Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
United Arab Emirates passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Guinea-Bissau, valid for up to 90 days. The process is handled at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Bissau. Pay in cash — €55 or $60 USD, exact change preferred. Have two passport photos ready; the airport photo booth is unreliable. | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Guinea-Bissau enforces this strictly at the border — airlines also check before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return ticket | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ready — they may deny boarding without it. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Carry a printed hotel reservation or host invitation letter. Officers at OXB sometimes ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Have at least $500 USD in cash or show a bank statement. ATMs are scarce in Bissau and credit card acceptance is limited outside major hotels. | Recommended |
Cash Only for Visa Fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — credit cards are not accepted. Bring euros or CFA francs. ATMs are scarce and unreliable in Guinea-Bissau, so carry enough cash for your entire stay.
Yellow Fever Vaccine Required
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Even if not required, it's strongly recommended — immigration may ask. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Safety Advisory
Guinea-Bissau has a high crime rate and periodic political instability. Avoid demonstrations, don't travel after dark outside Bissau, and use only registered taxis. Register with your embassy on arrival. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is essential.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport
After landing in Bissau, follow signs to immigration. There's a dedicated counter for visa on arrival. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Fill Out the Arrival Form
You'll receive a small card on the plane or at the immigration desk. Fill in your personal details, flight number, and address in Guinea-Bissau. Keep it with your passport.
3
Pay the Visa Fee
The visa on arrival fee is paid in cash at the counter. As of 2026, it's approximately 55,000 XOF (about €85 or $90). Bring euros or CFA francs — credit cards are not accepted.
4
Get Your Passport Stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with a visa valid for up to 90 days. Check the stamp before leaving the counter — confirm the dates are correct.
5
Proceed to Baggage Claim and Customs
After immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. There's usually no baggage inspection for tourists, but declare any large amounts of cash or restricted items.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Obtainable on arrival or at embassy. Same as visa on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€85 (approx. $93 USD)
Available on arrival or at embassy. Allows multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (90 days)
Max stay90 days, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€150 (approx. $164 USD)
Apply at Guinea-Bissau embassy. Requires invitation letter.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in euros or CFA francs at the airport. Cash only. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry, 30 days)Available at Bissau airport. Cash only. | €85 (approx. $93 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official maximum cap reported; avoid overstay. | 5,000 CFA francs (~$8 USD) per day |
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
United Arab Emirates passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or changing airports, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsOsvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
Health & vaccines for Guinea-Bissau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk; certificate may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Guinea-Bissau. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
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 08:00–15:30
Main immigration office for extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in CFA francs.
Practical information for AE 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 = 574.19 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 approximately 55,000 West African CFA francs (XOF). That's about €85 or $90 USD as of 2026. You must pay in cash — euros or CFA francs are accepted. Credit cards are not accepted at the immigration counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or entry at immigration. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers over 9 months old arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. UAE is not a risk country, but if you've recently traveled to an endemic area, you'll need proof. Even if not required, it's strongly recommended — immigration may ask.
Visa on arrival is primarily available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. Land border crossings may not offer this facility. If entering by land, check with the nearest Guinea-Bissau embassy or consulate beforehand.
Have your passport (valid 6+ months), a printed or digital copy of your return/onward ticket, and your first night's hotel booking confirmation. Also carry the visa fee in cash (55,000 XOF or €85). Keep everything in a folder for quick access.
Guinea-Bissau has a high crime rate, especially in Bissau. Avoid walking alone at night, don't display valuables, and use registered taxis. Political instability can occur. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.