Guinea-Bissau customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Guinea-Bissau customs enforcement is unpredictable; the main risk is cash declaration. All rules apply to non-resident adults arriving from abroad in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 liters of wine or beer. Must be 18+. Value up to 50,000 XOF (about 80 USD) duty-free.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$1,600
Declare any amount over 1,000,000 XOF (about 1,600 USD) or equivalent in foreign currency. Use the customs declaration form (available at the airport) and declare to the customs officer. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to 500,000 XOF (about 800 USD). Above this, a flat 20% duty applies on the excess value.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and synthetic drugs)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a permit from the Ministry of Interior
  • Counterfeit currency and goods infringing intellectual property rights
  • Pornographic materials (including digital media)
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste
  • Endangered species and products (e.g., ivory, rhino horn, turtle shells) under CITES

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing controlled substances (e.g., codeine, diazepam) – require prior authorization from the Ministry of Health
  • Plants, seeds, and live animals – require a phytosanitary certificate and import permit
  • Drones and satellite phones – require a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority and Ministry of Communications
  • Cultural artifacts and antiques – require an export permit from the National Institute of Cultural Heritage
  • Commercial quantities of goods (over 500,000 XOF value) – must be declared and duties paid

Arriving: red vs green channel

At Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau), all travellers pass through a single customs area. There is no red/green channel system; you must present your luggage for inspection if asked. Fill out a customs declaration card (provided on the plane or at the airport) and hand it to the officer. If you have nothing to declare, state so.

Bringing medication

Personal medications are allowed for up to 30 days' supply. Carry a doctor's prescription (in English or Portuguese) and keep medicines in original packaging. Narcotics, psychotropics, and codeine-containing drugs are strictly prohibited without prior authorization from the Ministry of Health.

Food, plants & animal products

Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and seeds are banned unless accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin. Processed and packaged foods for personal consumption (up to 5 kg) are allowed but must be declared.

Rules worth knowing

Cash declaration is mandatory

Any amount over 1,000,000 XOF (about 1,600 USD) must be declared on arrival. Failure to do so can lead to confiscation of the entire amount and a fine of up to 50% of the undeclared sum.

No duty-free shops at the airport

Osvaldo Vieira International Airport has no duty-free shops. All goods must be purchased abroad and brought in within the duty-free limits.

Tobacco and alcohol allowances are per person, not per family

Each adult traveller has their own allowance. You cannot combine allowances with family members. Children under 18 have no tobacco or alcohol allowance.

Frequently asked questions

If you stay airside and do not enter Guinea-Bissau, you do not clear customs. However, if you leave the transit area (e.g., to change terminals or collect luggage), you must go through customs and declare any goods.
Yes, personal electronics like a laptop, camera, and smartphone are considered personal effects and are exempt from duty, provided they are not new in box and are for your own use. If you bring multiple units, customs may treat them as commercial goods.
You must pay a flat 20% duty on the value exceeding 500,000 XOF. For example, if your goods are worth 600,000 XOF, you pay 20% on 100,000 XOF (20,000 XOF). Payment is made at the customs office at the airport.
Yes, the same declaration threshold applies: any amount over 1,000,000 XOF (or equivalent in other CFA francs) must be declared. This applies even if the currency is the same (XOF) from another WAEMU country.
Herbal remedies for personal use are allowed, but they must be in original packaging and declared. If they contain any controlled substances (e.g., ephedra, kratom), they are prohibited. It's best to carry a doctor's note.
Gifts are included in the personal goods allowance of 500,000 XOF. If the total value (including the gift) exceeds that, duty applies on the excess. Gifts above 100,000 XOF may be inspected more closely.
Ask the customs officer at the airport for a replacement form. You can also declare verbally, but it's safer to have the written form. Do not leave the customs area without declaring if required.

Official source

Direção-Geral das Alfândegas (General Directorate of Customs) of Guinea-Bissau

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Direção-Geral das Alfândegas (General Directorate of Customs) of Guinea-Bissau before travelling.