Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Colombia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 22, 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
Colombian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Guinea-Bissau. You'll handle the paperwork at the airport in Bissau — no need to visit an embassy beforehand. This policy is current as of 2026.
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 XOF) — around €55–€85 depending on nationality. Have two passport photos and a printed hotel booking ready.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Colombian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Guinea-Bissau. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guinea-Bissau | Immigration at Bissau airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Without one, you may be refused entry or asked to buy a ticket at the counter. A printed itinerary works fine. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Guinea-Bissau. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process. A simple booking confirmation is enough. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Carry enough cash (EUR or XOF) or a credit card to show you can support yourself. Immigration rarely asks, but having €200–€300 in cash avoids any issues. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or CFA francs. No credit cards, no ATMs nearby. Bring enough to cover the fee plus a little extra for incidentals.
Visa on arrival only at Bissau airport
This facility is only available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. If you enter by land from Senegal or Guinea, you must have a visa arranged in advance.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. There's a dedicated counter for visa-on-arrival — look for the 'Visa on Arrival' sign. Join the queue and have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation details ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form at the counter. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and purpose of visit. Keep it simple — 'tourism' works.
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is around 55,000 XOF (about $90 USD) — bring cash in euros or CFA francs. Credit cards are not accepted. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa and proceed to passport control
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa. Double-check the validity dates before walking away. Then head to passport control for entry.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 22, 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
Cost55 EUR (~$60 USD)
Obtainable on arrival or at embassy. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost90 EUR (~$98 USD)
Available on request at embassy; allows multiple entries.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost70 EUR (~$76 USD)
Requires invitation letter from a Guinea-Bissau company.
work visa
Temporary Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Guinea-Bissau employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in Guinea-Bissau. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival fee (single entry)Payable in EUR or USD cash upon arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. | 55 EUR (~$60 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are enforced; pay at immigration office before departure. | ~$5 USD per day, max $100 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete 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
Colombia passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsOsvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
Health & vaccines for Guinea-Bissau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission, including Colombia.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and mosquito nets.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. 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
Serviço de Migração e Fronteiras (SMF)
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Bissau
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Handles visa extensions and overstay payments. Bring passport, photo, and fee in cash.
Practical information for CO 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 fee is about 55,000 West African CFA francs (XOF), which is roughly $90 USD. Bring cash in euros or CFA — no credit cards accepted at the counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and re-enter.
Visa on arrival is only available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. If you're entering by land from Senegal or Guinea, you need to arrange a visa beforehand at a Guinea-Bissau embassy.
Guinea-Bissau requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Colombia is not on that list, but it's still recommended to get the vaccine and carry the certificate — border officials sometimes ask.
Expect 20–40 minutes at the counter, depending on how many flights arrived at the same time. The airport is small, so queues move reasonably fast.
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires sooner, you'll be denied entry. Renew your passport first.
Guinea-Bissau has some safety concerns — petty crime is common in Bissau, and political tensions can flare up. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 22, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.