United States Visa RequirementsFor Guinea-Bissau passport holders
Guinea-Bissau citizens must obtain a B1/B2 visitor visa before entering the United States. There is no US Embassy in Bissau. Applicants must travel to the US Embassy in Dakar, Senegal to complete their visa interview.
Guinea-Bissau passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
Apply online at ceac.state.gov using Form DS-160. Pay the $185 USD non-refundable MRV fee. Since there is no US Embassy in Bissau, you must schedule and attend your interview at the US Embassy in Dakar, Senegal. Travel to Dakar for your appointment is required.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
DS-160 application form
Completed online at ceac.state.gov before scheduling interview
Valid passport
At least 6 months validity beyond intended stay
MRV fee receipt
$185 USD non-refundable visa application fee
Passport photo
2x2 inch (51x51mm), white background
Interview appointment confirmation
Scheduled via US Embassy website
Proof of financial means
Bank statements, pay stubs, or tax returns
Proof of ties to home country
Employment letter, property documents, family ties, or enrollment
Travel itinerary Recommended
Intended travel dates and purpose
Current Travel Situation
Guinea-Bissau to United States: What You Need to Know
Guinea-Bissau and the United States have limited but cordial diplomatic relations, with the US focused on governance and anti-drug trafficking efforts. Guinea-Bissau is an AGOA-eligible country. The US has a modest aid presence. The diaspora in the United States is small. The country has experienced significant political instability over the years.
How to Get There
From Bissau, there are limited direct connections. TAP Air Portugal flies via Lisbon (LIS), which connects to New York, Boston, Miami, and other US cities. Royal Air Maroc connects via Casablanca (CMN) to JFK, IAD, and Miami. ASKY Airlines connects via Lomé or Abidjan to larger hubs such as Addis Ababa (ADD), where Ethiopian Airlines serves the US.
Money & Banking
The US dollar (USD) is the currency in the United States. Credit cards are widely accepted. Budget around $100 to $150 per day for modest US travel. Tipping is expected: 15 to 20% at restaurants and a few dollars for hotel staff.
Practical Tips
Plan your application at least 4 to 5 months in advance to account for travel to Dakar and interview wait times. Check current wait times at the US Embassy Dakar at travel.state.gov/waitingtimes. Demonstrating stable employment, property, or family ties in Guinea-Bissau is important for a successful outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a US Embassy in Guinea-Bissau? Where do Guinea-Bissau citizens apply for a US visa?
There is no US Embassy in Bissau. Guinea-Bissau citizens must apply at the US Embassy in Dakar, Senegal. You will need to travel there for your visa interview after completing the DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov and paying the $185 MRV fee.
How long are US visa interview wait times from Guinea-Bissau?
Interview wait times at the US Embassy in Dakar, Senegal for Guinea-Bissau citizens are typically 2 to 5 months for a B1/B2 visitor visa. Wait times fluctuate based on demand and embassy staffing. Check current wait times at travel.state.gov/waitingtimes before planning your application.
How far in advance should Guinea-Bissau citizens apply for a US B1/B2 visa?
Given current interview wait times of 2 to 5 months, apply at least 6 months before your intended travel date. This allows time for scheduling your appointment, attending the interview, and receiving your passport with the visa. Applying early also gives you time to gather supporting documents.
What airlines and routes are available from Guinea-Bissau to the United States?
There are no direct flights from Bissau to the United States. Common routing options include TAP Air Portugal via Lisbon and Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca. Ethiopian Airlines is Africa's largest carrier and connects many African cities to JFK, IAD (Washington Dulles), ATL (Atlanta), IAH (Houston), and ORD (Chicago) via Addis Ababa.
How can I strengthen my US B1/B2 visa application from Guinea-Bissau?
The key to a strong US B1/B2 application from Guinea-Bissau is demonstrating strong ties to your home country and that you will return after your visit. Submit a stable employment letter, property ownership documents, bank statements showing sufficient funds, and evidence of family responsibilities. A clear travel purpose, realistic itinerary, and clean travel history also help.
What documents should I bring to my US visa interview as a citizen of Guinea-Bissau?
Bring your valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay, your DS-160 confirmation page, your MRV fee payment receipt, your interview appointment confirmation, a 2x2 inch passport photo, bank statements, employment letter or proof of ties to Guinea-Bissau, and any other supporting documents that demonstrate your intent to return home.
What is the US B1/B2 visa fee for Guinea-Bissau citizens?
The US B1/B2 visa application fee is $185 USD, known as the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. Pay the fee through the payment portal linked on the US Embassy website before scheduling your interview.
Can a Guinea-Bissau citizen with a US B1/B2 visa work in the United States?
No. A B1/B2 visa only permits business visits (B1) and tourism or pleasure (B2). Working for a US employer is not permitted on a B1/B2 visa. Unauthorized work can result in deportation and future visa denials. If you intend to work in the United States, you must apply for an appropriate work visa such as H-1B, L-1, or O-1.