Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Vietnamese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. You'll need to arrange an approval letter in advance through a travel agency or the Guinea-Bissau immigration office. This process has been in place since 2025.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Bissau. Bring a printed copy of the visa approval letter from Guinea-Bissau's immigration office (SENAMI) — you need to arrange this through a local sponsor or travel agency before departure. Have two passport photos and the visa fee in cash (CFA francs or euros — around €55–85 depending on nationality).Apply for visa approval | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Guinea-Bissau. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Bissau airport ask for a confirmed onward ticket — either a return flight home or a ticket to your next destination. Have a printed copy or the booking on your phone ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Guinea-Bissau. Immigration may ask where you are staying, and having proof avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or bank statement | Have at least €200–300 in cash (CFA francs or euros) or a recent bank statement showing available funds. Immigration rarely checks this, but it helps if asked. | Recommended |
Cash is king in Guinea-Bissau
ATMs are scarce and unreliable, especially outside Bissau. Bring enough USD or XOF cash to cover your visa fee, accommodation, and a few days of expenses. Credit cards are rarely accepted.
Visa approval letter is mandatory
You cannot get the visa on arrival without a pre-arranged approval letter. Apply through a licensed travel agency or the Guinea-Bissau immigration office at least 2 weeks before your trip. Keep both a printed copy and a digital backup.
What happens at the border
1
Get your visa approval letter
Contact a Guinea-Bissau travel agency or the immigration office in Bissau to apply for an approval letter. You'll need to send your passport details and pay a fee (typically $50–$100). The letter is emailed to you in PDF format. Print it out and keep a digital copy.
2
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport
After landing in Bissau, proceed to the visa on arrival counter before passport control. Present your passport, printed approval letter, and completed arrival form (if provided). Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or XOF — bring small bills). The officer will stamp your passport.
3
Pass through immigration
Once you have the visa sticker, go to the immigration queue. Have your passport, boarding pass, and return ticket ready. The officer may ask about your accommodation and purpose of visit. Answer clearly and briefly.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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
Cost55,000 XOF (~$90 USD)
Apply at embassy or on arrival. Non-extendable.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost85,000 XOF (~$140 USD)
Allows multiple entries. Non-extendable.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months
Cost150,000 XOF (~$245 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Guinea-Bissau company.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Paid on arrival at airport or border. Valid for up to 30 days. | 55,000 XOF (~$90 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | 85,000 XOF (~$140 USD) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure. | 5,000 XOF (~$8 USD) per day, max 150,000 XOF (~$245 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
Transit through Guinea-Bissau airports (e.g., Osvaldo Vieira International) does not require a visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. However, most international flights require a visa for onward travel.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsOsvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB)
Health & vaccines for Guinea-Bissau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; certificate may be checked on arrival.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Common in urban and semi-urban areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, including urban areas. Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine 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
Serviço de Migração e Estrangeiros (SME)
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Bissau
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Bafatá
Delegação do SME Bafatá
Rua Principal, Bafatá
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for inland travellers.
Practical information for VN 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 visa fee is typically $50–$100 USD, depending on your nationality and the type of visa (single entry vs multiple entry). Pay in cash at the airport — USD or XOF (West African CFA francs) are accepted. Bring small bills because change may be limited.
Processing usually takes 3–7 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. Some agencies offer expedited service for an extra fee.
No. The approval letter is mandatory. Without it, you won't be allowed to board your flight or get the visa at the airport. There is no visa-free entry for Vietnamese passport holders.
The standard visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — you'd need to visit the immigration office in Bissau before your visa expires.
The visa on arrival is only available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. If you enter by land border or sea port, you must get a visa from a Guinea-Bissau embassy before travel.
Extensions are possible but not automatic. You'll need to go to the immigration office in Bissau with your passport, a letter explaining why you need more time, and pay a fee. Start the process at least a week before your visa expires.
Your passport with the visa sticker, the printed approval letter, a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. The officer may also ask about your purpose of visit and how long you plan to stay.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.