Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Irish 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 with your documents and pay the fee at the immigration counter. 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. Have 55 EUR or 60 USD 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 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'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers ask for a return or onward ticket at the visa-on-arrival counter. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they won't accept a verbal promise. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Guinea-Bissau. Officers occasionally ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to about 500 EUR to show you can cover your stay. Immigration rarely checks this, but it's safer to have it ready. | Recommended |
Cash only at immigration
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or XOF. No credit cards, no ATM nearby. Bring small denominations to avoid change issues.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Guinea-Bissau requires proof of yellow fever vaccination. Carry your yellow card — it may be checked at immigration. Without it, you could be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Bissau Airport
You'll arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a separate counter for visa-on-arrival applicants.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation booking. The officer will check your passport validity and blank page.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash — euros or West African CFA francs (XOF). Keep small bills; change may be limited. Get a receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates before you walk away.
5
Proceed to passport control
After getting your visa, join the main passport control queue. They'll stamp you in. Then collect your luggage and exit.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Apply at Guinea-Bissau embassy abroad; same as visa on arrival but pre-arranged.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply at embassy.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Paid in cash (EUR or XOF) at the airport upon arrival. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD), max cap unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Expired passport20%
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
Ireland passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau do not need a transit 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 at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide; use mosquito repellent, nets, and take prophylactic medication (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline).
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 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and overstay fines. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash (XOF).
Practical information for IE 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 = 563.11 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
Expect to pay around €55–€85 (or equivalent in XOF). The exact amount can vary slightly. Pay in cash — euros or West African CFA francs. Credit cards are not accepted at the immigration counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You'll need to leave before it expires. If you want to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
The standard stay is up to 30 days, though the exact duration is at the discretion of the immigration officer. Check the validity dates on your visa sticker before leaving the counter.
Yes, Guinea-Bissau requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card) — it may be checked at immigration.
Visa on arrival is available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. Land border crossings may not offer this facility. If you're entering by road, check with the nearest embassy or consulate beforehand.
Yes, you can apply for an e-visa before travel. The official e-visa portal is not always reliable, so the visa on arrival is the most common method. If you prefer certainty, contact the Guinea-Bissau embassy in your region.
Your passport (6+ months validity, 1 blank page), a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly recommended.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.