Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Poland 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
Polish 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 cash. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for Polish citizens.
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 visa fee — the ATM at the airport is unreliable. You'll need to fill in a landing card and present your passport with at least one blank page.Check MFA site | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your Polish passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Guinea-Bissau. Have at least two blank visa pages — the immigration officer stamps the visa on arrival on one and the entry stamp on another. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Bissau airport checks for a return or onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy of your flight itinerary or e-ticket ready — a screenshot on your phone works too, but a printout avoids delays. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Have a hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Guinea-Bissau. Immigration may ask where you're staying — a booking confirmation from Booking.com or a letter from a local contact is enough. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry at least 500 EUR or USD in cash — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in Bissau. Immigration rarely asks for proof of funds, but having cash on hand covers the visa fee and your first few days. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash (EUR or XOF). There is no card payment option at the airport counter. Bring small denominations — €10 and €20 notes — because change may not be available.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before your flight. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (if available).
What happens at the border
1
Land at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
The fee is paid in cash (EUR or XOF). As of 2026, it's around €55–€80 depending on your nationality. Bring exact change if possible — the counter may not have change for large bills.
3
Get your visa sticker and enter
The officer will stamp a visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates before you walk away. Then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Poland 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 stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Apply at Guinea-Bissau embassy in Warsaw or nearest embassy. May allow longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
Available from embassy; useful for frequent travellers.
work visa
Temporary Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $220 USD) plus processing fees
For those with a job offer in Guinea-Bissau. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Guinea-Bissau. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and accommodation. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)Payable in euros or CFA francs at the airport. Exact change recommended. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying to prevent issues. | Unknown (varies, may be ~$10–20 USD 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
Poland passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsOsvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
Health & vaccines for Guinea-Bissau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission; recommended for all travellers due to risk in Guinea-Bissau.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitis (ACWY)Consider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; use mosquito repellent and nets.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Guinea-Bissau, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for all travellers.
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 08:00–15:30
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Practical information for PL 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
The fee is around €55–€80 (or equivalent in XOF). Pay in cash — euros are widely accepted. Bring small denominations because the counter may not have change.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
The visa on arrival is available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. At land borders, it's less reliable — you may be turned away. Fly into Bissau to be safe.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel. A bus ticket or ferry booking to Senegal or Guinea works. Immigration just wants to see you're leaving the country.
Bissau airport is generally safe, but don't flash cash. Keep the fee in a separate pocket so you don't have to open your wallet. ATMs in Bissau are unreliable — bring enough euros for the visa and a few days.
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.