Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Guinea-Bissau. This is the standard entry method for tourists — no need to apply in advance. As of 2026, the process is straightforward at Bissau's Osvaldo Vieira International Airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | You get a visa on arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Bissau. Pay the fee in cash — €55 or CFA francs (around 36,000 XOF). Have two passport-sized photos ready. The process takes 15–30 minutes.Check MFA portal | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport with at least 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Guinea-Bissau. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately — immigration sometimes asks for it. | 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 copy or a digital version on your phone ready. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least €200 or equivalent in cash (CFA francs, USD) available. Immigration rarely checks, but the visa officer may ask how you'll support yourself. ATMs are unreliable in Guinea-Bissau. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in West African CFA francs (XOF). There are no ATMs or card facilities at the visa counter. Bring the exact amount — change may not be available.
Yellow fever vaccine mandatory
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. No exceptions for travellers over 9 months old. Get the shot at least 10 days before departure.
Visa on arrival only at the airport
If you're entering by land from Senegal or Guinea, you must have a visa issued in advance. The visa on arrival facility is only available at Bissau's international airport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a small form to complete — name, passport number, flight details, accommodation address. Bring a pen.
3
Pay the visa fee in cash
Hand over the form and your passport to the officer. Pay the fee in CFA francs. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa and proceed to passport control
The officer will stamp or stick the visa into your passport. Then join the main passport control queue for entry.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. No further checks for most tourists.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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)
Max stay30 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost55,000 XOF (~$90 USD)
Obtainable on arrival; no pre-approval needed.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost70,000 XOF (~$115 USD)
Requires invitation letter from a Guinean company; apply at embassy.
Transit visa
Max stay3 days
Validity7 days from issue
Cost20,000 XOF (~$33 USD)
For airside transit only; not needed if staying airside under 24 hours.
work visa
Trabalhador Estrangeiro (Foreign Worker Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~150,000 XOF (~$245 USD) per year
For those with a job offer from a Guinean employer. Requires work contract, police clearance, and medical exam. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Visto de Investidor (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~500,000 XOF (~$815 USD) initial fee
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
student visa
Visto de Estudante (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~50,000 XOF (~$80 USD) per year
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Guinea-Bissau. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival entry feeSingle entry, payable in cash (CFA francs) at the airport. | 55,000 XOF (~$90 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as visa on arrival; no separate application needed. | 55,000 XOF (~$90 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple entry visas are not issued for tourism; single entry only. | Not available |
| Stay extension costExtensions are not permitted for visa-on-arrival entries. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap unknown; avoid overstay to prevent complications. | 5,000 XOF (~$8 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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Guinea-Bissau may transit without additional visa.
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may have different rules.
Transit hubsOsvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB), Bissau
Health & vaccines for Guinea-Bissau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers aged 9 months and older arriving from endemic countries or with a transit stop in an endemic area.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, Polio, Influenza)Essential
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; use mosquito repellent and sleep under nets.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists but can occur during rainy season; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Guinea-Bissau, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and 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 08:00–15:30
Main immigration office; handle visa issues and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Bissau
Direção-Geral de Migração
Rua 3 de Agosto, Bissau
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Secondary office for extensions and re-entry permits; limited services.
Practical information for NZ 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
No. The visa on arrival is only available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. If arriving by land or sea, you must arrange a visa in advance from a Guinea-Bissau embassy.
The standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa is around 55,000 West African CFA francs (XOF), which is roughly $90 USD. Bring cash in CFA — no cards accepted.
The visa on arrival typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — you'd need to visit the immigration office in Bissau.
Yes. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 9 months old. You'll be asked to show it at immigration — no jab, no entry.
Extensions are theoretically possible but not straightforward. You'd need to go to the Serviço de Migração e Fronteiras in Bissau. In practice, most travellers just leave within the 30-day window.
You will be denied boarding by your airline and refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before travelling.
Guinea-Bissau has a high crime rate and limited infrastructure. Petty theft and armed robbery occur, especially in Bissau. Avoid walking alone at night, don't flash valuables, and consider hiring a local guide. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.
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.