Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Italy passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Italian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Guinea-Bissau. You don't need to apply in advance — just show up at the airport in Bissau with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for tourism and short business trips.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Guinea-Bissau. Airlines at check-in may enforce a 6-month validity rule, but immigration in Guinea-Bissau does not require it beyond your stay. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guinea-Bissau | Immigration officers at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have access to at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your stay, especially if you arrive without a return ticket. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or CFA francs. Cards are not accepted. ATMs at the airport are often broken or empty. Bring enough cash to cover the fee (around €55–85) plus a buffer for taxis and meals.
Visa on arrival is straightforward but slow
The process usually takes 15–30 minutes, but can stretch to an hour if multiple flights arrive at once. Be patient, have your documents ready, and don't expect a fast-track option.
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 before the main passport control queue.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form asking for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, and address in Guinea-Bissau. Fill it in while queuing.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, and cash. The officer will process the visa and stamp it into your passport. This usually takes 5–15 minutes.
4
Proceed to passport control
With the visa in your passport, join the main passport control line. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and how long you're staying. Answer briefly and honestly.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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 (~$77 USD)
Apply at Guinea-Bissau embassy in Rome or Paris. Requires invitation letter.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€120 (~$132 USD)
For frequent travellers; must show itinerary.
work visa
Temporary Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$220 USD) plus processing
For those with a job offer from a Guinea-Bissau employer. Requires work contract, police clearance, and medical exam. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (~$110 USD)
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD) plus investment proof
For those investing at least €50,000 in a local business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
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 (~$60 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are enforced at departure; avoid overstaying. | Unknown, but typically ~€10–20 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
Italy 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
- If leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsOsvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB), Bissau
Health & vaccines for Guinea-Bissau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; Italy is not endemic, but proof may be requested if transiting through an endemic area.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitis (ACWY)Consider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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.
Bissau
Direção Geral de Migração
Rua da Guiné, Bissau
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles residency and long-stay permits. Limited English; consider a local fixer.
Practical information for IT 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 = 561.56 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, or 35,000–55,000 CFA francs. It depends on your nationality and the current rate. Pay in cash — euros or CFA are both accepted. Cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a longer-term visa at the Guinea-Bissau embassy before you travel.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 1 year old arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever, or if you've transited through such a country. Italy is not a risk country, but if you've recently been to any African or South American country, you'll need proof. Carry your yellow card.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
ATMs at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport are often out of service or unreliable. Bring enough cash in euros or CFA francs to cover the visa fee and a couple of days' expenses. You can exchange euros at banks or exchange bureaus in the city.
Visa on arrival is primarily available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. Land border crossings may not offer this facility. If you're arriving overland, check with the nearest Guinea-Bissau embassy or consulate beforehand.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel — either a return flight to Italy or a ticket to your next destination. A screenshot or printed itinerary showing your departure from Guinea-Bissau is sufficient.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.