Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Japan 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
Japanese passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Guinea-Bissau. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short business trips. As of 2026, the process is straightforward at Bissau's Osvaldo Vieira International Airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | You get a visa on arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Bissau. Have 55,000 CFA francs (about $90 USD) in cash for the visa fee — the ATM at the airport is unreliable. The visa is valid for up to 90 days. | 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 will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the visa-on-arrival counter. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your outbound flight ready. Without it, you may be asked to buy a ticket on the spot. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Officers sometimes ask where you are staying. A printed hotel reservation or a letter from a host with their address in Bissau works. I have never been asked for this, but a few travellers have reported being questioned. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. The visa fee is cash-only (CFA francs or euros), and there are no reliable ATMs outside Bissau. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the airport
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or CFA francs. There are no ATMs in the immigration hall, and credit cards are not accepted. Bring enough cash to cover the fee plus a buffer.
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) upon arrival. Without it, you risk being denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport
After landing in Bissau, follow signs to the immigration hall. There's a dedicated counter for visa on arrival. Queue there, not with the regular passport holders.
2
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (usually given on the plane), return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer will tell you the fee — pay in cash (Euros or CFA francs are accepted). Keep the receipt.
3
Receive visa and enter
The officer stamps your passport with the visa. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter. Then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (via embassy)
Apply at a Guinea-Bissau embassy abroad; allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$200 USD (via embassy)
For frequent travellers; requires embassy application.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$150 USD (via embassy)
Requires invitation letter from a Guinea-Bissau company.
work visa
Temporary Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (processing fee)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Guinea-Bissau employer. Requires a work contract and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudo)
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD (processing fee)
For enrolled students at a recognized educational institution in Guinea-Bissau. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investimento)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a local business or real estate. Provides residency and work rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival fee (single entry)Payable in cash (XOF, EUR, USD) at the airport or border. | 55,000 XOF (~$90 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay is strictly enforced; avoid exceeding the visa validity. | 5,000 XOF (~$8 USD) per day, max 150,000 XOF (~$245 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Expired passport20%
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
Japan passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau 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
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsOsvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB), Bissau
Health & vaccines for Guinea-Bissau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission; may be required for all travellers depending on current regulations.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is endemic throughout Guinea-Bissau; prophylaxis is strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Dengue outbreaks occur; use mosquito repellent and sleep under nets.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round nationwide. 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
Direção Geral de Migração e Estrangeiros (DGME)
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.
Practical information for JP 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 visa on arrival fee is typically around €55–€85 or 35,000–55,000 CFA francs. Bring cash in euros or CFA — credit cards are not accepted at immigration. The exact amount can vary slightly, so carry a bit extra.
The standard visa on arrival is valid for up to 30 days. If you need longer, you must apply for an extension at the immigration office in Bissau before your visa expires.
Yes, extensions are possible but not guaranteed. Visit the Serviço de Migração e Fronteiras in Bissau. The process takes a few days and costs around 10,000–20,000 CFA francs. Start early — don't wait until the last day.
Yes, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Guinea-Bissau. Carry your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) with you. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport.
Visa on arrival is available at land borders, but the process is less reliable. Border posts may lack the equipment or staff to process it. If you're entering overland, it's safer to arrange an e-visa in advance through the official government portal.
Yes, Guinea-Bissau offers an e-visa for Japanese passport holders. You can apply online at the official government e-visa site. Processing takes 3–5 business days and costs around €60–€80. This is a good backup if you want to avoid the airport queue.
You'll need your passport (6+ months validity), a printed or digital return ticket, proof of first night's accommodation, and your yellow fever vaccination card. The officer may also ask for proof of sufficient funds — a bank statement or credit card is usually fine.
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.