Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Zambia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Zambian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Guinea-Bissau. Skip the embassy visit and handle everything at the airport in Bissau. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few specific documents ready before you land.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Bissau. Have 55 EUR or 60 USD in cash 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 printout of your hotel booking to speed up the process. | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Carry a photocopy of your passport bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket showing you leave Guinea-Bissau within your visa validity. Without one, you may be asked to buy a ticket at the airport or denied entry. A refundable onward booking works fine. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Have a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host. Immigration may ask where you are staying — a booking confirmation with the hotel name and address is enough. If staying with friends, get a letter from them with their ID copy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry at least 200 EUR or 220 USD in cash for your stay — the country has limited ATM coverage outside Bissau and card acceptance is rare. Immigration may ask to see cash or a bank statement showing you can support yourself. | Recommended |
Cash is king
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — no cards. Bring euros or XOF. ATMs are rare and often out of service. Exchange enough at the airport for your first few days.
Visa on arrival is the only option
There is no e-visa or embassy application process for Zambians. The visa on arrival is the standard method. No need to apply in advance — just show up with the right documents.
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. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. Pay the visa fee in cash (XOF or EUR — check current amount before travel). The officer will take your photo and fingerprints, then issue the visa sticker. Expect 15–30 minutes.
2
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa, join the main passport control queue. Present your passport with the new visa. The officer will stamp you in. Keep the entry stamp safe — you'll need it when leaving.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim. Then proceed through customs (usually a green channel for most travellers). You're in.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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)
Obtainable on arrival; no pre-application needed.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostNot available
Guinea-Bissau does not offer a standard multiple-entry tourist visa.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival feePayable in cash (CFA francs) at the airport upon arrival. | 55,000 XOF (~$90 USD) |
| Overstay fineNo maximum cap known; avoid overstaying. | 5,000 XOF (~$8 USD) per 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
Zambia 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 risk; Zambia is endemic, so certificate is mandatory.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and sleep under nets.
Food/waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide; prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) strongly 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 Fronteiras (SMF)
Avenida dos Combatentes da Liberdade da Pátria, Bissau
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits.
Practical information for ZM 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 = 562.67 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 on arrival fee is typically around 55,000 XOF (about €85) for a single-entry visa. Fees can change, so carry extra cash in euros or West African CFA francs. 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 need to exit and re-enter, or check with the immigration office in Bissau before your visa expires.
Visa on arrival is available at most land border crossings, but the process may be slower and less consistent. The airport in Bissau is the most reliable place to get it. If crossing by land, carry extra cash and patience.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 1 year old arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Zambia is not on the high-risk list, but border officials may still ask. Get the vaccine and carry the certificate to avoid problems.
Local SIMs are available at the airport and in town. eSIMs from providers like Airalo work immediately on arrival. Data coverage is decent in Bissau but patchy in rural areas.
The local currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted for visa fees and larger purchases. Bring cash — ATMs are scarce and unreliable. Exchange at the airport or banks in Bissau.
Guinea-Bissau has a moderate crime rate, especially in Bissau. Avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables out of sight, and use registered taxis. Political tensions can flare up — check your government's travel advisory before booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.