Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Germany passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
German passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Guinea-Bissau in 2026. The process is straightforward at Bissau's Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. Just have your documents ready and pay the fee in cash.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Guinea-Bissau. Airlines at departure may enforce a 6-month validity rule, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Obtain at the airport upon arrival | You get a visa on arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. Have cash (EUR or XOF) ready for the fee — around €55–€85 depending on nationality. The queue can be slow, so factor in 20–40 minutes after landing.Check MFA website | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guinea-Bissau | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. A flight out of the country within your intended stay is sufficient. Airlines may also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Having a hotel reservation or a letter from your host speeds things up at the visa-on-arrival counter. A simple booking confirmation printout works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers rarely ask, but carrying around €200–€300 in cash or having a bank statement ready covers you if they do. ATMs are scarce outside Bissau. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — no cards accepted. Bring CFA francs or euros. ATMs in Bissau are unreliable, so carry enough cash for your first few days.
Yellow fever vaccination required
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) to enter Guinea-Bissau. Get it at least 10 days before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Present your documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Pay the visa fee in cash (CFA francs or euros). The officer will process your visa.
3
Receive your visa and proceed to passport control
Once the visa is stamped in your passport, go to the main immigration queue. Show your passport and boarding pass. You're in.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 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 / ~$60 USD
Apply at embassy or on arrival; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€110 / ~$120 USD
Available on request at embassy; allows multiple entries.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD
For those with a job offer in Guinea-Bissau. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in Guinea-Bissau. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in EUR or USD cash at the airport upon arrival. | €55 / ~$60 USD |
| Overstay fineOverstaying beyond the 30-day visa period incurs fines; settle before departure. | ~$10 USD per day, max $200 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
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
German passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau do not need a 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 if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; certificate may be checked.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueHigh risk
Common in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance essential.
CholeraModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide; CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine prophylaxis.
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
Handles visa extensions and residence permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Practical information for DE 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 typically around 55,000 XOF (about €85). Pay in CFA francs or euros — cards are not accepted. Bring exact change if possible.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at most official land border crossings, but the process is smoothest at Bissau airport. At land borders, have cash ready and expect less English spoken.
Usually 15–30 minutes at the airport, depending on the queue. The officer processes it on the spot.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a longer visa before travel through a Guinea-Bissau embassy.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. Carry your WHO yellow card — border officials may check it.
No, it's not mandatory for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical facilities in Guinea-Bissau are basic, and evacuation to Europe can cost thousands.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.