Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Guinea-Bissau. This is the standard entry method for tourists — no need to apply in advance. As of 2026, the process is straightforward at Bissau's Osvaldo Vieira International Airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Bissau. Have 55 EUR or 35,000 CFA francs in cash ready — the visa counter does not accept cards. The process takes 15–30 minutes depending on the queue. | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Guinea-Bissau. Airlines at check-in will enforce this strictly — they won't let you board without it. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return ticket | Immigration officers at Bissau airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. Airlines also check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient funds | Have at least 200 EUR or the equivalent in CFA francs in cash. ATMs are scarce in Guinea-Bissau and card payments are unreliable outside major hotels. Immigration rarely checks, but you'll need cash for daily expenses. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in West African CFA francs (XOF). There are no ATMs or card facilities at the visa counter. Bring the exact amount — change may not be available.
Yellow fever vaccine mandatory
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. No exceptions for travellers over 9 months old. Get the shot at least 10 days before departure.
Visa on arrival only at the airport
If you're entering by land from Senegal or Guinea, you must have a visa issued in advance. The visa on arrival facility is only available at Bissau's international airport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a small form to complete — name, passport number, flight details, accommodation address. Bring a pen.
3
Pay the visa fee in cash
Hand over the form and your passport to the officer. Pay the fee in CFA francs. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa and proceed to passport control
The officer will stamp or stick the visa into your passport. Then join the main passport control queue for entry.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. No further checks for most tourists.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 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 EUR (~60 USD)
Apply at embassy before travel; allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost90 EUR (~98 USD)
For multiple visits; must apply in advance.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost70 EUR (~76 USD)
Requires invitation letter from a company in Guinea-Bissau.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) at the airport upon arrival. | 55 EUR (~60 USD) |
| Overstay fineApplicable if you exceed the visa-free or VOA stay period. | ~10 EUR per day (~11 USD), max 200 EUR (~220 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
New Zealand 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 if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Risk of diarrhea, cholera, and hepatitis from contaminated food/water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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.
Bafatá
Delegação do SMF Bafatá
Rua Principal, Bafatá
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for inland travellers; limited services.
Practical information for NZ 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 = 558.8 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
No. The visa on arrival is only available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. If arriving by land or sea, you must arrange a visa in advance from a Guinea-Bissau embassy.
The standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa is around 55,000 West African CFA francs (XOF), which is roughly $90 USD. Bring cash in CFA — no cards accepted.
The visa on arrival typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — you'd need to visit the immigration office in Bissau.
Yes. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 9 months old. You'll be asked to show it at immigration — no jab, no entry.
Extensions are theoretically possible but not straightforward. You'd need to go to the Serviço de Migração e Fronteiras in Bissau. In practice, most travellers just leave within the 30-day window.
You will be denied boarding by your airline and refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before travelling.
Guinea-Bissau has a high crime rate and limited infrastructure. Petty theft and armed robbery occur, especially in Bissau. Avoid walking alone at night, don't flash valuables, and consider hiring a local guide. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.