Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Spain 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
Spanish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Guinea-Bissau. As of 2026, you pay the fee at the airport in Bissau and receive a 30-day entry stamp. No advance application needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Bissau. Bring 85 EUR or 55,000 XOF in cash for the single-entry tourist visa — the airport ATM often runs out and card payments are not accepted. Have two passport-size photos ready; the visa counter charges extra if you don't have them.Check MFA requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Guinea-Bissau. Airlines at Madrid (MAD) and Barcelona (BCN) check this strictly before boarding. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Bissau airport asks for a printed or digital onward ticket before stamping you in. A flight out to Dakar, Lisbon, or Praia within 30 days works. Without one, they may deny entry or send you to buy a ticket at the airport counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A simple Booking.com confirmation in your name is enough. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least 300 EUR in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient balance. The visa-on-arrival fee alone is 85 EUR, and there are no reliable ATMs outside Bissau. Officers rarely check, but having cash avoids problems. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — euros or West African CFA francs. There are no ATMs at the airport and card payments are not accepted. Bring enough cash to cover the fee and some extra for transport or emergencies.
Yellow fever vaccine recommended
Even though Spain is not a yellow fever risk country, the vaccine is strongly recommended for travel to Guinea-Bissau. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) — border officials may ask to see it.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash (EUR or XOF CFA). As of 2026, the fee is around €55 or 35,000 XOF. Keep the receipt — you'll need it for the stamp.
3
Receive your visa stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day entry. Check the stamp for correct dates before leaving the counter.
4
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new stamp and your boarding pass. Answer any questions about your stay (purpose, duration, where you're staying).
5
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. Usually straightforward — just declare any large amounts of cash or restricted items.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Spain 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost55 EUR (~60 USD)
Obtainable at embassy or on arrival; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost110 EUR (~120 USD)
Available at embassy; allows multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost200 EUR (~220 USD)
Requires employer or school sponsorship; apply at embassy.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable annually
~200 EUR (~220 USD) plus processing fees
For those with a job offer from a Guinea-Bissau employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
1 year, renewable annually
~100 EUR (~110 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognised institution in Guinea-Bissau. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
2 years, renewable
~500 EUR (~550 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least 50,000 EUR in a local business or real estate. Requires business plan and approval from the Investment Promotion Agency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival feeSingle entry, payable in cash (EUR or XOF) at the border. | 55 EUR (~60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap not officially published; avoid overstay. | 5,000 XOF (~8 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
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
Spain holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or collect luggage), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsOsvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
Health & vaccines for Guinea-Bissau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; may be required for all arrivals depending on current regulations.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMeningitis (ACWY)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis 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, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly 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
Direção Geral de Migração e Estrangeiros
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Bissau
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash (XOF or EUR).
Bafatá
Delegação Regional de Migração
Rua Principal, Bafatá
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for inland travellers; limited services, call ahead.
Practical information for ES 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 = 565.17 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
As of 2026, the fee is approximately €55 or 35,000 West African CFA francs (XOF). Pay in cash at the airport — euros or local currency are accepted. Credit cards are not accepted.
The visa on arrival grants a 30-day stay. If you need longer, you must apply for an extension at the Immigration Office in Bissau before your 30 days expire. Extensions are not guaranteed.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You need to visit the Immigration Office in Bissau (near the Ministry of Interior) with your passport, a completed extension form, and a fee (around 20,000 XOF). Processing takes 1–3 business days. Overstaying without permission can result in fines.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 9 months old arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Spanish travellers are not from a risk country, but the vaccine is still recommended by health authorities. Bring your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) — border officials may ask to see it.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before travel. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Yes, visa on arrival is also available at major land border crossings, such as the border with Senegal (e.g., at São Domingos). The process and fee are the same as at the airport. However, availability can vary — confirm with the nearest embassy if you plan to enter overland.
Guinea-Bissau has a high crime rate in some areas, especially in Bissau. Avoid walking alone at night, don't display valuables, and use registered taxis. Political instability can occur — check your government's travel advisory before booking. Travel insurance with medical evacuation 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.