Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Swiss passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Guinea-Bissau. As of 2026, you simply show up at the airport in Bissau, pay the fee in cash, and receive your visa on the spot. No need to apply in advance.
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 EUR or 35,000 XOF in cash ready for the single-entry tourist visa — the visa counter does not accept cards. The process takes 15–30 minutes depending on queue length.Check MFA requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Swiss passport needs at least one blank page for the visa sticker. Guinea-Bissau does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — your passport just needs to cover your stay dates. Airlines at Zurich and Geneva may still ask for 6 months validity, so check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guinea-Bissau | Immigration officers at Bissau airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before stamping your visa on arrival. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight ready. Overland exit via Senegal or Guinea is possible but rarely accepted as proof — stick with a flight booking. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation 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. A simple Booking.com confirmation works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have at least 150 EUR or equivalent in cash or a bank statement ready. Immigration rarely asks for proof of funds for Swiss passport holders, but the visa counter may request it if you look underprepared. Cards are not widely accepted outside Bissau city. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash (Euros or XOF). There are no ATMs at the airport before immigration. Bring enough cash to cover the fee and a little extra.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before your flight. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. There's a dedicated counter for visa on arrival. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot), and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (usually EUR or XOF). The exact amount varies, but expect around €50–€80. Keep small bills handy — change may be limited.
3
Receive your visa sticker
An immigration officer will stamp your passport with the visa. Check that the dates and your name are correct before leaving the counter.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
After getting your visa, collect your luggage and exit the arrivals area. There's no additional customs check for most travellers.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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 (~$60 USD)
Obtainable on arrival or at embassy; same as VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~100 EUR (~$110 USD)
Available at embassy; allows multiple entries.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
Cost~150 EUR (~$165 USD)
Requires sponsorship or work permit; apply at embassy.
work visa
Temporary Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~200 EUR (~$220 USD)
For foreign workers with a local job offer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~100 EUR (~$110 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in Guinea-Bissau. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
2 years, renewable
~500 EUR (~$550 USD)
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in EUR or XOF at the airport; cash only. | 55 EUR (~$60 USD) |
| Overstay fineApplied for each day over the allowed stay; maximum cap unclear. | ~5,000 XOF/day (~$8 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Swiss 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 terminals, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsOsvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
Health & vaccines for Guinea-Bissau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk; may be required for all entrants during outbreaks.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; risk increases during rainy season.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Guinea-Bissau, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for all travellers.
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 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in XOF.
Bafatá
Delegação do SMF Bafatá
Rua Principal, Bafatá
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for inland travellers; limited services.
Practical information for CH 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 = 563.11 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 between €50 and €80, paid in cash (Euros or West African CFA francs). Exact amounts can change, so bring a bit extra. Credit cards are not accepted at the immigration 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 apply for a different visa type before travel.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Guinea-Bissau. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. Land border crossings may have different procedures — check with the nearest embassy if entering overland.
No, there is no arrival declaration or online form required. Just show up with your documents and pay the fee.
Guinea-Bissau has some safety concerns, including petty crime and occasional political instability. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.