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Guinea Bissau Visa for United States Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

US citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau for around USD 50-90, though pre-arranging an invitation letter is strongly recommended.

Guide last updated October 1, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, with at least 2 blank pages
  • Invitation letter from a host, hotel, or business contact in Guinea-Bissau (often required to streamline the on-arrival process)
  • Proof of onward/return ticket
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory for entry)
  • Passport photo (2x2 inches) for the arrival form
  • Cash in USD or Euros for the visa fee, as card payment is unreliable at the airport
  • Travel health insurance recommended

Visa types

  • Tourist visa on arrival: single entry, valid for 30-90 days depending on the immigration officer's discretion, approx. USD 50-90
  • Business visa on arrival: single entry, similar terms, requires a business invitation letter
  • Travelers planning multiple entries or longer stays should instead apply at a Guinea-Bissau embassy/consulate before travel

Visa on arrival

  • Available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau
  • Present your passport, invitation letter, yellow fever certificate, and photo at the immigration desk before passport control
  • Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or EUR preferred)
  • Fingerprints and a photo may be taken as part of the process
  • Processing at the airport typically takes 20-45 minutes depending on flight volume and staffing
  • Land border crossings may have more limited or inconsistent visa-on-arrival availability, so air entry is recommended

Fees & processing time

  • Tourist/business visa on arrival: approx. USD 50-90, payable in cash
  • No separate service fee at the airport desk
  • Processing time: 20-45 minutes on arrival
  • If applying in advance at an embassy instead, standard processing is 5-10 business days with a similar fee

Tips for United States travelers

  • Arrange an invitation letter from your hotel or local contact before travel to avoid delays or additional questioning
  • Carry exact change in USD or EUR cash, as the airport desk may not have change or reliable card facilities
  • Common delay reason: missing yellow fever certificate, which is strictly enforced
  • Given limited consular support, register your trip with the US Embassy in Dakar, Senegal (which also covers Guinea-Bissau) before departure
  • Confirm current entry requirements shortly before travel, as Guinea-Bissau's visa policy and fees can change with little notice

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.