Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for France passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
French passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Guinea-Bissau. As of 2026, you simply show up at the airport in Bissau, pay the fee, and receive your visa. No need to apply in advance.
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 CFA francs are preferred, USD sometimes accepted but not guaranteed. Have two passport photos ready.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your 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 will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket out of Guinea-Bissau. A printed itinerary or a digital copy on your phone works — just make sure it shows a flight leaving within your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host ready. Immigration may ask where you are staying — a booking confirmation with the hotel name and address is enough. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry enough cash or a bank statement showing you can support yourself during your stay. Around 150,000 CFA francs (~$250 USD) for a week is a safe benchmark — officers rarely ask, but better to have it. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or CFA francs. There is no card machine. Bring small denominations to avoid change issues.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Guinea-Bissau. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before departure and carry the certificate with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport
After landing in Bissau, follow signs to the immigration hall. Look for the 'Visa on Arrival' counter — it's usually before the main passport control booths.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a short form to complete. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, and where you're staying. Fill it in while queuing.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over your passport, the completed form, and the fee in cash (euros or CFA). The officer will process it. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp or stick the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away. Then proceed to passport control.
5
Pass through passport control
Show your passport with the fresh visa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly. Then you're in.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€70 (approx. $77 USD)
Apply at Guinea-Bissau embassy in Paris or nearest consulate. Requires invitation letter.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€120 (approx. $132 USD)
Best for frequent travellers. Must show proof of multiple trips.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
Requires employer or school sponsorship. Apply at embassy.
work visa
Autorização de Trabalho (Work Permit)
1 year, renewable annually
€200 (approx. $220 USD) + employer fees
For foreign workers with a local employer. Requires contract, company sponsorship, and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Visto de Estudante (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
€150 (approx. $165 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in Guinea-Bissau. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Visto de Investidor (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
€500 (approx. $550 USD)
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in euros or CFA francs at the airport. Exact change recommended. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry, up to 90 days)Available at Bissau airport. Confirm with immigration officer before payment. | €85 (approx. $93 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure. Avoid overstay to prevent future entry issues. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD), max cap unknown |
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
France passport 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 overnight), 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 countries with yellow fever risk; may be required for all travellers depending on current outbreak status.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitis (ACWY)ConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas during rainy season.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended for high-risk travellers.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Guinea-Bissau, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed nets.
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 office for visa extensions and overstay payments. 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; check with Bissau first.
Practical information for FR 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
The fee is typically between €55 and €85, payable in cash (euros or CFA francs). Exact amount can vary — bring a bit extra just in case. Cards are not accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-enter.
The visa on arrival typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. The exact duration will be written on the visa sticker — check it before leaving the counter.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You may be asked to show it at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, there is no e-visa system for Guinea-Bissau. The only option for French passport holders is the visa on arrival at the airport.
Guinea-Bissau has some safety concerns, including petty crime and occasional political instability. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.