Equatorial Guinea entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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

Swiss passport holders need an eVisa to enter Equatorial Guinea. The application is online and must be approved before travel. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival option for Swiss citizens.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
Apply for an Equatorial Guinea eVisa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Processing takes several business days — submit at least 2 weeks before departure. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover entire stay
Your Swiss passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Equatorial Guinea. Have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure
Immigration officers at Malabo and Bata airports routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Equatorial Guinea. Immigration may ask where you are staying during your visit.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show sufficient cash or card
Have at least 200,000 CFA francs (or equivalent in EUR/USD) in cash or a credit card with available balance. Immigration may ask how you will support yourself during the trip.Recommended
No visa on arrival
Swiss passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Equatorial Guinea. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Airlines will check this at check-in.
eVisa processing time
Apply for your eVisa at least two weeks before departure. Processing can take up to a week, and there is no rush service. Don't leave it to the last minute.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Equatorial Guinea eVisa website and fill out the application. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes a few business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get the eVisa by email. Print a paper copy and also save a digital version on your phone. You'll need to show it at the airport check-in and on arrival.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
Before you leave Switzerland, gather your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation booking. Keep them in your carry-on for easy access.
4
Arrive at Malabo or Bata airport
You'll land at Malabo International Airport (SSG) on Bioko Island or Bata Airport (BSG) on the mainland. Follow signs to immigration. Have your passport, eVisa, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in.
Download Equatorial Guinea Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (approx. CHF 90)

Apply at embassy; requires invitation letter or hotel booking.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, up to 90 days total
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$200 USD (approx. CHF 180)

Allows multiple entries; useful for regional travel.

Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (approx. CHF 135)

Requires company invitation letter and proof of business.

work visa
Work Permit / Residence Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. CHF 450) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Equatorial Guinea. Requires employer to sponsor and provide contract. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. CHF 180) plus enrollment proof
For enrollment in recognized educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Swiss passport holders; payable online.~$100 USD (approx. CHF 90)
Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity; avoid by leaving on time.~$50 USD per day (max cap unknown)

Common reasons for entry denial

Incomplete visa application30%
No return ticket25%
Insufficient funds20%

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 Equatorial Guinea

No transit visa needed

Swiss passport holders transiting through Equatorial Guinea airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If leaving the airport or passing immigration, a visa is required.
Transit hubsMalabo International Airport (SSG) · Bata Airport (BSG)

Health & vaccines for Equatorial Guinea

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; certificate may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.

CholeraLow risk

Rare in travelers; food and water precautions advised.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is endemic year-round; use mosquito repellent, nets, and consider prophylactic medication like atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Malabo
Dirección General de Migración
Calle de la Independencia, Malabo
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and photos.

Bata
Oficina de Migración de Bata
Avenida de la Libertad, Bata
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00

Regional office for mainland; services similar to Malabo.

Practical information for CH travellers

Country basics
CapitalMalabo
LanguageSpanish, French, Portuguese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyCentral African CFA franc (XAF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 563.11 XAF
updated May 19
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C (two round pins) and Type E (two round pins with a hole for the male grounding pin).
⚠ 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
Police114
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but it can vary. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe. There is no expedited option.
The official eVisa fee is around $100–$150 depending on the type and duration. Check the official portal for the exact amount — it changes occasionally.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply. Plan your trip within the allowed period.
Yes, Equatorial Guinea requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Switzerland is not a risk country, but if you have recently travelled to one, you'll need the certificate. Check with your doctor.
There is no visa-on-arrival for Swiss passport holders. If you arrive without an approved eVisa, you will be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. Do not travel without it.
The country is generally safe for travellers, but petty crime like pickpocketing can happen in cities. Avoid walking alone at night in Malabo or Bata. Stick to well-known areas and keep valuables out of sight.
The currency is the Central African CFA franc (XAF). Euros are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants, but you'll need local cash for markets and taxis. ATMs are available in Malabo and Bata but can be unreliable — bring enough cash.

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.