Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Enhanced Health Screening
Due to ongoing regional health concerns, all travelers to Guinea-Bissau must present proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival. Additional screenings for malaria prophylaxis may be required at airports and borders, so prepare documentation in advance to avoid delays.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Guinea-Bissau, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Always verify with your issuing country's guidelines, as some nationalities face stricter re-entry rules that could impact your travel plans.
Photocopies of your passport are recommended to carry separately in case of loss or theft during your journey.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of ECOWAS member states (like Senegal and Nigeria) and Portugal can enter visa-free for up to 90 days, promoting regional travel. However, most other nationalities, including those from the US, UK, Canada, and EU countries, require a visa in advance or on arrival.
Always confirm your eligibility through the Guinea-Bissau embassy, as policies can change based on diplomatic relations.
Visa Applications
Visas are available on arrival at Bissau's international airport for a fee of around €65 (or equivalent in XOF), but pre-applying at a Guinea-Bissau embassy is safer for land border entries and requires documents like a passport photo, invitation letter, and proof of onward travel. Processing at embassies typically takes 5-10 business days, with fees varying from €50-100 depending on visa type and duration.
For e-visas, check the official government portal if launched by 2026, which could streamline applications for short stays.
Border Crossings
Air entry via Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau is straightforward with visa-on-arrival options, but land borders with Senegal and Guinea may involve longer waits and informal fees, so travel during daylight hours. Expect customs checks for prohibited items like certain plastics or drones without permits.
Coastal boat arrivals from Cape Verde or Senegal are possible but require prior coordination with local authorities for safety and immigration clearance.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended, covering medical evacuation (essential due to limited healthcare facilities), trip cancellations, and activities like island-hopping or wildlife safaris in the Bijagós Archipelago. Policies should include coverage for tropical diseases; basic plans start at $2-5 per day from international providers.
Ensure your policy covers remote areas, as rescue operations in rural Guinea-Bissau can be costly and logistically challenging.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 30 additional days can be obtained at the Immigration Service in Bissau for a fee of about €30-50, requiring proof of sufficient funds and a valid reason like extended research or tourism. Apply at least one week before expiration to allow processing time.
Overstaying can result in fines up to €100 or deportation, so plan accordingly for flexible itineraries.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Guinea-Bissau uses the West African CFA franc (XOF). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Bissau by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for routes via Dakar or Lisbon.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at roadside stalls or markets for affordable meals under XOF 3,000, skipping upscale spots to save up to 60% on food costs. Fresh cashews, rice dishes, and grilled meats are staples that offer great value and authentic flavors.
Buy produce from local markets like Bandim in Bissau for self-catering, reducing daily expenses significantly.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for shared bush taxis (tatas) for inter-city travel at XOF 5,000-10,000 per leg, far cheaper than private hires. No formal passes exist, but negotiating group rides can cut costs by 40% for longer journeys to places like Bafatá.
Motorbike taxis (motos) in cities cost XOF 500-1,000 per trip, ideal for short distances without the expense of rentals.
Free Attractions
Explore public beaches on the mainland, island villages in the Bijagós, and colonial architecture in Bissau, all cost-free and immersive in local culture. Natural spots like the Cacheu River Park offer hiking without entry fees.
Many community festivals and markets are open to visitors at no charge, providing rich experiences on a shoestring budget.
Card vs Cash
Cash is king in rural areas and markets, with ATMs scarce outside Bissau; cards are accepted at major hotels but incur high fees. Exchange euros or USD at banks for the best rates, avoiding airport kiosks.
Carry small XOF notes to avoid change issues, and use mobile money apps if available for urban transactions.
Group Tours & Discounts
Join community-led eco-tours to the Bijagós Archipelago for XOF 20,000-30,000 per person, sharing costs that would be double for solos. Look for off-season deals from local operators to access islands affordably.
Negotiate with guides for multi-day packages, often including meals and transport to maximize value.
