Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Verified May 12, 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
Canadian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Guinea-Bissau. As of 2026, you simply show up at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau with your documents and pay the fee at the immigration counter. No need to apply in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at the airport upon arrival. Have 85 EUR or equivalent in cash ready for the visa fee — the ATM at Osvaldo Vieira Airport is unreliable. Bring two passport-sized photos and a printout of your hotel booking or invitation letter. | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Guinea-Bissau. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately in case of loss. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. A flight booking out of Guinea-Bissau within your intended stay is sufficient — a refundable fare works if your plans are flexible. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers at the visa-on-arrival counter sometimes ask to see where you are staying. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry at least 500 EUR in cash or have a credit card statement showing available funds. The visa officer may ask how you plan to cover your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in West African CFA francs (XOF). There are no ATMs or card machines at the immigration counter. Bring the exact amount in cash — about 55,000 XOF.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You need proof of yellow fever vaccination to enter Guinea-Bissau. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The counter is just past the baggage claim area. There's usually a short queue.
2
Present documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, passport photo, and return ticket. Pay the visa fee in cash (XOF). The officer will process your visa — takes about 10-15 minutes.
3
Receive your visa and enter
Once approved, they'll stamp your passport and give you a visa sticker. Then proceed to the main immigration line for entry. Keep your boarding pass handy in case they ask.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 12, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$70 USD (via embassy)
Apply at Guinea-Bissau embassy in Ottawa or nearest consulate. Longer processing.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$120 USD
Available from embassy; requires letter of invitation and proof of funds.
work visa
Temporary Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer from a Guinea-Bissau employer. Requires work contract, police clearance, and medical certificate. Renewable annually.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For those investing at least $50,000 USD in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. No change given. | 55 EUR (~$60 USD) |
| Overstay fineAssessed at immigration upon departure. Maximum cap unclear; avoid overstay. | ~5 EUR per day (~$5.50 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
Canada passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., overnight layover), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsOsvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB)
Health & vaccines for Guinea-Bissau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission; recommended for all travellers due to risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitis (Meningococcal)Consider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) 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
Direção Geral de Migração e Fronteiras
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Bissau
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Handles visa extensions and residency permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Practical information for CA 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 about 55,000 West African CFA francs (XOF), which is roughly $90 USD. Bring the exact amount in cash — there's no change machine and no card payment.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You get a single entry for the duration stamped at the airport. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter.
Yes, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Guinea-Bissau. Bring your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card) — they may ask for it at immigration.
You'll be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
It's available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. For land border crossings, check with the nearest Guinea-Bissau embassy — policies can vary.
No, there's no e-visa system for Guinea-Bissau. The only option for Canadians is the visa on arrival at the airport.
Immigration may refuse entry. They want proof you'll leave the country. Book a refundable onward ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 12, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.