Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Qatar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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
Qatari passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Guinea-Bissau. Just show up at the airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few specific items ready.
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 35,000 XOF in cash ready for the visa fee — the airport ATM is unreliable and card payments are not accepted. The process takes 15–30 minutes; fill out the arrival form and hand over your passport and cash at the visa counter before immigration.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Guinea-Bissau. Airlines at Doha (DOH) will check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page as backup. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Bissau airport asks for a confirmed onward ticket — a printed or digital copy showing your departure from Guinea-Bissau within the visa validity period. Without it, you may be refused entry or sent to buy a ticket at the airport counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Guinea-Bissau ready. Immigration officers occasionally ask for this, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry at least 150 EUR or 100,000 XOF in cash to show you can cover your stay. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in Bissau, and ATMs often run out of cash. | Recommended |
Cash is king — no cards accepted
ATMs are rare and often out of service in Guinea-Bissau. Bring enough euros or CFA francs in cash for your entire stay, including the visa fee. Credit cards are not accepted at immigration or most local businesses.
Yellow fever vaccine recommended
While not strictly required for direct arrivals from Qatar, border officials may ask for a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Get the vaccine and carry the card — it's cheap insurance against being turned away.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The queue is usually short. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a simple form at the counter. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and length of stay. A pen is provided.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (usually EUR or XOF). As of 2026, the fee is around €55–€85 depending on nationality. Have exact change if possible — change may be limited.
4
Receive your visa and proceed to passport control
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa. Check the validity dates and your name spelling before leaving the counter. Then proceed to passport control for entry.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Qatar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$80 USD (via embassy)
Apply at Guinea-Bissau embassy abroad; may allow longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$150 USD (via embassy)
For frequent travellers; requires justification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in EUR or USD cash at the airport. Valid for 30 days. | 55 EUR (~$60 USD) |
| Overstay fineNo official cap reported; avoid overstay to prevent fines and future entry issues. | ~$10 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
Qatar passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, the country has limited international transit facilities.
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 risk; Guinea-Bissau is endemic.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, including urban areas. Atovaquone/proguanil or doxycycline 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
Direção Geral de Migração e Fronteiras
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 QA 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 fee is typically €55–€85 (or equivalent in XOF) depending on your nationality. Pay in cash — euros or West African CFA francs are accepted. Change may be limited, so bring small bills.
The visa on arrival usually allows a stay of up to 30 days. The exact duration is stamped in your passport at the airport. Extensions are possible but require a visit to the immigration office in Bissau.
Yes, extensions are possible. You'll need to go to the Immigration Department in Bissau before your visa expires. The process takes a few days and costs around 5,000–10,000 XOF. Bring your passport, a passport photo, and a letter explaining why you need more time.
Visa on arrival is also available at major land border crossings, but the process may be slower and less consistent. Carry extra cash and copies of your documents. The same passport validity and onward ticket requirements apply.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 1 year old arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. If you're arriving directly from Qatar (no risk), it's not strictly required, but border officials may ask. Get the vaccine and carry the certificate to avoid problems.
Guinea-Bissau has a high crime rate, especially in Bissau. Avoid walking alone at night, don't display valuables, and use registered taxis. Political instability can occur — check your embassy's travel advisory before booking.
The local currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted for visa fees and larger purchases. Bring cash — ATMs are scarce and unreliable. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.