Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
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
Ivory Coast passport holders can enter Guinea-Bissau without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy, effective since 2024, covers tourism, business, and transit. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Guinea-Bissau. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guinea-Bissau | Immigration officers at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly 150,000 CFA francs (~$250 USD) per week of stay. Border officials rarely ask, but it helps if you look underprepared. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate required
You must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or required to get vaccinated at the airport (which costs time and money).
Visa-free entry is for short stays only
The 90-day visa-free period is for tourism, business, or transit. If you plan to work, study, or live in Guinea-Bissau, you need a proper visa or residence permit before arrival.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
Most travellers fly into Bissau. After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. There are usually two queues: one for Guinean citizens and one for foreigners. Join the foreigners queue.
2
Present your passport and boarding pass
Hand over your passport and boarding pass. The officer will check your passport validity and may ask about your purpose of visit and length of stay. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Receive entry stamp
If everything is in order, the officer will stamp your passport with an entry stamp. This is your permission to stay for up to 90 days. Check the stamp before leaving the counter.
4
Collect luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, collect your checked luggage from the carousel. Customs is usually a quick walk-through, but be prepared to declare any restricted items.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Ivory Coast 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)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostUnknown (estimated ~$50 USD)
Apply at Guinea-Bissau embassy or consulate; may allow longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
CostUnknown (estimated ~$100 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires embassy application.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (estimated ~$10 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Ivory Coast 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 (Bissau)
Health & vaccines for Guinea-Bissau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission, including Ivory Coast.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
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 present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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 Estrangeiros (SME)
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Bissau
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and photos.
Practical information for CI 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
Up to 90 days per visit. The exact period is determined by the immigration officer at the border, but the standard is 90 days. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Extensions are not available for visa-free visitors. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a residence permit or a visa extension at the Immigration Department in Bissau before your 90 days expire. This is not guaranteed.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Guinea-Bissau. You'll need to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, the visa-free policy applies at all land borders. The same requirements apply: valid passport, onward ticket, and proof of accommodation. Border crossings can be less formal than the airport, but still have your documents ready.
No, departure tax is included in your airline ticket. You don't need to pay anything extra at the airport.
The West African CFA franc (XOF). It's pegged to the euro. ATMs are available in Bissau but may not always work. Bring some euros or dollars in cash to exchange.
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.