Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Norway 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
Norwegian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at airports and land borders in Guinea-Bissau. You don't need to apply in advance — just show up with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires some preparation.
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 — they don't take cards. Bring two passport photos and a printout of your hotel booking.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs at least one blank page for the visa sticker. Guinea-Bissau doesn't enforce a 6-month validity rule — just needs to cover your trip. Airlines sometimes ask for 6 months anyway, so check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at OXB ask for proof of onward travel before stamping you in. Have a printed itinerary or e-ticket showing your departure from Guinea-Bissau. Without it, they may deny boarding at your origin airport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Border officers sometimes ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. A printed booking page works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | You won't likely be asked, but carry enough cash for your stay — ATMs are unreliable and cards rarely work. Budget at least $50–$100 per day for basic expenses. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash. Credit cards are not accepted. Bring euros or CFA francs in small denominations. ATMs are scarce and unreliable in Guinea-Bissau.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Even if not required, get the vaccine — it's recommended for all travellers to Guinea-Bissau.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport or border
At Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau) or any land border crossing, proceed to the immigration desk. Look for the 'Visa on Arrival' sign.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (if provided), and show your return ticket and accommodation booking if asked. The officer will process your visa.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa-on-arrival fee in cash. The exact amount varies but expect around 55,000 XOF (about €85) for a single-entry tourist visa. Carry euros or CFA francs — credit cards are not accepted.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport. Check that the validity dates and your name are correct before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
After immigration, collect your luggage (if any) and pass through customs. You're now in Guinea-Bissau.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Norway 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, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$60 USD (via embassy)
Apply at Guinea-Bissau embassy in Oslo or neighboring country. May allow longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (via embassy)
Best for frequent travellers. Requires invitation letter or hotel booking.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$80 USD (via embassy)
Requires business invitation letter from Guinea-Bissau company.
work visa
Temporary Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (government fee)
For foreigners with a job offer from a Guinea-Bissau employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labor. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (government fee)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in Guinea-Bissau. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (government fee)
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a local business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in EUR or USD at the airport. Exact amount may vary slightly. | 55 EUR (~$60 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry, up to 90 days)Available at the airport for those who request multiple entries. | 85 EUR (~$93 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay is penalized daily; settle at immigration office before departure. | ~$10 USD per day, max $200 USD |
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
Norway 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., overnight layover), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No exceptions; all nationalities must clear immigration if leaving the transit area.
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; Norway is not endemic, but proof may be requested if travelling from an endemic area.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow Fever (if not required)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitis (ACWY)Consider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers but can occur during outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
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
Direção Geral de Migração e Estrangeiros (DGME)
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Bissau
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and overstay payments. Bring passport, 2 photos, and fee in cash (EUR or USD).
Bissau
Osvaldo Vieira International Airport Immigration Desk
Airport terminal, Bissau
Open during flight arrivals/departures
For visa-on-arrival issuance and exit formalities. Have exact change in EUR/USD.
Practical information for NO 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 XOF (West African CFA francs), which is about €85. This is for a single-entry tourist visa valid for up to 30 days. Bring cash in euros or CFA francs — credit cards are not accepted at the immigration counter.
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. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
Visa on arrival is available at all official land border crossings. The process is the same as at the airport: present your passport, pay the fee, and get the sticker. However, some smaller crossings may have limited cash change — bring small denominations of euros or CFA francs.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 9 months old arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Norway is not a risk country, but if you've recently travelled to an endemic area, you'll need proof. Even if not, it's strongly recommended to get the vaccine before travel.
Yes, visa on arrival is also available at the port of Bissau for those arriving by boat. The same requirements apply: valid passport, onward ticket, and fee payment in cash.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before your trip. There are no exceptions.
Guinea-Bissau has some safety concerns, including petty crime and occasional political instability. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is strongly recommended. Avoid travelling after dark outside Bissau.
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.