Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Bahraini passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Guinea-Bissau. Show up at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport, pay the fee in cash, and get your visa stamped on the spot. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for Bahraini citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Bissau. Pay the fee in cash — EUR or CFA francs accepted. Have a passport photo ready. | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Guinea-Bissau. Airlines enforce this at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Bissau airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or digital confirmation ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers occasionally ask for it during visa-on-arrival processing. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least €200 or equivalent in cash, or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Officers may ask to see it at the visa counter. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash. Cards are not accepted. Bring euros or CFA francs in small denominations. US dollars may be accepted but not guaranteed.
Yellow fever vaccine recommended
While not always checked for Bahraini arrivals, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is officially required. Carry your yellow card to avoid any issues at immigration.
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. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee is typically around 55,000 XOF (about €85) for a single-entry visa. Pay in cash — euros or CFA francs are accepted. US dollars may also work but bring small denominations.
3
Get your visa stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa. Check the validity dates before walking away. The process usually takes 10–20 minutes.
4
Proceed to passport control
After getting the visa, go to the main passport control queue. Show your passport with the new visa. They may ask for your return ticket again.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs declaration form for personal items.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 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 (approx. $60 USD)
Apply at embassy in advance for guaranteed entry. Same cost as visa on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
Allows multiple entries. Useful for regional travel.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. $150–300 USD)
Requires employer or school sponsorship. Apply at embassy.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in euros or CFA francs at the airport. Exact change recommended. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are enforced at immigration. Avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry issues. | Unknown (varies, typically ~$10–20 USD per day) |
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
Bahrain holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, visa-on-arrival is available if you need to enter the country.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsOsvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
Health & vaccines for Guinea-Bissau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk. Bahrain is not endemic, but proof may be requested if transiting through endemic areas.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is widespread throughout Guinea-Bissau, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis is strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Dengue outbreaks occur, particularly during rainy season. Use mosquito repellent and sleep under nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Contaminated food and water are common. Drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round, with highest transmission in rural areas. Atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline prophylaxis 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
Direção Geral de Migração e Estrangeiros
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Bissau
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Bissau
Osvaldo Vieira International Airport Immigration Desk
Airport terminal, Bissau
Open during flight arrivals/departures
For visa-on-arrival processing and entry/exit stamps. Have documents ready.
Practical information for BH 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 = 563.41 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 visa-on-arrival fee is about 55,000 XOF (West African CFA francs), which is roughly €85. You can pay in euros, CFA francs, or sometimes US dollars. Bring cash — cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
The visa on arrival typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. The exact duration is stamped in your passport at the airport. Check it before leaving the counter.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers over 9 months old arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Bahrain is not a risk country, but if you've traveled to an endemic area recently, you'll need proof. Even if not, it's strongly recommended — carry your yellow card.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. Land border crossings may not offer this facility. If entering overland, check with the nearest Guinea-Bissau embassy before travel.
Guinea-Bissau has a high crime rate, especially in Bissau. Avoid walking alone at night, don't display valuables, and use registered taxis. Political instability is also a concern. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.