Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Estonia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Estonian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Guinea-Bissau. You don't need to apply before your trip — just show up at the airport or land border with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry procedure for Estonians.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Bissau. Have 55 EUR or 35,000 XOF in cash ready for the visa fee — the ATM at the airport is unreliable. You'll fill out a short form and hand over a passport photo.Visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Valid passport | Your Estonian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Guinea-Bissau. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return or onward ticket | Immigration officers at Bissau airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or next-destination ticket ready — they may refuse entry without it. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Proof of accommodation | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Officers may ask where you're staying, and having a printed address speeds things up. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Proof of funds | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to about 150 EUR per day of your stay. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you'll need to show you can cover your expenses. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — no cards accepted. Bring euros or West African CFA francs (XOF) in small denominations. ATMs in Bissau are unreliable, so carry enough for the fee and a few days of expenses.
Yellow fever vaccine recommended
While not always checked for direct arrivals from Europe, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is officially required. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel and carry the certificate — it may be requested at immigration.
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 at the designated counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete — name, passport number, purpose of visit, duration. A pen is handy; counters sometimes don't have one.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash — EUR or XOF. The officer will give you a receipt. Keep it safe.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp and affix the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before stepping away.
5
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa and your boarding pass. Answer any questions about your stay. Then collect your bags.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Estonia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost55 EUR (~$60 USD)
Obtainable at embassy or on arrival. Same as visa on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost90 EUR (~$98 USD)
Must be applied for at embassy in advance; allows multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (business/visit)
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
Cost150 EUR (~$163 USD)
Requires invitation letter and embassy application. For extended stays.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) at the border. Valid for up to 30 days. | 55 EUR (~$60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap unknown; avoid overstay to prevent fines and future entry issues. | 5 EUR (~$5.50 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
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
Estonia holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau's international airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsOsvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB)
Health & vaccines for Guinea-Bissau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission; certificate may be requested at entry.
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
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Guinea-Bissau. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for all travellers.
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 08:00–15:00
Main immigration office for extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Bafatá
Delegação do SMF Bafatá
Rua Principal, Bafatá
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for inland travellers. Limited services; best to handle in Bissau.
Practical information for EE 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 = 574.19 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 standard visa on arrival is usually valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — you'd need to visit the immigration office in Bissau before your visa expires.
Extensions are technically possible but not straightforward. You'll need to go to the Serviço de Migração e Estrangeiros in Bissau, provide a reason, and pay a fee. It's easier to plan your stay within the initial 30 days.
Visa on arrival is also available at major land border crossings, but the process may be slower and less organized. Have all documents ready and expect to pay in cash (EUR or XOF).
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers over 1 year old arriving from endemic countries. Even if you're coming directly from Estonia, it's strongly recommended to have the vaccine and carry the certificate — immigration may ask.
No — only cash is accepted at the visa on arrival counter. Bring euros or West African CFA francs (XOF). ATMs in Bissau are unreliable, so carry enough cash for the fee and initial expenses.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Guinea-Bissau has periodic political instability and limited medical infrastructure. 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 June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.