Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Philippines 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
Filipino passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Guinea-Bissau's international airport. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits in 2026 — no need to apply at an embassy beforehand.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Available at Bissau airport | Get a visa on arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. Bring 55,000–85,000 XOF in cash (€85–€130 equivalent) for the visa fee — the ATM at the airport is unreliable. Have two passport photos ready.Check MFA site | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Philippine passport needs at least one blank page for the visa sticker. Guinea-Bissau does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — just ensure it covers your entire stay. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Recommended to show at check-in | Airlines flying into Bissau (usually TAP Air Portugal or Royal Air Maroc) will ask for proof of onward travel at check-in. Immigration officers rarely check, but have a printed or digital ticket ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended for smooth entry | Immigration may ask where you're staying. A hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from a host works. If you're staying with friends, have their contact details and address written down. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended but rarely checked | Carry enough cash for your stay — credit cards are not widely accepted outside major hotels. Around €100–€150 per day in euros or CFA francs is a safe buffer. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa-on-arrival fee
There are no ATMs at the airport before immigration, and cards are not accepted. Bring euros or CFA francs in cash. Have the exact amount ready — change may be limited.
Visa on arrival is only at Bissau airport
If you're entering Guinea-Bissau by land from Senegal or Guinea, you must get a visa from a Guinea-Bissau embassy before you travel. The visa on arrival is strictly for air arrivals at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
After deplaning, follow the signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form — name, passport number, flight details, purpose of visit. A pen is handy; the counter may not have one.
3
Pay the visa fee in cash
Pay at the cashier window. Euros are widely accepted, but CFA francs are preferred. Keep the receipt — you'll need it to collect the visa sticker.
4
Receive the visa sticker and proceed to passport control
The officer will affix the visa sticker into your passport. Check that the validity dates and your name are correct before leaving the counter. Then proceed to the main passport control queue.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. The whole process usually takes 30–60 minutes depending on flight volume.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines 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~$100 USD (via embassy)
Apply at Guinea-Bissau embassy abroad; allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$200 USD (via embassy)
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
work visa
Temporary Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a local employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labor. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in Guinea-Bissau. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in EUR or XOF at the airport; cash only. | 55 EUR (~$60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap not officially published; avoid overstay. | 5,000 XOF (~$8 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
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
Philippines passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing 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 transmission; certificate may be checked.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas.
CholeraModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers; consider atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline.
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 08:00–15:30
Handles visa extensions and registration; bring passport, photos, and fee in XOF.
Practical information for PH 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 standard visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible at the immigration office in Bissau, but the process can take several days. It's best to plan your trip within the initial validity.
Yes, but it's not straightforward. You'll need to visit the Serviço de Migração e Fronteiras (Immigration Service) in Bissau. Bring your passport, a completed application form, and the extension fee (around 5,000–10,000 CFA francs). The process can take 2–5 working days.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. The visa on arrival is only available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. If you're entering by land from Senegal or Guinea, you must arrange a visa in advance at a Guinea-Bissau embassy.
Euros are the most convenient for the visa fee. CFA francs (XOF) are also accepted. Avoid US dollars — they're not commonly used. Bring small bills (€5, €10, €20) to avoid change issues.
Yellow fever vaccination is required for all travelers over 9 months old arriving from endemic countries. The Philippines is not endemic, but it's still recommended. Carry your yellow fever certificate — it may be checked at immigration.
Yes, for short business visits (meetings, conferences, site visits). For longer work assignments or paid employment, you need a work visa arranged before travel. The visa on arrival is for tourism and short business only.
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.