Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Netherlands 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
Dutch passport holders can get a visa on arrival at airports and land borders in Guinea-Bissau. As of 2026, you simply show up with your documents, pay the fee, and receive a 30-day tourist visa on the spot.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Bissau. Pay the fee in cash (EUR or XOF) — around €55–€85 depending on nationality. Have two passport photos and your hotel address ready.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Guinea-Bissau. Airlines at Schiphol may enforce 6 months validity — check with your carrier before flying. | 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 or digital copy of your flight out of Guinea-Bissau ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Have at least €200–€300 in cash (EUR or XOF) or a credit card to show you can cover your stay. ATMs are scarce outside Bissau. | Recommended |
Cash is king
ATMs are unreliable and credit cards are rarely accepted. Bring enough euros or CFA francs in cash to cover your visa fee, accommodation, and daily expenses.
Safety advisory
Guinea-Bissau has a high crime rate and political instability. Avoid non-essential travel to rural areas. Stick to Bissau and the Bijagós Islands. Register with your embassy on arrival.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport or border
At Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau) or any land border crossing, head to the 'Visa on Arrival' counter before passport control.
2
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Pay the visa fee in cash (EUR or XOF). The officer will process your visa.
3
Receive visa and enter
You'll get a 30-day tourist visa sticker in your passport. Proceed to passport control for entry stamping.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Netherlands 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€60 (~$65 USD)
Apply at Guinea-Bissau embassy in Brussels or Paris. Requires invitation letter.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
Same application process as single entry.
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 employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Guinea-Bissau. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in EUR or XOF at the airport. Cash only. | €55 (~$60 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (likely ~$10–20 USD per day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
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
Netherlands 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 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)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; no specific vaccine, use repellent.
Food/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 strongly recommended.
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 08:00–15:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Practical information for NL 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 is typically valid for 30 days. You can extend it once at the immigration office in Bissau for an additional 30 days (fee around €30–€50).
Yes, at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport and all major land border crossings (e.g., from Senegal or Guinea). However, smaller crossings may not have the facility — stick to official entry points.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You may be asked to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Yes, you can apply for a 30-day extension at the Serviço de Migração e Fronteiras in Bissau. The process takes 1–3 days and costs about €30–€50. Bring your passport, a passport photo, and the fee in cash.
Guinea-Bissau has a high crime rate and political instability. Avoid non-essential travel to rural areas. Stick to Bissau and the Bijagós Islands. Register with your embassy on arrival.
The local currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Euros are widely accepted for visa fees and larger purchases. Bring cash — ATMs are scarce and unreliable. Credit cards are rarely accepted.
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.