Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Ghana 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
Ghanaian passport holders can enter Guinea-Bissau without a visa for short stays. As of 2026, you can stay up to 90 days per visit. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your stay | Your Ghanaian passport needs to be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Guinea-Bissau. Airlines at Kotoka International Airport will check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration at Osvaldo Vieira Airport in Bissau will ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Guinea-Bissau. Officers occasionally ask for this at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have cash (Euros or CFA francs) or a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. There's no official minimum, but around €100–€200 per week is a safe buffer. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) to enter Guinea-Bissau. Without it, you risk being denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
No visa needed, but be prepared
Even though you don't need a visa, immigration officers may ask for your return ticket and proof of accommodation. Have them ready on your phone or printed. It's a quick process if you're prepared.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, check your passport validity (6+ months from arrival). Print or save your return ticket and first night hotel booking. Get travel insurance and an eSIM if you want.
2
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
After landing, head to immigration. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in — no visa needed. This usually takes 5–10 minutes.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. Then walk through customs (usually a green channel). You're free to go.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Ghana 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (equivalent in XOF)
Apply at Guinea-Bissau embassy; requires passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (equivalent in XOF)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 90 days
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$200 USD (equivalent in XOF)
Requires sponsorship or business invitation; apply at embassy.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable annually
~$300 USD (equivalent in XOF)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Guinea-Bissau employer. Requires work contract, employer sponsorship, and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$150 USD (equivalent in XOF)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in Guinea-Bissau. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (equivalent in XOF)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in Guinea-Bissau. Requires business plan, proof of investment, and approval from investment agency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers short stays; no single-entry visa fee applies. | Free (not applicable as visa-free) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry covers short stays; no multiple-entry visa fee applies. | Free (not applicable as visa-free) |
| Stay extension costVisa-free stays are not extendable; no extension fee applies. | Free (not applicable as visa-free) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not officially published; travellers should avoid overstaying. | Unknown (estimated ~$10–20 USD/day) |
| Overstay fine maximum capNo official cap known; overstay may lead to detention or deportation. | Unknown |
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
Ghana passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), visa-free entry applies for up to 30 days.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may have different rules.
- Transit through Bissau airport (OXB) is generally straightforward for international connections.
Transit hubsOsvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB), Bissau
Health & vaccines for Guinea-Bissau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Ghana.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is endemic throughout Guinea-Bissau; prophylaxis is strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Dengue 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, with highest transmission during rainy season (June–November). 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) – Sede
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Bissau
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Bafatá
Delegação do SMF – Bafatá
Rua Principal, Bafatá
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for inland travellers; limited services.
Practical information for GH 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. If you want to stay longer, you'll need to apply for an extension at the immigration office in Bissau before your 90 days are up.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You must visit the Immigration Department in Bissau (Direção-Geral de Migração) before your visa-free period expires. They'll assess your case. There's a fee, and it's best to go early in the process.
Yes, it's mandatory for all travellers arriving from Ghana. You'll need to show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (the little yellow card) at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot.
You'll likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before you travel.
No, there's no arrival declaration form for Ghanaian passport holders. Just hand over your passport and return ticket if asked.
Yes, the same visa-free rule applies at land borders. You'll still need a passport valid for 6+ months and a return ticket. Border crossings can be slower than the airport, so plan extra time.
The local currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and larger shops, but you'll need CFA for smaller purchases. ATMs are available in Bissau but not everywhere. Bring some cash in euros or dollars 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.