Travelling to a new country always has its share of excitement and anticipation. But one significant aspect that can often cause some anxiety is the visa application process. However, if your next destination is Guinea-Bissau, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. The country offers an ‘on arrival visa’, simplifying this usually complex process. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the Guinea-Bissau on-arrival visa, making your travel preparation much easier.
The Guinea-Bissau on-arrival visa, as the name suggests, is a type of visa that you can obtain when you arrive in the country. No need for lengthy application forms or tiresome embassy visits; you can enter Guinea-Bissau and get your visa stamped at the airport. It’s a convenient and hassle-free way of entering the country, especially for those who may not have the time or means to apply for a visa beforehand.
This guide provides all the necessary information you need to know about the Guinea-Bissau on-arrival visa. It’s all here, from its benefits and requirements to a step-by-step application guide. So, let’s dive right in!
Check if your country supports Guinea-Bissau Evisa or Visa or Visa on Arrival
| Afghanistan | visa required |
| Albania | visa required |
| Algeria | visa required |
| Angola | visa on arrival |
| Antigua and Barbuda | e-visa |
| Armenia | visa required |
| Australia | e-visa |
| Bahamas | visa required |
| Bahrain | e-visa |
| Barbados | visa required |
| Belarus | visa required |
| Belize | visa required |
| Bhutan | visa required |
| Bolivia | visa on arrival |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | visa required |
| Botswana | visa required |
| Brazil | visa required |
| Burkina Faso | visa free |
| Burundi | visa required |
| Cambodia | visa on arrival |
| Cape Verde | visa free |
| Central African Republic | visa required |
| Chad | visa required |
| China | visa required |
| Colombia | e-visa |
| Comoros | visa on arrival |
| Congo | visa required |
| Costa Rica | visa required |
| Croatia | visa required |
| Cuba | visa required |
| Djibouti | e-visa |
| Dominican Republic | visa required |
| DR Congo | visa required |
| Egypt | visa required |
| El Salvador | visa required |
| Equatorial Guinea | visa required |
| Eritrea | visa required |
| Ethiopia | visa on arrival |
| Gabon | e-visa |
| Georgia | e-visa |
| Ghana | visa free |
| Grenada | visa required |
| Guatemala | visa required |
| Guinea | visa free |
| Guyana | visa required |
| Honduras | visa required |
| India | visa required |
| Iran | e-visa |
| Iraq | visa required |
| Ireland | visa required |
| Jamaica | visa required |
| Jordan | visa required |
| Kazakhstan | e-visa |
| Kenya | visa on arrival |
| Kiribati | visa required |
| Kosovo | visa required |
| Kuwait | visa required |
| Kyrgyzstan | e-visa |
| Lebanon | visa required |
| Lesotho | e-visa |
| Liberia | visa free |
| Libya | visa required |
| Madagascar | visa on arrival |
| Malawi | visa on arrival |
| Maldives | visa on arrival |
| Mali | visa free |
| Mauritania | visa on arrival |
| Mexico | visa required |
| Moldova | e-visa |
| Morocco | visa required |
| Mozambique | visa required |
| Myanmar | visa required |
| Namibia | visa on arrival |
| Nauru | visa required |
| Nepal | visa on arrival |
| Nicaragua | visa on arrival |
| Niger | visa free |
| Nigeria | visa free |
| North Korea | visa required |
| North Macedonia | visa required |
| Pakistan | e-visa |
| Palau | visa on arrival |
| Palestine | visa required |
| Panama | visa required |
| Paraguay | visa required |
| Peru | visa required |
| Qatar | e-visa |
| Rwanda | visa on arrival |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | e-visa |
| Saint Lucia | visa on arrival |
| Samoa | visa on arrival |
| Sao Tome and Principe | visa free |
| Saudi Arabia | visa required |
| Sierra Leone | visa free |
| Slovakia | visa required |
| Slovenia | visa required |
| Somalia | visa on arrival |
| South Africa | visa required |
| South Sudan | e-visa |
| Sudan | visa required |
| Suriname | e-visa |
| Swaziland | visa required |
| Syria | visa required |
| Tajikistan | e-visa |
| Tanzania | visa on arrival |
| Togo | visa free |
| Tonga | visa required |
| Trinidad and Tobago | visa required |
| Turkey | visa required |
| Tuvalu | visa on arrival |
| Uganda | visa on arrival |
| Ukraine | visa required |
| United Arab Emirates | e-visa |
| United Kingdom | visa required |
| Uzbekistan | e-visa |
| Vanuatu | visa required |
| Venezuela | visa required |
| Yemen | visa required |
| Zambia | e-visa |
| Zimbabwe | e-visa |
Benefits of Getting an On-Arrival Visa
One of the main benefits of the on-arrival visa is its convenience. The process is straightforward, allowing you to focus on planning your trip rather than worrying about your visa. You won’t have to deal with the stress of waiting to see if your visa application is accepted.
