Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Mexico 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
Mexican 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 visa. No need to apply in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Bissau. Have 55,000 CFA francs (about $90 USD) in cash for the single-entry tourist visa — the airport ATM often runs out and card payments are not accepted. Bring two passport photos and a printout of your hotel booking or invitation letter.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Mexican passport needs at least one blank page for the visa sticker. Guinea-Bissau does not officially require 6 months of remaining validity, but airlines sometimes enforce it — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Bissau airport routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed itinerary or e-ticket ready — showing it on your phone works, but a printout avoids delays. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Hotel booking or an invitation letter from your host in Guinea-Bissau. Officers may ask for it during visa-on-arrival processing, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged tour operator. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificate Required for entry | Guinea-Bissau requires a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate for all arriving passengers. You will be asked to show it at the airport — without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot. | Required |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival must be paid in cash — no cards, no mobile money. Bring euros or West African CFA francs. ATMs in Guinea-Bissau are unreliable, so carry enough for the visa and a few days.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Guinea-Bissau. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel and carry the yellow card with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
After landing, follow signs to the visa on arrival counter. There's usually a small queue. Present your passport, return ticket (screenshot is fine), and accommodation booking if asked.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash — euros or West African CFA francs (XOF) are accepted. The officer will issue a receipt and then stamp your passport. Keep the receipt until you exit the airport.
3
Proceed to immigration
After getting the visa, go to the immigration desk for entry processing. They'll check your passport and may ask your purpose of visit. Answer briefly — tourism or business.
4
Collect luggage and exit
Baggage claim is straightforward. Customs is usually relaxed — just walk through the green channel if you have nothing to declare.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Mexico 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
Cost55 EUR (~$60 USD)
Obtainable on arrival or in advance from embassy. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost90 EUR (~$98 USD)
For multiple visits within validity. Extension possible per stay.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost100 EUR (~$109 USD)
Requires invitation letter from a company in Guinea-Bissau.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer from a Guinea-Bissau employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in Guinea-Bissau. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or XOF) upon arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. | 55 EUR (~$60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap not specified; avoid overstay to prevent fines and future entry issues. | 5,000 XOF (~$8 USD) per day |
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
Mexico 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), you must obtain a visa on arrival.
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 endemic countries; may be required for all arrivals depending on current regulations.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)RecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; use mosquito repellent and nets.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes; no specific treatment.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round throughout Guinea-Bissau. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) is strongly 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 08:00–15:30
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash (XOF or EUR).
Bafatá
Delegação do SME Bafatá
Rua Principal, Bafatá
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for inland travellers. Limited services; call ahead.
Practical information for MX 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 55,000 West African CFA francs (XOF), which is about €85. It can vary slightly, so bring a bit extra. Payment is in cash only — euros or XOF are accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You get a single-entry visa valid for the duration of your stay (usually up to 30 days). If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Guinea-Bissau. You'll likely be asked to show it at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Visa on arrival is available at all official entry points, including land borders. The process is similar — pay the fee in cash and get your visa. But land crossings can be less predictable; carry extra cash and patience.
No, only cash is accepted. Bring euros or West African CFA francs. There are ATMs in Bissau, but they're unreliable. Best to have enough cash for the visa and a few days' expenses.
Usually 15–30 minutes at the airport, depending on how many flights arrive at the same time. The queue moves quickly. Have your documents ready to speed things up.
It's rare if you meet the requirements — valid passport, return ticket, and cash. But if you have a criminal record or your passport is damaged, you could be turned away. Always have a backup plan.
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.