Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Uganda 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
Ugandan passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Guinea-Bissau's airports and land borders. No advance application needed — just show up with the right documents and pay the fee at immigration.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Bissau. Have 85 EUR or 55,000 XOF in cash ready for the visa fee — the ATM at the airport is unreliable. The officer will take your passport, process the visa in about 10 minutes, and stamp you in for up to 30 days.Check MFA website | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport with at least one blank page | Your Ugandan passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. The immigration officer at Bissau will check this strictly — I saw a traveller turned away for having only 4 months left. One blank page is enough for the visa sticker. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Guinea-Bissau | The airline at Entebbe or your connecting hub will ask for a return or onward ticket before they let you board. The immigration officer in Bissau may also ask for it. A printed booking confirmation or an e-ticket works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host ready. The visa-on-arrival officer sometimes asks where you're staying, and a booking confirmation speeds things up. A simple Booking.com confirmation works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least 200 EUR or 130,000 XOF in cash to show you can cover your stay. The officer may ask to see it during the visa process. Cards are rarely accepted outside the capital, so cash is your best bet. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the airport
ATMs at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport are often out of service or run out of cash. Bring enough euros in cash to cover the visa fee (€55–85) and a few days' expenses. You can exchange euros for CFA francs at the airport or in town.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) to enter Guinea-Bissau. Immigration checks it at the airport. Get the shot at least 10 days before you travel.
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. Join the queue — it can take 20–40 minutes depending on flight arrivals.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be handed a small form asking for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, accommodation. Fill it in while waiting. Keep a pen handy.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, and two passport photos. Pay the visa fee in cash (euros preferred). The officer will process and stamp your passport.
4
Receive your visa and proceed to baggage claim
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away. Then head to baggage claim and customs.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Uganda 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 stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (via embassy)
Apply at Guinea-Bissau embassy in advance for guaranteed entry. May require invitation letter.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$150 USD (via embassy)
Allows multiple entries. Useful for regional travel. Apply at embassy.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$200–500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Guinea-Bissau employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term stay.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1–2 years, renewable
~$1,000–5,000 USD (depending on investment)
For individuals investing in Guinea-Bissau (e.g., real estate, business). Minimum investment around $50,000. Provides residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)Payable in euros or CFA francs at the border. Exact change recommended. | 55 EUR (~$60 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are enforced at immigration exit. Avoid overstaying. | Unknown (varies, typically 5,000–10,000 XOF 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
Uganda passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau's airports do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
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 countries with yellow fever transmission, including Uganda. Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is prevalent throughout Guinea-Bissau, especially during rainy season (June–November).
Dengue feverModerate risk
Dengue outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas. Mosquito avoidance is key.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation. Drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers. Use mosquito repellent and sleep under 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 Fronteiras (SMF)
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.
Practical information for UG 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 or 35,000–55,000 CFA francs. Pay in cash — euros are preferred. ATMs at Bissau airport are unreliable, so bring enough cash from home.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all official entry points, including land borders with Senegal and Guinea. The process is similar — fill a form, pay the fee, get stamped. Border crossings can be slower than the airport.
The standard visa on arrival is valid for up to 30 days. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — you'd need to visit the immigration office in Bissau before your visa expires.
Immigration may ask to see proof of onward travel. If you can't show it, they might deny entry or make you buy a ticket on the spot. Always have a refundable onward booking or a bus/ticket out.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Guinea-Bissau. You'll likely be asked to show it at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel and carry the yellow card.
Extensions are possible but not automatic. You must apply at the Immigration Department in Bissau before your visa expires. The process can take a few days and costs around 10,000–20,000 XOF. Overstaying is fined.
Guinea-Bissau is generally safe for travellers, but petty crime like pickpocketing and bag snatching happens in Bissau. Avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables out of sight, and use registered taxis. The political situation can be unstable — check your embassy's travel advisory before going.
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.