Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Iraq passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Iraqi passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Guinea-Bissau. Fly into Osvaldo Vieira International Airport and handle the visa at the counter before immigration. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for Iraqi citizens.
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. The process takes 15–30 minutes depending on the queue.Check MFA website | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Guinea-Bissau. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guinea-Bissau | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. A printed itinerary or a digital copy on your phone works. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers rarely check this, but having it printed saves time if asked. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support your stay | Carry at least 500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in Bissau. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — Euros or West African CFA francs. There is no ATM or card payment at the visa counter. Bring enough cash to cover the fee and any unexpected costs.
Yellow fever vaccination required
Guinea-Bissau requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers over 1 year old. Even if you're not from a yellow fever endemic country, carry your vaccination card. You may be asked for it 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'. There's a dedicated counter for visa-on-arrival processing. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation details ready.
2
Pay the visa fee and receive your visa
The visa fee is paid in cash (usually EUR or XOF). As of 2026, the cost is around €55–€85 depending on your nationality. You'll get a visa sticker placed in your passport.
3
Proceed to passport control
After receiving your visa, go to the passport control queue. Show your passport with the new visa, your boarding pass, and any requested documents. The officer will stamp you in.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, pick up your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There's usually no baggage inspection for tourists.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 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~$60 USD (via embassy)
Must apply at Guinea-Bissau embassy abroad; not available online.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (via embassy)
Requires letter of invitation and proof of sufficient funds.
work visa
Temporary Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Guinea-Bissau employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival entry feePayable at Bissau airport or land borders in euros or CFA francs. | 55 EUR / ~$60 USD (cash only) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay is not officially permitted; fines are negotiated at immigration. | ~$10 USD per day (estimated, no official cap) |
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
Transit visa is not required for Iraq holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau if staying airside and not passing immigration. However, due to limited international flights, most transits require overnight stays and entry.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsOsvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
Health & vaccines for Guinea-Bissau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission (including Iraq if transiting through endemic areas).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season; use mosquito repellent.
Food/waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Tap water is unsafe; avoid street food and drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Atovaquone/proguanil or doxycycline prophylaxis is strongly recommended.
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 permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Practical information for IQ 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 = 563.41 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 visa on arrival fee is typically between €55 and €85, payable in cash (Euros or West African CFA francs). Bring exact change if possible. Prices can change, so check with your airline or the Guinea-Bissau embassy before travel.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before travel or leave and re-enter.
You may be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at immigration. Always have a confirmed onward or return ticket before you fly.
Yes, Guinea-Bissau requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers over 1 year old arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Iraq is not a yellow fever endemic country, but if you've recently travelled to an endemic area, you'll need proof. Check with your doctor.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. Land border crossings may not offer this facility, so it's safest to fly in. If entering by land, check with the nearest Guinea-Bissau embassy beforehand.
You'll need your passport (valid 6+ months), a printed or digital copy of your return/onward ticket, and sometimes proof of accommodation. The officer may also ask for a passport photo, so carry one just in case.
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. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.