Bissau Immigration Guide: Bissau is the capital and a port city of the African nation of Guinea-Bissau, located on the Atlantic coast. Since 1446, it became a Portuguese colonial outpost and a slave trade market. When the Portuguese first arrived, they were unsure of their way and asked a local person passing by, "What is the name of the village ahead?" This Balanta person replied in their tribal language, "Bissau!" which meant "Go forward!" The Portuguese mistook it for a place name, and from then on, it was used on Portuguese maps and has remained in use to this day. The city of Bissau is lush with tropical forests, crisscrossed by rivers, and dotted with lakes. The streets are clean, and the houses on both sides are small and quaint with brightly colored walls. Generally, there are two small flower beds on either side of the entrance, planted with flowers and trees such as trumpet creepers, canna lilies, and oleanders, making this small city appear exceptionally quiet and leisurely.
Transportation Introduction
Guinea-Bissau has no railways and relies primarily on road and water transport, with inland river and coastal shipping playing an important role.
Aviation
Osvaldo Vieira International Airport is located near the capital, Bissau, and can accommodate large aircraft such as the Boeing 747. It possesses two medium-sized passenger aircraft and has regular weekly flights to and from Senegal, Cape Verde, and Portugal.
Roads
The total length of roads in Guinea-Bissau is over 4,400 kilometers, of which approximately 550 kilometers are secondary and tertiary roads.
Water Transport
The navigable mileage of inland rivers and coastal shipping in Guinea-Bissau reaches over 1,800 kilometers, and the main port, the Port of Bissau, has an annual throughput of approximately 500,000 tons.
Visa Introduction
Any foreigner who possesses the required documents, the appropriate visa, and sufficient funds for their stay in Guinea-Bissau may enter the country's territory. Ordinary visas are generally valid for 90 days, with a stay duration of 180 days or until the end of the term or contract expiration; tourist visas are valid for 180 days with a stay duration of 60 days, which can be extended twice for the same duration upon expiration. Visas can be obtained at Guinea-Bissau embassies or consulates abroad with an invitation letter from a Guinea-Bissau national, or the inviter can apply for a visa on arrival on behalf of the applicant.
Required Visa Documents:
When applying for a visa, you must submit 1 small two-inch photo, complete the corresponding visa application form, and pay the required fees. Tourists must also provide round-trip international flight tickets and proof of financial ability to cover expenses during their stay in the country.
Customs Regulations
Entry requirements for Guinea-Bissau are relatively relaxed. Entrants may bring a reasonable amount of personal belongings and a small quantity of tobacco and alcohol, but this does not include household appliances or prohibited items.
