Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Portugal 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
Portuguese 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 tourists.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Bissau. Have 85 EUR or 55,000 XOF in cash for the single-entry tourist visa — the airport ATM often runs out. The queue moves slowly; budget 30–45 minutes after landing.Check visa details | 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 Lisbon and Porto check this strictly before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return ticket | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed or digital booking ready — they may check the date matches your visa-on-arrival validity. | 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 150,000 XOF (about 230 EUR) in cash or a visible bank balance. The visa-on-arrival fee itself is 55,000 XOF, so bring extra for the first few days. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival counter does not accept credit or debit cards. Bring euros or CFA francs in cash. ATMs in Bissau are unreliable, so carry enough for the fee and a few days' expenses.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (the 'yellow card') at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot.
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 before passport control.
2
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (usually given on the plane), and the visa fee in cash. The officer will process your visa — expect 5–15 minutes.
3
Receive visa sticker and proceed to passport control
Once the visa is issued, go to the passport control booth. The officer will stamp you in. Keep the visa sticker intact — it's your proof of legal entry.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal 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~$100 USD (via embassy)
Apply at Guinea-Bissau embassy in Lisbon or online. Requires invitation letter and proof of accommodation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$200 USD (via embassy)
For frequent travellers. Must show travel history and purpose.
Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$300 USD (via embassy)
Requires sponsorship from a local entity or institution.
work visa
Autorização de Trabalho (Work Permit)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Guinea-Bissau company. Requires contract, police clearance, and health certificate. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Visto de Estudante (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (via embassy)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in Guinea-Bissau. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Visto de Investidor (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (plus proof of investment)
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in a local business. Requires business plan and registration. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (XOF, EUR, USD) upon arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. | 55,000 XOF (~$90 USD) |
| Overstay fineApplicable if you exceed the visa-on-arrival stay period. Pay at immigration office before departure. | 5,000 XOF (~$8 USD) per day, max 50,000 XOF (~$80 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
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
Portugal 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., overnight layover), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or service passports may have different rules.
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 risk; may be required for all travellers depending on current outbreak status.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitis (ACWY)Consider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; ensure safe food and water practices.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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
Direção Geral de Migração e Fronteiras (DGMF)
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Bissau
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and overstay payments. Bring passport, visa, and cash (XOF).
Bissau
Osvaldo Vieira International Airport Immigration Desk
Avenida dos Combatentes da Liberdade da Pátria, Bissau
Open during flight hours
Visa on arrival issued here. For urgent issues, ask for the immigration supervisor.
Practical information for PT 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 typically between €55 and €85, payable in euros or West African CFA francs (XOF). Bring the exact amount in cash — no credit cards accepted. The price can fluctuate, so carry a bit extra.
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-term visa at a Guinea-Bissau embassy 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 vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Immigration may deny you entry or ask you to buy one on the spot. Airlines also check this before boarding. Always have a confirmed onward ticket.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at most official land border crossings, but the process is less predictable. The airport in Bissau is the most reliable. Carry cash and expect possible delays at land borders.
Guinea-Bissau has a high crime rate in Bissau, especially after dark. Avoid walking alone at night, don't flash valuables, and use registered taxis. Political tensions can flare up — check your embassy's travel advisory before booking.
The local currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Euros are widely accepted for the visa fee and at hotels. Bring euros in cash and exchange at banks or bureaux de change. ATMs are scarce and unreliable.
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.