Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for South Africa 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
South African passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Guinea-Bissau. You'll handle it at the airport in Bissau — no need to apply before you travel. This policy is current as of 2026.
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 55,000 CFA francs (about $90 USD) in cash for the single-entry visa — the airport ATM often runs out and card payments are not accepted. Bring two passport-sized photos and a printout of your hotel booking.Check MFA portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your South African passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into 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 departure from Guinea-Bissau | Immigration officers at Bissau airport ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before they issue the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they do not accept verbal promises. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Bring a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Guinea-Bissau. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least 200,000 CFA francs (about $330 USD) in cash or a debit card with a visible balance. Immigration officers rarely check this, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or CFA francs. ATMs at the airport are unreliable, and credit cards are not accepted. Bring enough cash from home.
Yellow fever vaccination required
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) to enter Guinea-Bissau. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (if available).
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter. Queue can be slow — expect 20–40 minutes.
2
Present your documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane), and your return ticket. Pay the visa fee in cash (euros or CFA). The officer will process and stamp your passport.
3
Collect your passport and proceed to baggage claim
Once the visa is issued, you'll get your passport back. Double-check the validity dates. Then head to baggage claim and customs.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa 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
Cost55 EUR (approx. 60 USD)
Obtainable at embassy or on arrival; same as visa on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost90 EUR (approx. 100 USD)
Must be applied for at embassy in advance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival entry feeSingle entry, payable in cash (EUR or XOF) at the border. | 55 EUR (approx. 60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap published; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (estimated 5–10 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
South Africa passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsOsvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB)
Health & vaccines for Guinea-Bissau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions; CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline).
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 Fronteiras (SMF)
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Bissau
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and fee.
Practical information for ZA 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 = 564.8 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 (about 36,000–55,000 CFA francs). Pay in cash — euros or CFA are accepted. Credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-enter.
The maximum stay is not fixed in the database, but typically it's 30 days. Confirm with the immigration officer when you get the visa.
Yes, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Guinea-Bissau. Carry your yellow card — it's checked at immigration.
Visa on arrival is available at all official entry points, including land borders. The process is similar — cash payment and passport check. Queues can be longer at busy crossings.
No, Guinea-Bissau does not offer an e-visa for South African passport holders. The visa on arrival is the only option.
You may be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at immigration. Always have a confirmed onward ticket before you travel.
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.