Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Chinese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Guinea-Bissau's airports and land borders. This is the standard way to enter for tourism or business in 2026. Have your documents ready and pay the fee in cash.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | You get a visa on arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Bissau. Have your passport, a passport-sized photo, and the visa fee in cash (CFA francs or euros) ready. The process takes 10–20 minutes at the visa counter before immigration. | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Chinese passport needs at least one blank page for the visa sticker. Guinea-Bissau does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — just make sure it covers your entire stay. Airlines at departure may still ask for 6 months, so check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guinea-Bissau | Immigration at OXB asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket before they issue the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or the booking on your phone. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Guinea-Bissau ready. Immigration rarely asks, but having it printed avoids delays at the visa counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry enough cash (CFA francs or euros) or a credit card to cover your stay. Immigration rarely checks, but the visa officer may ask if you look underprepared. A daily budget of €50–€100 is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the airport
ATMs at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport are often out of service or charge high fees. Bring enough euros in cash to cover your visa fee and first few days. CFA francs are also accepted, but exchange rates at the airport are poor.
Yellow fever certificate required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (WHO card) at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot (if available). Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue, hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Pay the fee in cash (euros preferred). You'll get a visa sticker valid for up to 30 days. The process takes 15–30 minutes.
2
Complete immigration form
You'll be given a small arrival card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your name, passport number, flight details, and address in Guinea-Bissau. Keep the departure stub safe — you'll need it when leaving.
3
Proceed to passport control
Hand over your passport with the visa sticker and the completed arrival card. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and how long you're staying. Answer briefly. Once stamped, you're free to collect your luggage and exit.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Apply at Guinea-Bissau embassy abroad; may allow longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€85 (approx. $93 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply at embassy.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Requires invitation letter from a company in Guinea-Bissau.
work visa
Autorização de Trabalho (Work Permit)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $220 USD) per year
For foreign workers with a job offer from a local company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Visto de Estudante (Student Visa)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~€100 (approx. $110 USD) per year
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in Guinea-Bissau. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Visto de Investidor (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $550 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in euros or CFA francs at the airport upon arrival. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry)Available at the airport; confirm with immigration officer. | €85 (approx. $93 USD) |
| Overstay fineNo maximum cap reported; pay at immigration office before departure. | €5 per day (approx. $5.50 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete visa on arrival 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
China passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau's airports 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
- Passengers with a visa for the final destination may transit without additional documentation.
Transit hubsOsvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
Health & vaccines for Guinea-Bissau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission; may be required for all travellers depending on current regulations.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
DengueModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; use mosquito repellent and sleep under nets.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is endemic nationwide, especially during the rainy season (June–November). Atovaquone/proguanil or doxycycline prophylaxis is 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
Main office for visa extensions and overstay fines; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Bafatá
Delegação do SME Bafatá
Rua Principal, Bafatá
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for inland travellers; limited services.
Practical information for CN 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 = 564.8 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 typically around €55–85 (about 36,000–55,000 CFA francs). Pay in euros — they're widely accepted and you avoid bad exchange rates. Bring exact change if possible.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all official land border crossings, not just the airport. The process is similar — show your passport, return ticket, and pay in cash. Expect slightly longer waits at busy crossings.
The visa is usually valid for 30 days from the date of issue. You can extend it once at the immigration office in Bissau for an additional 30 days (fee around €30). Start the extension process at least a week before your visa expires.
Immigration officers may deny entry if you can't show proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket or a cheap bus/ferry out of the country just in case. A screenshot on your phone is acceptable.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Guinea-Bissau. You'll need to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel and carry the WHO yellow card.
No, there is no e-visa system for Guinea-Bissau. The visa on arrival is the standard method for Chinese passport holders. Don't trust unofficial websites offering e-visas — they're scams.
Overstaying can result in a fine of about €20–50 per day, and you may be detained until you pay. If you need more time, visit the immigration office in Bissau (near the airport) to apply for an extension before your visa expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.