Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Senegal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 2026·View sources
No visa required
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
Senegalese passport holders can enter Guinea-Bissau without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy, effective since 2024, covers tourism, business, and transit. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Guinea-Bissau. Airlines at Dakar and other regional hubs check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guinea-Bissau | Immigration officers at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to about 150,000 XOF (roughly $250 USD) per day of your stay. Officers almost never ask, but it's a legal requirement. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Even if you're only staying a week, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Airlines may also deny boarding if your passport doesn't meet this requirement.
Yellow fever vaccine recommended
While not always checked, having a yellow fever vaccination certificate can prevent delays or denial at the border. Get it at least 10 days before travel.
Visa-free entry is straightforward
No visa application, no fees, no paperwork. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket. The process at Bissau airport usually takes 15-30 minutes.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, boarding pass, and return ticket ready.
2
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will check your passport validity and may ask about your stay. Answer clearly.
3
Receive entry stamp
Once approved, the officer stamps your passport with an entry date. Check that the stamp is clear and correct before leaving the counter.
4
Collect luggage and exit
Proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Senegal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (visa-free entry already covers 90 days)
Visa-free entry is sufficient for most short visits; no paid alternative needed.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostFree (visa-free entry already covers multiple entries)
Visa-free entry allows multiple entries within 90-day periods; no paid alternative needed.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
Available for work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship and approval from immigration.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (estimated)
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Guinea-Bissau. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (estimated)
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Guinea-Bissau. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 in a local business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)No visa required for short stays; this option is not applicable. | Free (visa-free entry applies) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)No visa required for short stays; this option is not applicable. | Free (visa-free entry applies) |
| Stay extensionVisa-free stays are not extendable; must leave and re-enter. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Senegal passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or collect luggage), visa-free entry applies for up to 90 days.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsOsvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB), Bissau
Health & vaccines for Guinea-Bissau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission, including Senegal. Must present a valid vaccination certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is endemic throughout Guinea-Bissau, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis is strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Dengue outbreaks occur, particularly during the rainy season (June–November). Use mosquito repellent and sleep under nets.
CholeraModerate risk
Cholera outbreaks can occur, especially after floods. Drink only bottled or boiled water and practice good hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round, with highest transmission in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) 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 08:00–15:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and supporting documents.
Bafatá
Delegação do SME Bafatá
Rua Principal, Bafatá
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for immigration services; limited capacity, may refer to Bissau for complex cases.
Practical information for SN 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
Senegalese passport holders can stay up to 90 days per visit. This is a visa-free entry, so no visa application is needed. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at the immigration office in Bissau before your 90 days expire.
Extensions are not available for visa-free entries. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Guinea-Bissau and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before traveling. Overstaying can result in fines or entry bans.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers over 1 year old arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Senegal is not considered a high-risk country, but it's still recommended to have the vaccine and carry the certificate. You may be asked for it at immigration.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before your trip. Even if you're only staying a week, the rule still applies.
Yes, the main land border crossing is at Pirada (Senegal side) to São Domingos (Guinea-Bissau side). The process is the same as at the airport — visa-free entry for up to 90 days. Expect longer queues and less English spoken. Carry small CFA francs for any unofficial fees.
No, there is no official requirement to show proof of funds for visa-free entry. However, it's wise to have enough cash (CFA francs) or a working debit/credit card for your stay. ATMs are available in Bissau but may be unreliable.
The local currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). You can exchange euros or US dollars at banks or exchange bureaus in Bissau. Credit cards are accepted only at major hotels. Bring enough cash for daily expenses.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.