Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Saudi Arabia 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
Saudi passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Guinea-Bissau's airports. This is the standard entry for short visits in 2026 — no advance application needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply at the airport | Get your visa on arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. Have 55 EUR or 60 USD in cash ready for the visa fee — the airport has no ATM and card payments rarely work. Bring two passport photos and a printout of your hotel booking. | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Guinea-Bissau. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Bissau airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone showing your flight out of Guinea-Bissau within the visa validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Guinea-Bissau. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you are staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have at least 500 EUR or equivalent in cash or a bank statement ready. Guinea-Bissau is a cash economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in Bissau. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or West African CFA francs (XOF). ATMs are scarce and unreliable. Bring enough small bills to cover the fee and a bit extra for incidentals.
Visa on arrival only at Bissau airport
This facility is only available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. If you plan to enter by land or sea, you must get a visa from a Guinea-Bissau embassy before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
This is the main international airport. After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There is no separate counter for Saudi passport holders — join the general queue.
2
Present your documents at the immigration counter
Hand over your passport (with blank page), return/onward ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation confirmation. The officer will process your visa-on-arrival. Payment is usually in cash (EUR or XOF) — have small bills ready.
3
Receive your visa stamp and proceed to baggage claim
The officer stamps your passport with the visa. Check the stamp for the allowed stay duration. Then collect your luggage and exit through customs.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost55 EUR (~60 USD)
Obtainable on arrival or in advance from embassy. Same as VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost90 EUR (~98 USD)
Available from embassy; allows multiple entries.
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
Cost70 EUR (~76 USD)
Requires invitation letter from a Guinea-Bissau company.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) upon arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. | 55 EUR (~60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (estimated 5–10 EUR/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
Transit visa is not required for Saudi Arabia passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau for less than 24 hours and not leaving the airport.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout Guinea-Bissau. CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine prophylaxis.
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 for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash (EUR).
Bafatá
Delegação do SME Bafatá
Rua Principal, Bafatá
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for inland travellers; limited services.
Practical information for SA 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 visa-on-arrival fee is typically around 55 EUR or 35,000 XOF (West African CFA francs). Bring cash in euros or local currency — credit cards are rarely accepted at the immigration counter.
The visa on arrival is usually valid for up to 30 days. The exact duration is stamped in your passport at the airport. If you need longer, you must apply for an extension at the immigration office in Bissau before your visa expires.
Yes, extensions are possible but not guaranteed. 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 20,000–30,000 XOF). Start the process at least a week before your visa expires.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 1 year old arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Saudi Arabia is not a risk country, but if you've recently travelled to an endemic area, you'll need proof. Even if not required, it's strongly recommended to get the vaccine — immigration may ask for it.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the airport. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before travelling.
Visa on arrival is only available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. If you enter by land border (e.g., from Senegal or Guinea), you must obtain a visa in advance from a Guinea-Bissau embassy or consulate.
Guinea-Bissau has a high crime rate in some areas, especially in Bissau. Avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables out of sight, and use registered taxis. Political instability can occur — check your government's travel advisory before booking.
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.