Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Sri Lanka 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
Sri Lankan passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. You'll need to pay in cash (around €55–€85), have two passport photos, and fill out a form at the counter. This has been the standard process since 2025.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your intended stay in Guinea-Bissau. Airlines at Colombo (CMB) may ask to see your passport before boarding — they rarely enforce a 6-month rule for Guinea-Bissau, but having at least 3 months remaining avoids any pushback. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Obtain at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) | You get a visa on arrival at Bissau airport. Pay in cash — Euros or CFA francs are preferred, USD works but expect a poor exchange rate. Single entry costs around €55–€85 depending on nationality. Have a passport photo ready (they rarely ask, but saves time if they do).Check MFA portal | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for boarding | The airline at Colombo (CMB) will check you have a return or onward ticket before issuing your boarding pass. Immigration at Bissau also asks for it about half the time. A cheap onward bus or ferry ticket to Senegal or Guinea works if you're overlanding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration officers in Bissau sometimes ask where you're staying. A printed hotel confirmation or a letter from a host with their address and phone number covers you. If you're arriving without a booking, have a plan — they may ask for a contact name. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card showing means of support | Guinea-Bissau doesn't formally enforce a minimum cash requirement, but having €200–€300 in cash (Euros or CFA) shows you can cover your stay. ATMs in Bissau are unreliable — bring enough Euros to exchange at the airport or in town. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (Euros or CFA francs). There are no ATMs at the airport that reliably work for international cards. Bring enough cash for the visa fee and at least a few days' expenses.
Yellow fever vaccination required
All travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission must show proof of vaccination. Even if you're coming directly from Sri Lanka (which is not a risk country), you may be asked if you've visited any risk countries recently. Carry your yellow fever certificate just in case.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before the main passport control queue.
2
Fill out the visa application form
Grab a form at the counter. You'll need your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address. Fill it out in capital letters.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, two passport photos, the completed form, and cash (€55–€85). The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport.
4
Proceed to passport control
After getting your visa, join the main passport control line. Show your passport with the new visa and your onward ticket if asked. You're in.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka 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, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost55 EUR (approx. $60 USD)
Obtainable on arrival; no pre-application needed.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~100 EUR (approx. $110 USD)
Requires invitation letter from a Guinean company; apply at embassy.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~200 EUR (approx. $220 USD)
Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Interior.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable annually
~200 EUR (approx. $220 USD)
For those with a job offer from a Guinean employer. Requires work contract, police clearance, and medical certificate. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~500 EUR (approx. $550 USD)
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Guinean business. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival entry feePayable in cash (EUR or XOF) upon arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. | 55 EUR (approx. $60 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as visa on arrival; no separate single-entry visa available. | 55 EUR (approx. $60 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple-entry visas are not issued for tourism; only single-entry visa on arrival. | Not available |
| Stay extension costExtensions are not permitted for visa-on-arrival stays. | Unknown |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not officially published; may result in detention or deportation. | 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
Sri Lanka passport holders transiting through Guinea-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), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsOsvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
Health & vaccines for Guinea-Bissau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is prevalent throughout the country; prophylaxis is strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Dengue outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season; use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
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 mosquito 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 Fronteiras (SMF)
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Bissau
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa issues; bring passport and supporting documents.
Bissau
Osvaldo Vieira International Airport Immigration Desk
Aeroporto Internacional Osvaldo Vieira, Bissau
24/7
Visa on arrival issued here; have cash and passport photo ready.
Practical information for LK 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 visa on arrival costs around €55–€85 (about $60–$95 USD), payable in cash. Euros and West African CFA francs (XOF) are accepted. Bring exact change if possible — officers may not have change for large bills.
No. The visa on arrival is valid for 30 days and cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a different visa type (like a work or investor visa) before you travel.
No, if you stay airside (don't pass through immigration) and your layover is under 24 hours at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. If you need to enter the country — for example, to change airports or stay overnight — you'll need the visa on arrival.
Overstay penalties are not officially published, but you risk detention or deportation. The visa on arrival is not extendable, so plan your departure carefully. If you need more time, apply for a proper visa before you travel.
No. The visa on arrival is single-entry only. If you leave Guinea-Bissau and want to return, you'll need to get another visa on arrival (and pay the fee again).
You need: a passport valid for 6+ months beyond your departure date, two passport-size photos, a completed application form (available at the counter), and cash for the fee. A return/onward ticket and proof of accommodation are also recommended.
Guinea-Bissau has limited medical facilities and a high risk of malaria. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly advised. 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.