Traveling to Guinea-Bissau promises vibrant cultures, remote islands and Afro-Portuguese history. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which visa to apply for, how to avoid common delays, what makes Guinea-Bissau’s rules unique in West Africa and tips the top sites don’t share.
Exploring the Guinea-Bissau e-Visa System
Tourist visas for Guinea-Bissau are issued online in most cases, according to the Visa policy of Guinea-Bissau.
- Who qualifies: Nationals of non-ECOWAS countries must apply.
- Application channel: Official e-Visa portal or accredited providers such as iVisa’s Guinea-Bissau service.
- Processing time: Typically 3–5 business days.
- Validity: Single entry, 90 days from issue.
Most travelers find the online route faster than embassy submissions.
What You’ll Need Before You Apply
Collect these documents to avoid last-minute hiccups:
- Valid passport (≥6 months beyond arrival)
- Passport-style photo (35×45 mm)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (WHO fact sheet on yellow fever)
- Proof of onward or return ticket
- Payment via credit card
Health and Vaccination Requirements
- Yellow fever is mandatory; failure to present a certificate often triggers denial.
- Routine immunizations (hepatitis A, typhoid) are strongly advised (CDC’s travel health recommendations for Guinea-Bissau).
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the official e-Visa portal.
- Complete personal and travel details.
- Upload scanned documents.
- Pay the 80–100 USD fee.
- Receive e-Visa by email and print it.
“An incomplete application ranks highest among reasons for delay,” notes a visa consultant at iVisa.
Common Reasons for Denials or Delays
- Missing or expired vaccination card
- Illegible passport scan
- Inconsistent travel dates
- Outstanding entry bans
A quick checklist before submission saves days of waiting.
A Brief History of Visa Rules
Guinea-Bissau introduced the e-Visa in the mid-2010s to attract tourists and replace time-consuming embassy processing. Political changes have tweaked fees and processing windows, especially around 2019 when the country sought to boost post-election stability.
How Guinea-Bissau Stacks Up Regionally
Unlike Guinea—which offers visa on arrival for many nationalities, according to Guinea Travel—Senegal and The Gambia offer free visas at land checkpoints. Guinea-Bissau still relies heavily on its e-Visa system, with no visa on arrival for most tourists.
- ECOWAS nationals travel visa-free under the ECOWAS Protocol.
- Non-ECOWAS neighbors require pre-approval.
Overseas Representation Gaps
Guinea-Bissau maintains very few consulates worldwide. If you live in:
- Australia
- Canada
- Much of Asia
…you must use the e-Visa or apply via the nearest embassy in Lisbon or Dakar, Senegal.
Asking for More Time: Visa Extensions
Should you wish to stay longer, visit the Immigration Department in Bissau before your 90-day visa expires. Extensions are granted case by case; fees vary based on length (Rough Guides travel advice on Guinea-Bissau).
Travel Trends: Tourist Visa Statistics
Guinea-Bissau logged about 18,000 tourist arrivals in 2022, rebounding from pandemic lows (Trading Economics data on tourist arrivals). Annual numbers rose roughly 5% between 2017 and 2019.
Special Entry Restrictions
During recent Ebola scares, travelers from affected countries underwent extra screening. Current rules call for:
- Health declaration forms
- Possible quarantine if symptoms appear
Always check travel advisories prior to departure.
Ready to Go?
With this guide, you’ve covered official steps, insider tips and stats. Double-check your documents, submit early and prepare for an adventure beyond the ordinary. Bon voyage!