Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Finland 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
Finnish passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Guinea-Bissau's airports. You don't need to apply in advance — just show up with the right documents and pay the fee at the border. As of 2026, this is the standard entry process for Finns.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Bissau. Pay the fee in cash — EUR or CFA francs accepted — and expect a short queue. Have a passport photo ready. | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Guinea-Bissau. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. If you don't have one, they may deny entry or require you to buy a ticket on the spot. Book a refundable onward ticket before you fly. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers rarely ask for it, but if they do, not having one can delay your entry. A simple booking confirmation works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient funds for stay | Carry enough cash (EUR or CFA) or a credit card to cover your stay — around €50 per day is a safe estimate. Immigration may ask to see it if you look underprepared. ATMs are scarce outside Bissau. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash (euros or CFA francs). Cards are not accepted. ATMs at the airport are unreliable, so bring enough from home.
Yellow fever vaccine required
All travellers need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before departure. You may be asked to show it at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
After deplaning, 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
A short form asking for basic details: name, passport number, flight info, and address in Guinea-Bissau. Staff can help if needed.
3
Pay the visa fee in cash
Pay at the counter. Euros or CFA francs are accepted. Keep the receipt — you may need it later.
4
Receive your visa sticker and proceed to passport control
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa sticker. Then join the main passport control queue. Show your passport and boarding pass. You're in.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Finland 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€70 (~$76 USD)
Apply at Guinea-Bissau embassy abroad; longer processing time but guaranteed entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost€120 (~$130 USD)
For frequent travellers; must be arranged before travel.
Long-stay visa (business/residence)
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (~$217 USD)
Requires invitation letter and approval from Guinea-Bissau immigration; extendable.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival fee (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (euros or CFA francs) upon arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. | €55 (~$60 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are inconsistently enforced; avoid overstaying to prevent fines or entry bans. | Unknown (estimated €10–20 per 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
Finland passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, due to limited facilities, most transits require clearing immigration.
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; certificate may be requested upon entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers but can occur during outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under 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
Direção-Geral da Emigração e Fronteiras (DGEF)
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Bissau
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Bissau
Osvaldo Vieira International Airport Immigration Desk
Aeroporto Internacional Osvaldo Vieira, Bissau
Open during flight arrivals/departures
Issues visa on arrival; have exact fee ready and ensure passport validity.
Practical information for FI 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, payable in euros or CFA francs. Exact amount can vary slightly. Always carry a bit extra in cash.
The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Visa on arrival is only available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. At land borders, you must have a visa obtained in advance from a Guinea-Bissau embassy.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 1 year old. You may be asked to show it at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
No. Only cash is accepted at the visa-on-arrival counter. Bring euros or CFA francs. There are ATMs in the airport, but they may not always work.
Usually 15–30 minutes, depending on the number of arrivals. It's straightforward — just have your documents ready.
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 June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.