Smart Packing for Guinea-Bissau
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothes for the hot, humid climate, including long sleeves and pants for sun protection and mosquito deterrence during island explorations. Modest attire is respectful for visiting rural communities and matriarchal Bijagós villages.
Include quick-dry fabrics for sudden rains and a wide-brim hat; avoid flashy items to blend in with locals.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter for Type C and J plugs, a solar-powered charger for remote areas with unreliable electricity, and a waterproof phone case for boat trips. Download offline maps and translation apps for Portuguese and Creole navigation.
A portable fan or headlamp is useful for power outages common in rural Guinea-Bissau.
Health & Safety
Carry proof of yellow fever vaccination, malaria prophylaxis, a comprehensive first-aid kit with anti-diarrheal meds, and DEET insect repellent for tropical bugs. Travel insurance docs and a basic water purification system are crucial given limited medical access outside Bissau.
Include rehydration salts and sunscreen SPF 50+ for the intense sun during dry season activities.
Travel Gear
Pack a durable daypack for island hikes, a reusable water bottle with filter, lightweight hammock for eco-lodges, and small XOF bills in a secure pouch. Copies of passport, visa, and insurance should be stored digitally and in print for border checks.
A money belt or neck wallet helps protect valuables in crowded markets like those in Gabú.
Footwear Strategy
Choose sturdy, closed-toe sandals or lightweight hiking shoes for muddy trails in the dry season and boat landings on the archipelago. Flip-flops suffice for beaches but opt for water-resistant options to handle tidal crossings.
Extra socks and blister treatment are essential for long walks in rural areas with uneven terrain.
Personal Care
Include biodegradable soap, moisturizer for dry harmattan winds, and a compact mosquito net for overnight stays in basic accommodations. Travel-sized toiletries with antifungal cream address humidity-related issues like athlete's foot.
A sarong or scarf serves multiple purposes, from sun cover to cultural respect in village visits.
When to Visit Guinea-Bissau
Dry Season Start (December-February)
The coolest and driest period with temperatures of 24-30°C, perfect for exploring Bissau's markets and starting island tours in the Bijagós without humidity. Fewer mosquitoes make wildlife spotting in national parks more comfortable.
Ideal for cultural festivals like the Vaca Brava in Bolama, with clear skies enhancing boat safaris.
Peak Dry Season (March-May)
Hotter weather around 28-35°C suits beach relaxation on Varela or Kene-Wasul, with calm seas for diving and turtle watching in the archipelago. This is prime time for eco-tourism, though pack extra water for outdoor activities.
Cashew harvest begins, offering fresh nuts and local interactions at lower crowd levels than Europe’s summer.
Rainy Season (June-September)
Heavy rains (up to 2,000mm annually) bring lush greenery but flooding risks; temperatures hover at 25-30°C with high humidity. Best avoided for mainland travel, but coastal islands remain accessible for birdwatching during migrations.
Lower prices on accommodations make it viable for hardy adventurers, though roads become impassable.
Transition to Dry (October-November)
Milder rains tapering off with 26-32°C, great for hiking in the Dulombi region and observing post-harvest village life. Fewer tourists mean authentic experiences, with improving access to remote areas like the Gêba River.
Sea turtle nesting peaks, providing magical nocturnal sightings on protected beaches.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF). Pegged to the euro; ATMs limited to Bissau. Euros widely exchangeable.
- Language: Portuguese (official), Guinea-Bissau Creole widely spoken. French and local languages common; English limited outside tourist areas.
- Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), UTC+0
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Type C (European two-pin) and J (Swiss) plugs; power outages frequent.
- Emergency Number: 112 for police, medical, or fire; also 132 (police) and 125 (ambulance) in Bissau
- Tipping: Not customary but small amounts (XOF 500-1,000) appreciated for guides and drivers
- Water: Not safe to drink from taps; use bottled or purified water to avoid gastrointestinal issues
- Pharmacies: Available in Bissau and major towns; stock up on essentials like antimalarials in advance