Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Nigeria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 2026·View sources
No visa required
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
Nigerian passport holders can enter Guinea-Bissau without a visa for short stays. As of 2026, you just need a valid passport and a few standard documents to show at the border. No visa application, no embassy visit — just show up and get stamped in.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Nigerian passport needs to be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Guinea-Bissau. Airlines check this before boarding. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Guinea-Bissau immigration. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guinea-Bissau | Immigration officers at Bissau airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready. This is a standard check for visa-free arrivals. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or bank statement | Have at least 150,000 CFA francs (about $250 USD) in cash or a bank statement showing available funds. Immigration may ask how you intend to support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
You must carry your yellow fever vaccination card (Carte Jaune) when entering Guinea-Bissau. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to pay for a vaccination at the border. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.
Cash is king in Guinea-Bissau
ATMs are rare outside Bissau, and card payments are not widely accepted. Bring enough CFA francs (XOF) in cash for your stay. You can exchange euros or US dollars at banks or exchange bureaus in Bissau.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport or land border
You'll enter Guinea-Bissau through Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau or one of the land border crossings from Senegal or Guinea. At the airport, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'.
2
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport (valid 6+ months) and be ready to show your return ticket and accommodation booking if asked. The officer will check your details and stamp you in.
3
Receive your entry stamp
The immigration officer will stamp your passport with a visa-free entry. No payment is required. The stamp is usually valid for up to 30 days, but confirm the duration written on the stamp.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then proceed through customs (usually a green channel for most travellers). You're now in Guinea-Bissau.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Work visa
Max stayUp to 2 years, renewable
ValidityVaries based on employment contract
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
Requires a job offer and sponsorship from an employer in Guinea-Bissau.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies, renewable
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
Requires acceptance from a recognized educational institution.
Investor visa
Max stayUp to 5 years, renewable
Validity5 years
Cost~$500 USD (estimated)
Requires significant investment in the country, typically in business or real estate.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Guinea-Bissau. Requires employer sponsorship and a valid work contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (estimated)
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Guinea-Bissau. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For individuals making a significant investment in Guinea-Bissau (e.g., business, real estate). Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension costVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Not applicable |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers short stays; no standard tourist visa available for longer stays. | Not applicable |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)No multiple entry tourist visa available for this passport. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not publicly specified; avoid overstaying. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Nigeria passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, check with the airline as requirements may vary.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsOsvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
Health & vaccines for Guinea-Bissau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Nigeria.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitis (Meningococcal)Consider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is widespread throughout Guinea-Bissau; prophylaxis is strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Dengue outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) is recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under 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
Serviço de Migração e Estrangeiros (SME)
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Bissau
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa-related inquiries and permits.
Bafatá
Delegação do SME em Bafatá
Rua Principal, Bafatá
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for immigration services in the interior.
Practical information for NG 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-free stay is typically up to 30 days. The exact duration will be written on your entry stamp. If you want to stay longer, you'll need to apply for an extension at the immigration office in Bissau before your 30 days are up.
Yes, extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must visit the Serviço de Migração e Fronteiras (Immigration Service) in Bissau before your initial 30 days expire. Bring your passport, a completed application form, and a fee (around 5,000–10,000 XOF, roughly $8–$16). The process can take a few days.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 9 months old arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Nigeria. You'll need to show the certificate at the border. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. If your passport is close to expiring, renew it before you travel. There are no exceptions.
Yes, you can enter Guinea-Bissau by land from Senegal (e.g., at the Pirada border post) or from Guinea (e.g., at the Koundara border post). The same visa-free rules apply. Expect longer queues and more manual checks at land borders. Carry small CFA francs for any unofficial fees.
It's not officially required, but immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. Having a credit card or a few hundred dollars in cash (CFA francs or euros) is a good idea. ATMs are scarce outside Bissau.
No, there is no arrival declaration or e-visa system for Nigerian passport holders. You simply show up with your passport and documents. No pre-registration is needed.
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.