Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
British passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Guinea-Bissau. As of 2026, you simply show up at Bissau's Osvaldo Vieira International Airport, pay the fee in cash, and receive your entry stamp. No advance application is needed.
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. Bring two passport-sized photos and a printout of your hotel booking.Check MFA portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs at least one blank page for the visa sticker. Guinea-Bissau does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — just make sure it covers your entire trip. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Bissau airport asks for a return or onward ticket before they issue the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they check this at the visa counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printout of your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. The visa officer may ask to see where you are staying. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least 200 EUR or equivalent in cash on you — the visa counter may ask to see proof you can cover your stay. Cards are rarely accepted outside the capital. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash. There are no ATMs or card machines at the immigration counter. Bring Euros or CFA francs — US dollars may be accepted but change is given in local currency.
Yellow fever vaccination required
You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) to enter Guinea-Bissau. Without it, you may be vaccinated on arrival or refused entry. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport
After landing in Bissau, follow signs to the immigration hall. There's a dedicated counter for visa on arrival — look for the 'Visa on Arrival' sign. Join the queue.
2
Present your documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (if provided), and your return/onward ticket. The officer will tell you the fee — currently around 55,000 XOF (about £70) for a single-entry tourist visa. Pay in cash (Euros or CFA francs are accepted; US dollars may also work). Get a receipt.
3
Receive your visa and enter
The officer stamps your passport with the visa-on-arrival sticker. Check the validity period (usually 30 days). Collect your passport and proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 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 (approx. $60 USD)
Obtainable on arrival or at embassy; extension possible but not guaranteed.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€85 (approx. $93 USD)
Available on arrival; allows multiple entries within validity.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€70 (approx. $77 USD)
Requires invitation letter from a company in Guinea-Bissau.
work visa
Autorização de Trabalho (Work Permit)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a local company. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Visto de Investidor (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
student visa
Visto de Estudante (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For students enrolled at a recognized institution in Guinea-Bissau. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means. Allows part-time work.
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 the airport; must request multiple entry upon arrival. | €85 (approx. $93 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of CFA 150,000 (approx. $250 USD). | CFA 5,000 (approx. $8 USD) per day |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extension is not guaranteed; must apply at immigration office before visa expires. | CFA 20,000 (approx. $33 USD) per 30 days |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
UK passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau's airports do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit without visa allowed for up to 24 hours if staying airside.
- Must have a valid visa for the final destination if required.
Transit hubsOsvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB), Bissau
Health & vaccines for Guinea-Bissau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers aged 9 months and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission; may be required for all travellers if arriving from an endemic area.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible in areas with poor sanitation; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito 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 Estrangeiros (SME)
Avenida dos Combatentes da Liberdade da Pátria, Bissau
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Bafatá
Delegação do SME Bafatá
Rua Principal, Bafatá
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for inland travellers; limited services, call ahead.
Practical information for GB 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 standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa on arrival is about 55,000 West African CFA francs (XOF), which is roughly £70 or €85. You can pay in Euros, CFA francs, or sometimes US dollars. Have the exact amount in cash — there's no card payment.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days from the date of issue. You can extend it once you're in the country by visiting the immigration office in Bissau. Extensions cost around 20,000–30,000 XOF and can add another 30 days.
Yes, in theory. The visa-on-arrival facility is available at some land border crossings, but it's less reliable than at the airport. If you're entering overland, it's safer to arrange an e-visa or check with the nearest embassy beforehand.
Yes, you need proof of yellow fever vaccination (the yellow card) to enter Guinea-Bissau. Immigration officers may ask for it at the airport. If you don't have it, you could be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry.
You will almost certainly be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at the border. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before travelling.
Yes, you can extend your visa once inside Guinea-Bissau. Visit the Immigration and Border Control office in Bissau (near the airport). The extension costs around 20,000–30,000 XOF and can give you an additional 30 days. Bring your passport and a passport photo.
Guinea-Bissau has a high crime rate in Bissau, especially after dark. Avoid walking alone at night, don't display valuables, and use registered taxis. Political instability is also a risk — check your government's travel advisory before booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.