Guinea-Bissau

Formalities

The visa, step by step

On arrival

Allowed stay

Up to 90 days

Cost

Around 50-85 USD depending on length of stay

Processing

On arrival (possible queue at the border post)

How to apply

Ordinary Cameroonian passport holders get a visa on arrival at Osvaldo Vieira Airport in Bissau. It is strongly advised to first obtain an authorization letter (carta de chamada) from the Immigration Directorate: send the purpose of the trip, its duration and a scan of your passport. Present the printed letter at the border post along with the form and fee.

Required documents

Passport valid for at least 6 months
Authorization letter from the Immigration Directorate (recommended)
Yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory)
Return or onward ticket
Proof of accommodation
Passport photo

Good to know

•Yellow fever vaccination is required and checked on entry.
•Without a prior authorization letter, entry may be refused or delayed: prepare it before departure.
•Bring cash (USD or euros) for payment.

How much it costs

A one-week budget

Backpacker

270 000 FCFA

/ week, excl. flight

Comfort

570 000 FCFA

/ week, excl. flight

Round-trip flight from Douala / Yaoundé

288 000 FCFA–570 000 FCFA

No direct flights from Douala or Yaoundé. Expect at least one or two layovers, usually via Dakar (then a short Air Sénégal/TACV hop to Bissau) or via Lisbon with TAP Air Portugal. Total travel time is 12 to 24 hours depending on connections.

Indicative round-trip price: it varies widely by season, layover and how early you book.

Where the money goes (backpacker estimate)

🏨168 000 FCFA

🍽️84 000 FCFA

🚕72 000 FCFA

🎟️168 000 FCFA

Hostel

9 000 FCFA–18 000 FCFA

Mid-range

27 000 FCFA–54 000 FCFA

Nice hotel

72 000 FCFA–114 000 FCFA

Tailored

Budget simulator

Duration (days)Travelers

Comfort level

Include flight

Estimated total budget

558 000 FCFA

Must-sees

What to do there

1

Bijagós Archipelago (UNESCO)

Explore these 88 islands listed as a UNESCO biosphere reserve: pristine beaches, traditional villages and exceptional biodiversity. Guinea-Bissau's raw gem, best discovered by boat.

2

Orango's saltwater hippos

On Orango Island, watch one of the world's rare populations of saltwater hippos bathing in the ocean and lagoons. A truly unique natural phenomenon.

3

Bissau Velho and the Amura Fortress

Wander through old Bissau, its Portuguese colonial quarter with charming crumbling facades, and visit the Fortaleza de São José da Amura, a witness to the nation's history and independence.

4

Bubaque Island

The main gateway to the Bijagós, Bubaque offers beaches, a laid-back vibe and eco-lodges. The ideal base for exploring the other islands.

5

Sacred Poilão Island and its turtles

Poilão, a sacred and uninhabited island, is one of Africa's most important green sea turtle nesting sites. A protected site of striking beauty.

6

Bissau's markets and music

Dive into local life at Bandim market, taste Creole flavours and get swept up in gumbé, the country's signature music, in the capital's bars.

Itinerary

One week, day by day

D1
Arrival in Bissau, discovering Bissau Velho and the Amura Fortress
D2
Bandim market, museum and gumbé music evening
D3
Boat transfer to the Bijagós Archipelago (Bubaque)
D4
Beaches and traditional villages of Bubaque
D5
Excursion to Orango: saltwater hippos and lagoons
D6
Relaxing day, snorkelling and nearby islands
D7
Return to Bissau and departure flight

✓