Bissau Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau, serves as the main entry point for travelers visiting this West African nation. Entry requirements for Guinea-Bissau vary depending on nationality, with most travelers requiring either a visa on arrival or a pre-arranged visa. The country has been working to modernize its immigration processes, though travelers should be prepared for a more traditional entry experience compared to larger international destinations. The immigration process at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau is generally straightforward but can be time-consuming, particularly during peak arrival times. Travelers should ensure all documentation is in order before departure, as immigration officials are strict about entry requirements. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all travelers, and proof of vaccination must be presented upon arrival. It is strongly recommended to arrange visa requirements well in advance of travel, carry multiple copies of all important documents, and have sufficient cash (preferably in Euros or CFA Francs) for visa fees and other expenses, as credit card facilities are limited. Guinea-Bissau's entry requirements can change with limited notice, so always verify current regulations with the nearest Guinea-Bissau embassy or consulate before your trip.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Guinea-Bissau requires visas for most international visitors. The country offers visa on arrival for many nationalities, though obtaining a visa in advance is often recommended to avoid potential complications at the border.

Visa-Free Entry

Varies by agreement

Very limited visa-free access to Guinea-Bissau

Includes

ECOWAS member states (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo)

ECOWAS nationals can enter with valid national ID or passport for stays up to 90 days. All other nationalities require a visa.

Visa on Arrival

Typically 90 days

Available for most nationalities at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand Most EU countries Japan South Korea Brazil South Africa Most other countries not listed as visa-free

How to Apply: Available upon arrival at the airport. Complete immigration form on aircraft or at airport. Present valid passport, return ticket, proof of accommodation, and yellow fever certificate. Processing typically takes 30-90 minutes depending on queue.
Cost: Approximately 85,000 CFA Francs (approximately €130 or $140 USD). Payment typically required in cash (CFA Francs or Euros preferred). Prices may vary.

While visa on arrival is available, obtaining a visa in advance from an embassy or consulate is recommended to avoid potential delays or complications. Requirements and fees can change without notice. Ensure you have exact cash amount as change may not be available.

Pre-Arranged Visa Required

Single entry: 30-90 days; Multiple entry options available

Recommended for all travelers; required for those not eligible for visa on arrival

How to Apply: Apply at nearest Guinea-Bissau embassy or consulate. Required documents typically include: completed application form, passport valid for at least 6 months, two passport photos, yellow fever vaccination certificate, proof of accommodation, return flight ticket, and visa fee. Processing time: 5-15 business days.

Some nationalities may face additional scrutiny or requirements. Business visas require invitation letter from Guinea-Bissau company or organization. Transit visas available for stays under 72 hours. Always confirm current requirements with the embassy before applying.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau, travelers proceed through immigration control, collect baggage, and pass through customs. The process is relatively straightforward but can be slow, particularly when multiple flights arrive simultaneously.

Health Screening

Present yellow fever vaccination certificate immediately upon entry. Health officials may conduct temperature checks or other health screenings depending on current health protocols.

Immigration Queue

Join the appropriate queue (ECOWAS nationals vs. other nationalities). If obtaining visa on arrival, you may need to visit a separate desk first to pay fees and receive visa stamp before proceeding to immigration.

Document Check

Present passport, visa (or payment receipt if visa on arrival), completed arrival card, return ticket, and accommodation details to immigration officer. Officer may ask questions about your visit.

Biometric Data Collection

Fingerprints and photograph may be taken as part of the immigration process.

Entry Stamp

Receive entry stamp in passport. Verify that the stamp shows correct dates and visa validity period.

Baggage Claim

Collect luggage from baggage carousel. Facilities are basic; baggage delivery can be slow.

Customs Declaration

Complete customs declaration form if carrying items to declare. Proceed through customs inspection (may be random or comprehensive).

Exit

Exit arrivals hall. Arrange onward transportation; official taxis and pre-arranged transfers are available.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay with at least 2 blank visa pages

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

Mandatory for all travelers regardless of origin. Must be valid (vaccinated at least 10 days before arrival). This is strictly enforced.

Visa or Visa Payment

Pre-arranged visa or cash for visa on arrival fee (CFA Francs or Euros)

Return/Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from Guinea-Bissau (printed or electronic confirmation)

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation, invitation letter, or address where you will stay

Arrival/Departure Card

Completed immigration form (usually provided on aircraft or at airport)

Sufficient Funds

Evidence of adequate financial means for your stay (cash, bank statements, or credit cards)

Tips for Smooth Entry

Arrive with exact cash for visa fees in CFA Francs or Euros, as ATMs may not be available or working in the airport, and change is often not provided

Make multiple photocopies of your passport, visa, yellow fever certificate, and other important documents. Keep copies separate from originals

Have accommodation details readily accessible, including name, address, and phone number of your hotel or host

Print all documents including flight confirmations and hotel reservations, as internet access may be limited or unreliable

Be patient and courteous with immigration officials. The process can be slow, especially during peak times

Dress conservatively and professionally when arriving, as first impressions matter in immigration processing

Keep your yellow fever vaccination certificate easily accessible; you will need it before even reaching immigration

Consider arranging airport pickup in advance, as the airport area can be chaotic for first-time visitors

Have small denominations of local currency or Euros ready for porters or small expenses at the airport

Customs & Duty-Free

Guinea-Bissau customs regulations are similar to most West African countries. All arriving passengers must pass through customs inspection, which may include baggage screening. Travelers should declare all items of significant value and ensure compliance with import restrictions.

Alcohol

1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine

Must be 18 years or older. Excessive amounts may be subject to duty or confiscation.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco

Must be 18 years or older. For personal use only.

