Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Sweden 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
Swedish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Guinea-Bissau. You don't need to apply in advance — just show up at Bissau Airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for Swedish travellers.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Swedish passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Guinea-Bissau. No minimum validity period beyond your stay is required by Guinea-Bissau immigration, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Obtain at the airport upon arrival | Swedish passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. Have cash (EUR or XOF) ready for the fee — typically around €55–85 depending on nationality. The process takes 15–30 minutes at the visa counter before immigration. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guinea-Bissau | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before stamping you in. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. Without one, you may be denied entry or directed to buy a ticket at the airport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | While not always checked, having a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host smooths the process at immigration. If you're staying with friends, ask them to send a signed invitation with their contact details. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry enough cash (EUR or XOF) or a credit card statement to cover your stay — roughly €50–100 per day is a safe benchmark. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, having a bank statement or cash on hand avoids problems. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
There is no ATM or card payment at the visa counter. Bring euros or CFA francs in small denominations. The fee is around €55–85 — have exact change if possible.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Guinea-Bissau requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers over 9 months. You'll likely be asked for it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel and carry the yellow card.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Bissau Airport (Oswaldo Vieira)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before the main passport control.
2
Fill out the visa application form
A short form asking for your name, passport details, flight info, and address in Guinea-Bissau. Staff can help if needed.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash — euros or CFA francs. Keep the receipt. The officer will staple it to your form.
4
Get your passport stamped
The officer will issue a visa sticker and stamp your passport. This usually takes 5–10 minutes. You then proceed to passport control.
5
Show your onward ticket and accommodation
At passport control, you may be asked for your return ticket and hotel booking. Have them ready on your phone or printed.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden 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~60 EUR (~65 USD)
Apply at Guinea-Bissau embassy abroad; allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~100 EUR (~110 USD)
For frequent travellers; apply at embassy.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months
Cost~80 EUR (~87 USD)
Requires invitation letter from local company.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~200 EUR (~218 USD) plus processing
For those with a job offer from a local employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~100 EUR (~109 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in Guinea-Bissau. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~500 EUR (~545 USD) plus proof of investment
For individuals investing at least 50,000 EUR in local business or real estate. Requires business plan and approval from investment agency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR or XOF) upon arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. | 55 EUR (~60 USD) |
| Overstay fineApplicable if stay exceeds visa validity; pay at immigration office before departure. | ~5,000 XOF (~8 USD) per day, max 50,000 XOF (~80 USD) |
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
Sweden passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may have different rules.
Transit hubsOsvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
Health & vaccines for Guinea-Bissau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk; may be required for all travellers depending on current regulations.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Guinea-Bissau, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and 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
Serviço de Migração e Estrangeiros (SME)
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Bissau
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Main office for visa extensions and overstay fines; bring passport, visa, and fee in cash (XOF).
Bafatá
Delegação do SME Bafatá
Rua Principal, Bafatá
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for inland travellers; limited services.
Practical information for SE 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 = 565.17 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 West African CFA francs). It depends on your nationality and the length of stay. Pay in cash at the visa counter — no cards accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a longer visa before travel (though that option is not standard for Swedish passport holders).
Yes, Guinea-Bissau requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers over 9 months old. You'll likely be asked for it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel and carry the yellow card.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before travelling.
No, Guinea-Bissau does not offer an e-visa for Swedish citizens. The only option is the visa on arrival at Bissau Airport.
The visa on arrival is only available at Bissau Airport (Oswaldo Vieira International Airport). If you're entering by land from Senegal or Guinea, you must arrange a visa in advance at a Guinea-Bissau embassy.
Bring euros for the visa fee — it's the most accepted foreign currency. For daily expenses, use West African CFA francs (XOF). ATMs are scarce outside Bissau, so bring enough cash for your stay.
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.