Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Laos 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
Laos passport holders can get a visa on arrival at airports and land borders in Guinea-Bissau. You'll need a few documents ready before you travel. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for most nationalities.
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 55 EUR or 60 USD in cash ready for the single-entry tourist visa — the airport ATM often runs out of cash and card payments are not accepted. The process takes 15–30 minutes depending on the queue.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Guinea-Bissau. Airlines at Vientiane and Bangkok check this strictly before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Bissau airport ask for a return or onward ticket before stamping you in. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready — they do not accept bus or ferry tickets as proof. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a signed invitation letter from your host in Guinea-Bissau. Officers occasionally ask for this during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Have at least 200 EUR or equivalent in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but if you cannot show means to support yourself, they may deny entry. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or CFA francs. Cards are not accepted. ATMs in Bissau are unreliable, so bring enough cash for the visa and a few days.
Yellow fever vaccination
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Even if not mandatory, it's strongly recommended for all travellers. Get it at least 10 days before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at airport or land border
At Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau or at any land border crossing, go to the visa-on-arrival counter before passport control. Look for the 'Visa on Arrival' sign.
2
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (if provided), and passport photo. Pay the visa fee in cash — euros or CFA francs are accepted. Keep the receipt.
3
Receive visa and proceed to immigration
The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport. Then proceed to the immigration queue for entry clearance. Total time is usually 15–30 minutes.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos 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€55 (≈ $60 USD)
Apply at Guinea-Bissau embassy abroad. Extension possible at immigration office in Bissau.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, total 180 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€150 (≈ $164 USD)
Requires invitation letter or hotel booking. Best for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€100 (≈ $109 USD)
Requires invitation from a company in Guinea-Bissau. Allows multiple entries.
work visa
Autorização de Trabalho (Work Permit)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (≈ $218 USD) + employer fees
For those with a job offer from a registered company in Guinea-Bissau. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and police clearance. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Visto de Investidor (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (≈ $545 USD) + proof of investment
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in a local business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
student visa
Visto de Estudante (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (≈ $109 USD)
For enrolment in a recognised educational institution in Guinea-Bissau. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in EUR or USD cash at the airport. Exact change recommended. | €55 (≈ $60 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)Available at Bissau airport. Longer stay requires justification. | €85 (≈ $93 USD) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure. Avoid overstaying to prevent future entry issues. | ~€10 per day (≈ $11 USD/day), max cap unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
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
Laos passport holders transiting through Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau) do not need 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), you must obtain a visa on arrival.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you have a confirmed onward ticket and stay airside, no visa is needed for up to 24 hours.
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 Laos). Must show certificate upon arrival.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverHigh risk
Common in urban and rural areas. Use mosquito repellent and sleep under nets.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur during rainy season. Drink only bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under treated 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 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and overstay fines. Bring passport, 2 photos, and fee in EUR/USD.
Bafatá
Delegação do SME - Bafatá
Rua Principal, Bafatá
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for inland travellers. Limited services; may need to go to Bissau for complex issues.
Practical information for LA 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
The fee is typically around 55 euros or 35,000 CFA francs. Bring cash in euros or CFA — cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
The standard visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible but must be arranged at the immigration office in Bissau.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Department in Bissau. The process takes a few days and costs around 20,000 CFA francs. You'll need your passport, a passport photo, and a completed application form.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 9 months old arriving from countries with yellow fever risk. Laos is not a risk country, but if you've recently visited one, you'll need proof. Even if not required, it's strongly recommended.
You may be denied the visa on arrival. The airline might also refuse boarding. Book a refundable ticket or a cheap onward flight to be safe.
Yes, most land border crossings offer visa on arrival for Laos passport holders. The process is the same as at the airport. Check the specific border crossing's operating hours before you travel.
Guinea-Bissau has some safety concerns, including petty crime and occasional political instability. Register with your embassy on arrival, avoid travelling after dark, and keep valuables out of sight. Travel insurance is essential.
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.