Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Ethiopia 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
Ethiopian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Guinea-Bissau. No advance application needed — just arrive at Bissau's airport with the right documents and cash. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method.
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 visa fee — the counter does not accept cards. The process takes 10–15 minutes, but expect a queue if multiple flights land at once.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Ethiopian passport needs at least one blank page for the visa sticker. Guinea-Bissau does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — just make sure it covers your entire stay. Airlines at Bole International Airport may still ask for 6 months, so check with them before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guinea-Bissau | Immigration officers at Bissau airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone showing your departure flight. If you are overlanding to Senegal or Guinea, a bus ticket or a written itinerary works too. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Guinea-Bissau. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays. If you are staying with friends, a simple signed letter with their address and phone number is enough. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your trip. Have a bank statement or a credit card with a visible limit ready. There is no fixed minimum amount, but showing at least 150,000 XOF (~$250) in cash or on a card covers you for a short stay. | Recommended |
Cash only at immigration
There is no ATM or card payment at the visa on arrival counter. Bring enough euros or CFA francs in cash to cover the fee (around €55–85). You won't be able to pay any other way.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Guinea-Bissau requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for entry. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before you travel and carry the certificate with your passport.
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 proof ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete — name, passport number, flight details, where you're staying. Fill it in while queuing to save time.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash (EUR or XOF) at the counter. Keep the receipt. The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport.
4
Proceed to passport control
Hand over your passport with the visa sticker. The officer will check your details, ask a few questions (purpose of visit, length of stay), and let you through.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. The whole process usually takes 30–60 minutes.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia 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, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$70 USD (via embassy)
Apply at Guinea-Bissau embassy abroad; may allow longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$120 USD (via embassy)
For frequent travellers; requires justification.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$100 USD (via embassy)
Requires invitation letter from Guinea-Bissau company.
work visa
Autorização de Trabalho (Work Permit)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Guinea-Bissau employer. Requires contract, company sponsorship, and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Visto de Estudante (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in Guinea-Bissau. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Visto de Investidor (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in a local business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) upon arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. | 55 EUR (~$60 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are enforced; avoid exceeding authorized stay. | ~$10 USD per day (max cap unknown) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
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
Ethiopian passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau's Osvaldo Vieira International Airport do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, due to limited international flights, most transits require overnight stays and thus entry clearance.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- If connecting to a same-day onward flight and not leaving the transit area, no visa is needed.
Transit hubsOsvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
Health & vaccines for Guinea-Bissau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers aged 9 months and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (Ethiopia is considered endemic).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country, including urban areas; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season; use mosquito repellent.
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, or mefloquine) is recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under 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 Estrangeiros (SME)
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Bissau
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash (CFA or EUR).
Bafatá
Delegação do SME Bafatá
Rua Principal, Bafatá
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office; limited services, may refer to Bissau for complex cases.
Practical information for ET 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 fee is typically around €55–85 (or equivalent in XOF). It must be paid in cash at the airport. Euros are preferred, but CFA francs are also accepted. There's no card payment option.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before your allowed stay expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-enter.
The maximum stay is not fixed in the database, but in practice it's usually 30 days. Confirm with immigration at the counter when you arrive.
Yes, Guinea-Bissau requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll likely be asked to show it at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
You will be denied entry. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Renew your passport before travelling.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. For land border crossings, check with the nearest Guinea-Bissau embassy — rules may differ.
Your passport (6+ months validity), return/onward ticket, and proof of accommodation. Travel insurance is not mandatory but recommended. Have them ready in a folder.
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.