Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Tanzania 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
Tanzanian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at airports and land borders in Guinea-Bissau. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method — no need to apply in advance. Just show up with your documents and pay the fee in cash.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Bissau. Pay in cash — EUR or XOF (West African CFA) — expect around €55–85 depending on nationality and length of stay. Have a passport photo ready; the counter has a photocopier but it's slow.Check MFA portal | 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 does not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule — just cover your stay. Airlines may still ask for 6 months, so check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guinea-Bissau | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. A printed itinerary or digital boarding pass works. If you're flying out to a neighboring country, that's fine — just show the booking. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Not always checked, but having a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host speeds things up. If you're staying with a friend, ask them to write a simple invitation with their address and phone number. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Rarely asked at the border, but carry enough cash for your stay — ATMs are scarce outside Bissau. A bank statement or credit card printout works if they ask. Budget around €50–70 per day for basic expenses. | Recommended |
Cash only at immigration
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or CFA francs. No cards, no mobile money, no USD. Bring small denominations because change may not be available. If you only have large bills, you might overpay.
Yellow fever certificate required
Tanzania is classified as a yellow fever risk country. You'll need to show your vaccination certificate (yellow card) at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before you fly. No certificate = possible denial of entry or quarantine.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated counter. Queue up, fill out a short form (name, passport number, flight details), and hand over your passport and fee.
2
Pay the visa fee and get your stamp
The officer will process your visa on the spot. Pay in euros (around €55–€85 depending on nationality) or CFA francs. Keep the receipt — you may need it when leaving.
3
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
Once stamped, collect your bags and walk through customs. No arrival declaration form is required. You're free to exit.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost55,000 XOF (~$90 USD)
Apply at Guinea-Bissau embassy abroad or on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost110,000 XOF (~$180 USD)
Available on request at embassy; not always granted on arrival.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (XOF, EUR, USD) at the border. | 55,000 XOF (~$90 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPay at immigration office before departure. | 5,000 XOF (~$8 USD) per day, max 100,000 XOF (~$160 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
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
Tanzania 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 travellers arriving from endemic countries; Tanzania is endemic, so proof of vaccination is mandatory.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and sleep under nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
All regions, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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
Direção Geral de Migração e Fronteiras
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Bissau
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Main office for visa extensions and overstay payments. Bring passport, visa, and fee in cash.
Practical information for TZ 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 €55–€85 (about 36,000–56,000 CFA francs) depending on your nationality and the current rate. Pay in cash — euros or CFA francs — at the immigration counter. No card or mobile money accepted.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at all official land border crossings into Guinea-Bissau. The process is the same: fill a form, pay in cash, get stamped. But border posts may have limited hours — arrive during daylight.
The standard visa on arrival is valid for up to 30 days. Extensions are possible at the immigration office in Bissau, but the process can be slow. Plan your trip within 30 days to avoid hassle.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. No exceptions.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Tanzania is considered a risk country, so you'll need to show your yellow card at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Department in Bissau. The process takes a few days and costs around 5,000–10,000 CFA francs. You'll need your passport, a passport photo, and a reason for the extension. Start early — don't wait until the last day.
Bissau airport is generally safe, but keep your cash in a money belt or hidden pouch. There are ATMs in Bissau city, but they're unreliable. Better to bring euros from home and exchange at the airport or a local bank.
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.