Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Iceland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Icelandic passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Guinea-Bissau. As of 2026, you simply show up at the airport in Bissau, pay the fee in cash, and receive your entry stamp. No need to apply in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a 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 ATM at the airport is unreliable. The visa is valid for up to 90 days.Apply for visa on arrival | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Guinea-Bissau. Airlines check this at check-in and will deny boarding if it's not valid. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Bissau airport routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket. Have a return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have at least 150,000 XOF (about 230 EUR) in cash or a credit card statement ready. Immigration may ask to see proof of sufficient funds for your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or CFA francs. There are no ATMs before immigration, and cards are not accepted. Bring enough cash to cover the fee (about €85) plus some extra.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) to enter Guinea-Bissau. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before your trip. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on arrival (if available).
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you fly, make sure your passport has 6+ months validity and at least one blank page. Print or save your return ticket and hotel booking confirmation on your phone.
2
Arrive at Bissau Airport (OXB)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a dedicated counter. Hand over your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking.
3
Pay the fee and get your visa
Pay the visa fee in cash (euros or CFA francs). The officer will issue a visa sticker and stamp your passport. The whole process takes 10–20 minutes.
4
Pass through immigration
After getting your visa, proceed to the immigration desk. They'll check your passport and stamp you in. Keep your documents handy in case they ask again.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost55 EUR (~60 USD)
Obtainable on arrival; no pre-application needed for Icelandic passport holders.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost90 EUR (~100 USD)
Available on arrival; allows multiple entries within validity period.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (euros or CFA francs) upon arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. | 55 EUR (~60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying beyond the visa-on-arrival validity (usually 30 days) incurs fines; pay at immigration office before departure. | 5,000 XOF (~8 USD) per day, max 100,000 XOF (~165 USD) |
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
Icelandic passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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; certificate may be checked on arrival.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended for all regions; 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 dos Combatentes da Liberdade da Pátria, Bissau
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Main immigration office for visa extensions and overstay fines; bring passport, visa, and cash.
Practical information for IS 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
The standard fee is around 55,000 XOF (West African CFA francs), which is about €85. You can pay in euros or local currency. Bring cash — cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before you travel.
Yes, Guinea-Bissau requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 9 months old. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
The visa on arrival is only available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. If you're entering by land, you need to arrange a visa in advance at a Guinea-Bissau embassy.
It's not officially required for the visa on arrival, but it's strongly recommended. Medical facilities are limited, and evacuation can be very expensive.
The visa on arrival typically grants a stay of up to 30 days. The exact duration is at the discretion of the immigration officer, so confirm when you receive your stamp.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.