Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 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
Kenyan 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 Kenyans.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your full stay | At least 6 months validity beyond your entry date. Minimum 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Airlines may deny boarding if validity is too close. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Officers check this regularly | A confirmed flight out of the country. Immigration may ask to see this — have a screenshot ready on your phone. An onward ticket from a neighbouring country also works. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel name or address | A hotel booking confirmation, or the address of where you are staying. The arrival form often asks for this. A Booking.com or Airbnb confirmation email is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Rarely checked | Immigration officers may ask you to demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay. A credit card or bank statement usually suffices. | Recommended |
Cash is king
ATMs in Guinea-Bissau are unreliable and often out of cash. Bring enough Euros or CFA francs for the visa fee and your first few days. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels.
Yellow fever certificate required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) upon arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (if available).
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. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash — Euros or CFA francs. The fee is typically around €50-80. Keep the receipt.
3
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter.
4
Proceed to passport control
Present your passport with the new visa. You may be asked a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying). Answer clearly.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, pick up your bags and walk through customs. There's usually no baggage check for tourists.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 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
Cost55,000 XOF (~$90 USD)
Obtainable on arrival or at embassy. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost110,000 XOF (~$180 USD)
Requires prior application at embassy. Allows multiple entries.
work visa
Temporary Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~200,000 XOF (~$330 USD)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Guinea-Bissau employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~100,000 XOF (~$165 USD)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in Guinea-Bissau. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (CFA francs) upon arrival at airport or border. | 55,000 XOF (~$90 USD) |
| Overstay fineApplicable if stay exceeds visa validity. | 5,000 XOF (~$8 USD) per day, max 50,000 XOF (~$80 USD) |
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
Kenya 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 for travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission risk (including Kenya).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas.
Food/waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Risk of cholera, typhoid, and traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high year-round in all regions. 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 08:00–15:30
Handles visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Practical information for KE 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 fee is typically around €50-80 (about 33,000-52,000 CFA francs). Pay in cash — Euros or CFA francs are accepted. Credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
The visa on arrival is usually valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — you'd need to visit the immigration office in Bissau. It's easier to plan your trip within the initial validity.
Yes, the yellow fever vaccine is required for entry. You'll need to show your vaccination certificate (the yellow card) at immigration. Get it at least 10 days before travel.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6 months are counted from your date of entry into Guinea-Bissau.
No, there is no e-visa system for Guinea-Bissau. The only option for Kenyan passport holders is the visa on arrival at the airport.
Your passport (with 6+ months validity), a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Having travel insurance and a yellow fever certificate ready is also smart.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. Land border crossings may have different rules — it's safer to fly in.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 23, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.