Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for United States 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
US passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Guinea-Bissau. As of 2026, you pay the fee and receive your visa at the airport in Bissau. No advance application needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Bissau airport | US passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. Have $85–$100 USD in cash for the visa fee — the airport ATM often runs out of cash and card payments are not accepted. The visa is valid for up to 30 days and is not extendable.Check MFA portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your intended stay in Guinea-Bissau. The 6-month validity rule is not enforced here — just make sure it doesn't expire before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Bissau airport routinely asks for proof of a return or onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready — they check this at the visa counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Guinea-Bissau. 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 | Carry at least $200–$300 USD in cash as proof of sufficient funds for your stay. The visa counter may ask to see it, and ATMs in Bissau are unreliable — cash is king here. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or West African CFA francs. No credit cards accepted. Bring small bills.
Visa not extendable
The visa on arrival is valid for 30 days and cannot be extended. Plan your stay accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport
After landing in Bissau, follow signs to the immigration hall. There's a dedicated counter for visa on arrival.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, return ticket (screenshot is fine), and accommodation booking. The officer will process your visa.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash — euros or West African CFA francs. As of 2026, the fee is around €55 or equivalent. Keep small bills.
4
Receive your visa and enter
The visa is stamped into your passport. You'll then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · United States 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, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost55,000 XOF (~$90 USD)
Obtainable on arrival or in advance at an embassy. Extension costs 5,000 XOF (~$8 USD).
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost55,000 XOF (~$90 USD)
Requires invitation letter from a Guinean company. Apply at embassy.
Residence permit
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVariable (~$200–500 USD)
For work, study, or investment. Requires sponsorship and police clearance.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$200–500 USD (processing fees)
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Guinean company. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and police clearance. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500–1,000 USD (depending on investment)
For individuals investing in Guinea-Bissau (e.g., business, real estate). Minimum investment varies; provides residency and work rights.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100–200 USD
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in Guinea-Bissau. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
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. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of 100,000 XOF (~$160 USD). Pay at immigration before departure. | 5,000 XOF (~$8 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
US passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, for most international flights, you will need to clear immigration and obtain a visa on arrival.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you must leave the transit area (e.g., to change airports or collect luggage), you need a visa on arrival.
Transit hubsOsvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
Health & vaccines for Guinea-Bissau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers aged 9 months and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, or if travelling from an endemic area.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitis (Meningococcal)ConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk increases during rainy season (June–October).
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout Guinea-Bissau. CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine prophylaxis. Use insect repellent and bed 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 office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Bissau
Osvaldo Vieira International Airport Immigration
Aeroporto Internacional Osvaldo Vieira, Bissau
Open 24/7 for arrivals/departures
Visa on arrival issued here. Overstay fines paid at this office before departure.
Practical information for US 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
The fee is about €55 (or equivalent in West African CFA francs). Bring cash — euros or local currency. Small bills are helpful.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. The standard stay is 30 days.
Immigration may deny entry. Always have a booked onward or return ticket. A screenshot on your phone is acceptable.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever. Otherwise, it's not required for US passport holders. Check with your doctor.
Yes, visa on arrival is also available at some land border crossings, but the process is less predictable. Flying into Bissau is the most reliable option.
Your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking. That's it. No proof of funds or arrival declaration required.
Guinea-Bissau has some safety concerns, especially in Bissau. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
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.