Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Malta 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
Malta passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Guinea-Bissau. You pay the fee and get your visa stamped at the airport in Bissau. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Guinea-Bissau. No minimum validity beyond your stay is required by law, but airlines sometimes enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Obtain at the airport upon arrival | You can get a visa on arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. Have cash in euros or CFA francs ready — the fee is around €55–€85 depending on your nationality. The process takes 15–30 minutes at the immigration desk.Check MFA requirements | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guinea-Bissau | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. A printed or digital copy of your flight booking works. If you're overlanding, a bus or ferry ticket out of the country also satisfies this requirement. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration rarely checks this, but if they do, a simple booking confirmation on your phone is enough. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry at least €200 in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Officers rarely ask, but if you're staying more than a week, they may want to see you have money for accommodation and food. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash (EUR or XOF). There are no ATMs at the airport before immigration. Bring enough cash with you.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before your trip.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. There's a dedicated counter for visa on arrival. Join the queue and have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
2
Pay the visa fee and get stamped
Hand over your documents and pay the fee in cash (EUR or XOF). The officer will issue a visa sticker in your passport. This usually takes 10–20 minutes.
3
Proceed to passport control
With the visa in your passport, go to the main passport control queue. The officer will check your visa and stamp you in. Keep your boarding pass handy in case they ask.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€55 (~$60 USD)
Obtainable on arrival or at embassy; same as visa on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost€110 (~$120 USD)
Available at Guinea-Bissau embassy; allows multiple entries.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (~$220 USD)
Requires sponsorship or work permit; apply at embassy.
work visa
Trabalho (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$220 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Guinea-Bissau employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Investidor (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD) plus proof of investment
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in local business or real estate. Provides residency and multiple entries.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in euros or CFA francs upon arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. | €55 (~$60 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying to prevent fines or detention. | Unknown per day, max cap unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
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
Malta 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 if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; Guinea-Bissau is endemic.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide; take prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone/proguanil) and use 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 Estrangeiros (SME)
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 MT 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 fee is typically around 55–85 EUR (or equivalent in XOF). Pay in cash at the airport. Credit cards are not accepted.
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 travel.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month requirement is strictly enforced.
Yes, Guinea-Bissau requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travelers over 1 year old. You'll need to show it at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before arrival.
The visa on arrival is only available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. If entering by land, you must arrange a visa in advance from a Guinea-Bissau embassy.
EUR is widely accepted and easiest. XOF (West African CFA franc) also works. Avoid USD — it's not commonly used. Bring small denominations.
Yes, citizens of most countries can get a visa on arrival at Bissau airport. But always check the latest rules for your specific passport before traveling.
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.