Guinea-Bissau: do South Africans need a visa?
Not yet confirmed: Visa on arrival
Visa needed; South Africa is not visa-exempt. Wikipedia and Guinea-Bissau's visa site describe a visa on arrival at Bissau airport or four land borders, with online pre-enrolment or a letter of authorisation from the Migration Office first. UK advice tells UK citizens to get a visa from an embassy before travel. Sources conflict on whether the online system is working.143
Before you travel
Purpose of visit
Not published by official sources
Passport validity
At least 6 months after arrival (UK advice).5
Not yet confirmed by an official source
How to apply
Two reported routes. 1. Pre-enrol and pay online at rgb-visa.com, print the approval receipt and show it with your passport at the border; a EUR 2.5 processing fee is added and nothing is refunded if refused. 2. Get a letter of authorisation from the Migration Office in Bissau through a local contact, then collect the visa on arrival. Visa fee amount not confirmed; Wikipedia says fees may be paid in CFA francs, euros or US dollars. Wikipedia says the online service is currently suspended. Treat as unconfirmed.43
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Where South Africans apply
Not confirmed. No Guinea-Bissau mission in South Africa found; UK advice points to the embassies in Paris and Dakar (Senegal).5
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Travel insurance
Not published by official sources
Return or onward ticket
Not published by official sources
Proof of funds
Not published by official sources
Accommodation or invitation
Not published by official sources
Vaccinations, including yellow fever on return to South Africa
GUINEA-BISSAU: A yellow fever certificate is required to enter (UK advice). SOUTH AFRICA: Guinea-Bissau is on South Africa's yellow fever risk list (DIRCO lists the whole country). Everyone over 1 year old, South Africans included, returning to South Africa from Guinea-Bissau, or after an airport transit of more than 12 hours there, must show a valid yellow fever certificate on arrival in South Africa. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel; the certificate is valid for life.25
Confirmed by other governments' official advice
Arrival forms
Not published by official sources
Extending your stay and overstaying
Not published by official sources
Transit
Not published by official sources
Travelling with children
Not published by official sources
Sources
Other government
Official advice from other governments
- 2DIRCO, South African High Commission Canberra dirco.gov.za
- 5UK FCDO gov.uk
Reference
Used to find official sources, never the final word
Commercial
Visa agencies, law firms and travel companies
Last researched 5 October 2026. Rules change; confirm with the embassy before you book. Spotted something out of date? Report a change.