Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for India 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
Indian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method — no need to apply in advance. Just show up with your documents and pay the fee in cash at the immigration counter.
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 85 EUR or 55,000 XOF in cash ready for the visa fee — the airport ATM often runs out of cash and card payments are not accepted. Bring two passport-sized photos and a printed copy of your hotel booking to speed up the process.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Guinea-Bissau. Have at least two blank pages for the visa sticker and entry/exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Bissau airport routinely ask for a printed or digital copy of your onward ticket. A return flight to your home country or a ticket to your next destination works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Guinea-Bissau. Immigration may ask where you're staying during the visa-on-arrival process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least 500 EUR in cash or have a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (EUR or XOF), and you'll need extra cash for transport and expenses. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — EUR or XOF. Cards are not accepted. Bring enough to cover the fee plus some extra for emergencies.
Yellow fever vaccination required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at immigration. 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 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a dedicated counter. Join the queue and have your documents ready.
2
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Pay the visa fee in cash (EUR or XOF). The officer will process and issue your visa.
3
Receive visa and proceed to passport control
Once the visa is stamped, go to the passport control line. The officer will check your visa and stamp your passport. You're then free to collect luggage and exit.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · India 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, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~55 EUR (~60 USD)
Apply at Guinea-Bissau embassy abroad; may allow longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~110 EUR (~120 USD)
For frequent travellers; apply at embassy.
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
Cost~80 EUR (~88 USD)
Requires invitation letter from a company in Guinea-Bissau.
work visa
Temporary Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~200 EUR (~220 USD) per year
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Guinea-Bissau employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~100 EUR (~110 USD) per year
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in Guinea-Bissau. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~500 EUR (~550 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing a minimum of ~$50,000 USD in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR or XOF) at the airport upon arrival. | 55 EUR (~60 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (likely per day, capped at visa fee equivalent) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete 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
India passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau's airports do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Must have a valid visa for the final destination if required.
- Transit without visa only applies to airside stays; leaving the airport requires a visa.
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 transmission; India is not endemic, but proof may be requested if transiting through an endemic country.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
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. Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine prophylaxis recommended. Use insect repellent and bed 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 immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash (XOF/EUR).
Practical information for IN 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
Visa on arrival is officially available only at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. Land border crossings do not offer this facility — check with the nearest embassy if you're entering by road.
The fee is typically around 50-100 EUR or equivalent in West African CFA francs (XOF). Exact amounts can change — bring a bit extra in cash to be safe.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers over 1 year old. You'll need to show it at immigration — carry the WHO yellow card.
No, only cash is accepted — either euros (EUR) or West African CFA francs (XOF). Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Usually 15-30 minutes, but it can take longer during peak arrival times. Be patient and have all documents ready to speed things up.
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.