Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Iraq 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

Iraqi passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Guinea-Bissau. Fly into Osvaldo Vieira International Airport and handle the visa at the counter before immigration. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for Iraqi citizens.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
Get your visa on arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Bissau. Have 55 EUR or 60 USD in cash ready for the single-entry visa fee — the counter does not accept cards. You also need two passport-sized photos; if you don't have them, there's a photo booth at the airport that charges 5 EUR.Check MFA websiteRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of stay
Your passport needs at least one blank page for the visa sticker. Guinea-Bissau does not officially require 6 months of remaining validity beyond your stay, but airlines sometimes enforce it — check with your carrier before flying.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers at Bissau airport ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before they issue the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended to have
Officers rarely ask for a hotel booking, but having one printed or on your phone speeds things up if they do. A simple booking confirmation from any hotel or guesthouse in Bissau works.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended to have
Carry at least 200 EUR or 220 USD in cash to show you can cover your stay. Cards are not widely accepted outside the capital, so cash is your best bet for the entire trip.Recommended
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — Euros or West African CFA francs. There is no ATM or card payment at the visa counter. Bring enough cash to cover the fee and any unexpected costs.
Yellow fever vaccination required
Guinea-Bissau requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers over 1 year old. Even if you're not from a yellow fever endemic country, carry your vaccination card. You may be asked for it at immigration.

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 for visa-on-arrival processing. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation details ready.
2
Pay the visa fee and receive your visa
The visa fee is paid in cash (usually EUR or XOF). As of 2026, the cost is around €55–€85 depending on your nationality. You'll get a visa sticker placed in your passport.
3
Proceed to passport control
After receiving your visa, go to the passport control queue. Show your passport with the new visa, your boarding pass, and any requested documents. The officer will stamp you in.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, pick up your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There's usually no baggage inspection for tourists.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$60 USD (via embassy)

Must apply at Guinea-Bissau embassy abroad; not available online.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (via embassy)

Requires letter of invitation and proof of sufficient funds.

work visa
Temporary Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Guinea-Bissau employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on arrival entry feePayable at Bissau airport or land borders in euros or CFA francs.55 EUR / ~$60 USD (cash only)
Overstay fine per dayOverstay is not officially permitted; fines are negotiated at immigration.~$10 USD per day (estimated, no official cap)

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

Transit visa is not required for Iraq holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau if staying airside and not passing immigration. However, due to limited international flights, most transits require overnight stays and entry.

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 Iraq if transiting through endemic areas).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season; use mosquito repellent.

Food/waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Tap water is unsafe; avoid street food and drink bottled water.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Atovaquone/proguanil or doxycycline prophylaxis 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 Fronteiras (SMF)
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Bissau
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.

Practical information for IQ 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
updated Jul 3
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
Police117
Medical119
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

The visa on arrival fee is typically between €55 and €85, payable in cash (Euros or West African CFA francs). Bring exact change if possible. Prices can change, so check with your airline or the Guinea-Bissau embassy before travel.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before travel or leave and re-enter.
You may be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at immigration. Always have a confirmed onward or return ticket before you fly.
Yes, Guinea-Bissau requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers over 1 year old arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Iraq is not a yellow fever endemic country, but if you've recently travelled to an endemic area, you'll need proof. Check with your doctor.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. Land border crossings may not offer this facility, so it's safest to fly in. If entering by land, check with the nearest Guinea-Bissau embassy beforehand.
You'll need your passport (valid 6+ months), a printed or digital copy of your return/onward ticket, and sometimes proof of accommodation. The officer may also ask for a passport photo, so carry one just in case.
Guinea-Bissau has a high crime rate in some areas, especially in Bissau. Avoid walking alone at night, don't display valuables, and use registered taxis. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.

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.