearest embassy; requires invitation letter.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost100 EUR (~110 USD)
Requires proof of multiple trips or business purpose; embassy processing.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost80 EUR (~88 USD)
Requires invitation letter from a Guinea-Bissau company.
work visa
Autorização de Trabalho (Work Permit)
1 year, renewable annually
~200 EUR (~220 USD) per year
For foreigners with a job offer from a Guinea-Bissau employer. Requires employer sponsorship, labour ministry approval, and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Visto de Estudante (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~100 EUR (~110 USD) per year
For enrolment in a recognised educational institution in Guinea-Bissau. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Visto de Investidor (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~500 EUR (~550 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing at least 50,000 EUR in a Guinea-Bissau business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (euros or CFA francs) at the airport upon arrival. | 55 EUR (~60 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry, up to 90 days)Available at the same point of entry; requires justification for multiple entries. | 85 EUR (~93 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure; overstay may affect future visits. | 5,000 XOF (~8 USD) per day, max 50,000 XOF (~80 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
Bulgaria 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 aged 9 months and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission; Bulgaria is not endemic, but proof may be requested if transiting through endemic areas.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, Polio, Influenza)Essential
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 travellers; ensure safe drinking water and food hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is endemic year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) is strongly 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
Serviço de Migração e Estrangeiros (SME)
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Bissau
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Main office for visa extensions and overstay fines; bring passport, visa, and fee in cash (CFA francs).
Bafatá
Delegação do SME 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 BG 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 = 564.01 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 typically between €55 and €85, payable in cash. You can use euros or West African CFA francs (XOF). Bring small denominations — change may not be available.
Both. The visa on arrival is available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau and at all official land border crossings. The process is the same — show your passport, pay the fee, and receive the visa.
The standard visa on arrival is usually valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — you'd need to visit the immigration office in Bissau before your visa expires.
Yes, the yellow fever vaccine is required for all travellers over 9 months old. You must carry the International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card). Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the border (at your own cost).
Extensions are possible but not automatic. You must apply at the Serviço de Migração e Fronteiras (immigration office) in Bissau before your current visa expires. The process can take a few days and costs around 5,000–10,000 XOF. Overstaying is fined.
Immigration may refuse entry. A confirmed onward ticket (flight, bus, or ferry) is a standard requirement. If you're overlanding, a bus ticket to a neighbouring country usually satisfies this.
Guinea-Bissau has a high crime rate in Bissau and political instability. Avoid non-essential travel outside the capital. Register with the Bulgarian embassy in Dakar (Senegal) or the EU consular office in Bissau for updates.
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.