Currency

No limit on foreign currency, but amounts over 10,000 Euros (or equivalent) must be declared

Declaration required on arrival and departure for large amounts. Keep declaration form if you plan to take the money out again. CFA Franc is the local currency.

Gifts/Goods

Personal items and gifts with total value not exceeding 100,000 CFA Francs (approximately €150)

Items must be for personal use or as gifts. Commercial quantities subject to duty and import regulations.

Electronics

Personal electronics (one laptop, one camera, one phone) for personal use

Multiple items of the same type may be questioned. Professional equipment may require permits or be subject to duty.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - strict penalties including imprisonment
Weapons and ammunition - unless proper permits obtained in advance
Counterfeit goods and pirated media
Pornographic materials
Items depicting or containing imagery offensive to Islamic or local cultural values
Endangered species products - including ivory, certain animal skins, and protected plants
Certain chemicals and hazardous materials

Restricted Items

Medications - require prescription or medical certificate, especially controlled substances. Carry in original packaging with doctor's letter
Professional camera/video equipment - may require temporary import permit and deposit
Drones and radio communication equipment - require special permits from relevant authorities
Large quantities of cash - must be declared on customs form
Plants and plant products - may require phytosanitary certificates
Meat and dairy products - may require veterinary certificates and are subject to inspection
Satellite phones - may require registration with telecommunications authority

Health Requirements

Health requirements for entry to Guinea-Bissau are strictly enforced. All travelers must present proof of yellow fever vaccination, and additional vaccinations are strongly recommended due to health risks in the region.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Mandatory for all travelers aged 9 months and older, regardless of country of origin. Vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before arrival. International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) must be presented at entry. This is strictly enforced and non-negotiable.

Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid
Meningitis (particularly during dry season, December-June)
Rabies (for extended stays or those who may have animal contact)
Polio (ensure routine vaccination is up to date)
Tetanus-Diphtheria
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Cholera (in case of outbreaks)

Health Insurance

Comprehensive travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Medical facilities in Guinea-Bissau are extremely limited, and serious medical conditions typically require evacuation to Senegal or Europe. Ensure your insurance covers emergency medical evacuation, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Carry proof of insurance and emergency contact numbers.

Current Health Requirements: Check current COVID-19 and other health requirements before travel, as these can change frequently. Visit your country's travel health advisory website and consult a travel medicine clinic at least 4-6 weeks before departure. Malaria is endemic in Guinea-Bissau; antimalarial prophylaxis is essential. Bring adequate supplies of any prescription medications, as they may not be available locally. Water is not safe to drink; bring water purification methods or rely on bottled water.

Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Senegal (Dakar), as most countries do not maintain diplomatic representation in Guinea-Bissau

Register with your embassy before travel. Check your government's travel advisory website for current safety and security information. In emergency, contact your embassy in Dakar.

Immigration Authority

Direcção Geral da Polícia de Ordem Pública (DGPOP) - Guinea-Bissau Immigration Service

Limited online presence. For visa information, contact Guinea-Bissau embassy in your country or neighboring countries. Embassy of Guinea-Bissau in Dakar, Senegal can provide information.

Emergency Services

Emergency number: 112 (may not be reliable)

Police: 117, Fire: 118. Emergency services are very limited. In medical emergency, contact your embassy immediately for evacuation assistance. Have contact details for your hotel/host and embassy readily available.

Airport Information

Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB), Bissau

Limited facilities. Confirm flight schedules as changes are common. Arrive at least 3 hours before international departures.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport and visa. Yellow fever vaccination is required for children over 9 months old. Children under 18 traveling without both parents should carry notarized parental consent letter in Portuguese or French, including contact details of absent parent(s), authorized guardian information, and travel itinerary. Birth certificate may be requested. Unaccompanied minors require special arrangements with airline and immigration authorities.

Traveling with Pets

Import of pets requires advance planning. Required documents: valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before travel), veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, import permit from Guinea-Bissau Ministry of Agriculture. Microchipping recommended. Pets may be quarantined upon arrival. Contact Guinea-Bissau embassy well in advance for current requirements. Some airlines do not permit pets on flights to Guinea-Bissau; confirm with carrier.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas are typically valid for 30-90 days. For stays beyond your visa validity, apply for extension at Direcção Geral da Polícia de Ordem Pública in Bissau before visa expires. Extension requires: valid passport, original visa, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, letter explaining reason for extension, and fee payment. Processing can take several days to weeks. For long-term stays, consider applying for residence permit or appropriate visa category (work, business, study) through immigration authorities. Overstaying visa can result in fines, detention, and deportation. Register with local police within 72 hours of arrival if staying beyond tourist period.

Business Travelers

Business visa required for those conducting business activities. Requires invitation letter from Guinea-Bissau company or organization, stating purpose and duration of visit. Letter should be on company letterhead with registration details. May need to provide business registration documents. Business visas typically issued for 30-90 days, single or multiple entry. Register business activities with relevant ministries if establishing commercial presence.

Journalists and Media

Journalists and media professionals require special accreditation from Ministry of Information. Apply well in advance through Guinea-Bissau embassy with: journalist credentials, assignment letter from media organization, detailed itinerary, and purpose of coverage. Unauthorized journalism activities can result in detention and equipment confiscation. Always carry accreditation documents when working.

Dual Nationals

If you hold Guinea-Bissau citizenship and another nationality, you must enter and exit Guinea-Bissau on your Guinea-Bissau passport. Contact embassy for guidance on dual nationality entry requirements.

Planning your trip? Make sure you have the right travel insurance for Bissau Entry Requirements before you go.