Another advantage is that it saves you time. Instead of waiting weeks or months for your visa to be processed, you can do it within minutes of arriving in Guinea-Bissau. This can be particularly beneficial for those needing to travel at short notice.
Thirdly, the on-arrival visa can also be a more cost-effective option. Many countries require you to pay a non-refundable fee when you apply for a visa. However, with the Guinea-Bissau on-arrival visa, you only need to pay upon arrival. This means you won’t lose your money if you cannot travel for any reason.
Requirements for the Guinea-Bissau On-Arrival Visa
Before you can obtain your on-arrival visa, there are certain requirements you need to fulfil. First, you must have a valid passport. Your passport should have at least six months remaining before its expiration date. Having at least two blank pages for the visa stamp is also a good idea.
Secondly, you must have a return or onward ticket. This is to ensure that you have the means to leave the country once your visa expires. If you travel by land, you may be asked to provide proof of your plans to leave the country.
Lastly, you will need to pay the visa fee upon arrival. The payment can vary depending on your nationality, so checking the current rates before travelling is advisable.
Step-by-Step Guide on Applying for the Guinea-Bissau On Arrival Visa
The process of applying for an on-arrival visa is quite straightforward. Firstly, you must complete a visa application form upon arrival at the airport. This will require basic information such as your name, passport number, and the purpose of your visit.
Next, you will need to pay the visa fee. This can usually be done in cash or by credit card. Once the payment is paid, your passport will be stamped with the visa.
Lastly, you will need to pass through immigration control. Here, you may be asked additional questions about your visit. Once you have cleared immigration, you are officially in Guinea-Bissau and ready to start your adventure!
Tips for a Smooth Application Process
To ensure a smooth application process, it’s essential to be prepared. Ensure your passport is valid and has enough blank pages for the visa stamp. Also, have your return or onward ticket handy, as you may need to present it.
Another tip is to have the correct amount for the visa fee. While credit card payments are generally accepted, having the exact amount in cash can speed up the process. Additionally, having a pen handy to fill out the visa application form is a good idea.
Lastly, be patient. Even though the process is straightforward, delays can occur, especially during peak travel times. But don’t worry; with a little patience, you’ll soon be on your way to exploring Guinea-Bissau.
Important Information to Know Before Traveling to Guinea-Bissau
Before you travel to Guinea-Bissau, you should know some important things. Firstly, while the on-arrival visa process is straightforward, checking the latest visa regulations before travelling is always wise. Visa rules can change, and it’s best to be prepared.
Secondly, while Guinea-Bissau is generally safe for tourists, it’s advisable to take standard safety precautions. Avoid travelling alone at night, keep your valuables secure, and be aware of your surroundings.
Lastly, Guinea-Bissau is a tropical country, so it protects you against tropical diseases. Consult your doctor to ensure you have the necessary vaccinations and medication for your trip.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for the On-Arrival Visa
One common mistake travellers make is not having a valid passport or needing more blank pages for the visa stamp. Ensure your passport is current and has at least two blank pages.
Another mistake is not having a return or onward ticket. This is a requirement for the on-arrival visa, and having one can prevent unnecessary complications.
Lastly, insufficient cash for the visa fee can also cause issues. While credit card payments are generally accepted, having enough money handy just in case is always a good idea.
Alternative Visa Options for Traveling to Guinea-Bissau
While the on-arrival visa is a convenient option, alternative ways exist to enter Guinea-Bissau. One option is to apply for a visa at a Guinea-Bissau embassy or consulate in your home country. This can be a good option if you prefer to have your visa sorted before travelling.
Another option is to apply for an eVisa. This is a digital visa that you can apply for online. While this option is not available to all nationalities, it is a convenient and fast way to obtain a visa if you are eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Guinea-Bissau On-Arrival Visa
This section addresses some of the most common questions about the on-arrival visa.
Q. How long is the on-arrival visa valid?
The on-arrival visa is usually valid for 90 days.
Q. What is the cost of the on-arrival visa?
The cost can vary depending on your nationality, so checking the current rates before travelling is advisable.
Q. Can I extend my on-arrival visa?
Yes, it is possible to extend your visa. However, this must be done at the immigration office in Bissau.
Read: How to apply and get Kenya Visa on Arrival
The Guinea-Bissau on-arrival visa is a convenient and straightforward way to enter the country. This guide has all the essential information you need to apply for this visa. From the benefits and requirements to a step-by-step application guide, you have everything you need to make your trip to Guinea-Bissau a reality. Safe travels!