Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Russia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Russian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Guinea-Bissau's international airport in Bissau. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short business trips in 2026 — no need to apply at an embassy beforehand.
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 often runs out of cash and card payments are not accepted. Bring two passport-sized photos and a printed copy of your hotel booking or invitation letter.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport with at least 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Guinea-Bissau. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately — immigration officers sometimes ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Bissau airport checks for a confirmed onward or return ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. A printed itinerary or e-ticket showing your departure from Guinea-Bissau works — a screenshot on your phone may not be accepted. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a signed invitation letter from your host in Guinea-Bissau. The visa-on-arrival officer may ask for it — a booking confirmation with the hotel name and address is sufficient. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least 200 EUR in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. The visa officer may ask to see proof of financial means, especially if you are staying longer than a week. | Recommended |
Cash only at the airport
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or West African CFA francs. No credit cards, no ATMs at the immigration counter. Exchange desks may be closed or offer poor rates.
Visa on arrival only at Bissau airport
If you enter Guinea-Bissau by land or sea, you must have a visa arranged in advance at a Guinea-Bissau embassy. The visa-on-arrival facility is only available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Fill out the visa application form
A short form with your personal details, passport info, and purpose of visit. Staff can help if needed.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash (EUR or XOF) at the counter. Keep the receipt — you'll need it for the stamp.
4
Receive your visa and proceed to passport control
The officer stamps your passport with a visa-on-arrival. Then join the main passport control queue. Have your boarding pass and return ticket ready.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD
Apply at Guinea-Bissau embassy in Moscow or nearest consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$200 USD
Requires invitation letter and proof of sufficient funds.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD
Requires letter from host company in Guinea-Bissau.
work visa
Temporary Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Guinea-Bissau employer. Requires work permit approval and contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in Guinea-Bissau. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in a local business. Requires business registration and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival feePayable in cash (EUR or USD) upon arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. | 55 EUR (~$60 USD) |
| Overstay fineFine assessed at immigration upon departure; no known maximum cap. | ~$20 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Transit visa is not required for Russian passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau 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 for travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission; may be required for all travellers depending on current regulations.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers but can occur; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under 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
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Bissau
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Practical information for RU 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 = 564.97 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 €80, payable in cash. Bring euros or West African CFA francs (XOF). No card or other currency accepted.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must 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 9 months old arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Russian citizens transiting through endemic countries should carry proof. Check current requirements before travel.
Visa on arrival is only available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. At land borders, you must have a visa obtained in advance from a Guinea-Bissau embassy.
Usually 20–40 minutes, depending on the number of arriving flights. The queue moves steadily. Have your documents ready to speed things up.
No. You need a valid international passport (foreign passport) with at least 6 months validity from your entry date.
No, Guinea-Bissau does not offer an e-visa for Russian passport holders. The only option is visa on arrival at the airport or a traditional visa from an embassy.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.