Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Latvia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Latvian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Guinea-Bissau in 2026. At Osvaldo Vieira International Airport, head to the visa-on-arrival counter, pay the fee in cash (EUR or XOF), and present your documents. The process is straightforward but can be slow — budget at least 30 minutes.
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 single-entry visa fee — the ATM at the airport is unreliable. The process takes 15–30 minutes depending on the queue.Check MFA portal | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport with at least 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Guinea-Bissau. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately — immigration officers sometimes ask for it. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at OXB will ask for a printed or digital onward ticket showing your departure from Guinea-Bissau. Airlines also check this before boarding — have it ready on your phone or as a printout. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Guinea-Bissau. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least 200 EUR or equivalent in cash to show you can support yourself during your stay. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in Bissau — cash is king. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — EUR or XOF. No cards, no mobile money. Bring small bills. There is no ATM at the visa desk.
Passport photos required
You need two passport-sized photos (35x45mm) for the visa application. The airport photo booth is often out of service — bring your own.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
After deplaning, follow the signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated counter for visa-on-arrival applicants. Join the queue — it can be slow, especially if multiple flights land at once.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be handed a small form. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and accommodation address. Use black ink. Keep your passport and photos handy.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, photos, and cash. The officer will process the visa. Payment is in EUR or XOF — no cards. The fee is typically €55–€85.
4
Receive your visa and proceed to passport control
Once the visa is issued (usually 5–15 minutes), the officer will stamp your passport. Then go to the main passport control queue for entry clearance. Show your return ticket if asked.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim. Then proceed through customs (usually a green channel for most tourists). You're in.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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~$80 USD (via embassy)
Apply at Guinea-Bissau embassy in advance; may allow longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$150 USD (via embassy)
For frequent travellers; requires justification.
work visa
Temporary Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer from a Guinea-Bissau employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in Guinea-Bissau. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) upon arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. | 55 EUR (~$60 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay is penalized; avoid by extending or leaving on time. | ~5 EUR per day (~$5.50 USD), max cap unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Latvia passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau (Osvaldo Vieira International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, for most international connections, you will need to clear immigration and obtain a visa on arrival.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you have a confirmed onward ticket and stay airside, no visa is needed for up to 24 hours.
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; may be required for all travellers depending on current regulations.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMeningococcal MeningitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Guinea-Bissau, including urban areas. CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine). Use insect repellent and 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
Direção Geral de Migração e Estrangeiros (DGME)
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Bissau
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash (EUR).
Bissau
Serviço de Fronteiras (Border Police)
Osvaldo Vieira International Airport, Bissau
24/7
Handles visa-on-arrival and entry issues. For urgent matters only.
Practical information for LV 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 = 574.19 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
Yes, but only at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. Land borders and other airports may not offer visa on arrival — you'd need to arrange a visa in advance through an embassy.
The fee is typically €55–€85 (or equivalent in XOF). It varies slightly depending on nationality and the officer's discretion. Bring small bills — they may not have change for large notes.
No. Cash only — EUR or West African CFA francs (XOF). There is no card machine at the visa desk. Bring small denominations.
Usually 15–30 minutes from joining the queue to getting your passport back. But if multiple flights arrive at once, it can take up to an hour. Plan accordingly.
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 visa at a Guinea-Bissau embassy before travel.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Even if not, it's strongly recommended — immigration may ask for proof. Carry your yellow card.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and denied entry by immigration. Renew your passport before travel. No exceptions.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.