Saudi Umrah E-Visa for Guinea-Bissau Citizens (2026): Eligibility, Requirements & Online Application

This guide is specifically prepared for citizens of Guinea-Bissau and reflects the latest Umrah visa eligibility framework applied by Saudi authorities.

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Last updated: February 2026 – Eligibility rules aligned with Ministry of Hajj regulations.

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Saudi Umrah E-Visa for Guinea-Bissau Citizens – Quick Overview: Excellent news for the Muslim community in Guinea-Bissau (Comunidade Muçulmana da Guiné-Bissau), from Bissau to Gabú! Citizens of Guinea-Bissau are eligible for the Saudi Umrah E-Visa in 2026 if they hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa, or if they are residents of a GCC country. This digital process allows you to skip the traditional "Kafeel" (Sponsor) requirement. This guide explains how to apply for a Saudi Umrah visa for Bissau-Guinean passport holders, focusing strictly on the spiritual journey to Makkah and Madinah.

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For Bissau-Guinean nationals (Bissau-guineenses), the yearning to visit the Holy Cities is the ultimate dream. Whether you are departing from Osvaldo Vieira Airport (OXB) or living in the diaspora (Portugal/France), the desire to stand before the Kaaba is paramount.

Previously, obtaining a visa required booking expensive packages or dealing with embassies in Senegal. Now, for those meeting the Group B criteria, the online Umrah visa for Bissau-Guineans grants instant digital authorization. This guide outlines how pilgrims (Mu'tamir) can secure their entry without a middleman.

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Can Guinea-Bissau Citizens Apply for Saudi Umrah Visa Online?

Yes, but eligibility is strict. Guinea-Bissau is listed in "Group B" (Conditional Eligibility). Therefore, you qualify for the Instant Umrah E-Visa ONLY IF you meet one of the following specific conditions:

1. The "Western Shield" Rule (Primary Route)

This is the most common route, given the strong historical ties to Portugal.

• Valid Visa: You must hold a valid Business or Tourist visa from the USA, United Kingdom, or Schengen Area (specifically Portugal).

• The "Usage" Rule: The visa must have been used at least once (stamped) to enter the issuing country.

  • Example: If you have a valid Schengen visa issued by the Portuguese Embassy in Bissau, you must have entered the Schengen zone (e.g., Lisbon) at least once.

2. GCC Residents (Gulf Route)

For Bissau-Guinean expatriates living in the Gulf. If you hold a valid residency (Iqama) with a "Professional" job title from:

• UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, or Oman

  You are eligible to apply online.

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Saudi Umrah Visa Requirements for Guinea-Bissau (Group B Rules)

To obtain a Saudi Umrah visa without agent involvement, specific documents must be prepared digitally.

Minimum Requirements Summary:

To avoid rejection, ensure you have the following ready before applying:

• Valid Guinea-Bissau Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the entry date.

• Proof of Eligibility: Clear scan of your Used Western Visa or GCC ID.

• Photo: White background passport-style photo (digital).

• Yellow Fever Certificate (Boletim de Vacinas - Febre Amarela): Mandatory. Guinea-Bissau is a high-risk zone. You must present a valid International Certificate of Vaccination upon arrival in Jeddah.

• Meningitis Vaccine: Strictly Required. Proof of the Meningococcal (ACWY) vaccine is mandatory for pilgrims from West Africa.

• Travel Insurance: Mandatory coverage for emergency health issues during pilgrimage is included. Read more in our Saudi Medical Insurance Guide.

• Payment Method: International Credit/Debit Card.

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Is Saudi Umrah E-Visa Different from Tourist Visa for Bissau-Guineans?

Yes. While both allow entry, the Umrah E-Visa is spiritually focused.

Why choose E-Visa? It gives you the freedom to plan your own pilgrimage. You can book your own hotels near the Haram and arrange your own transport.

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Do Bissau-Guinean Passport Holders Need a Sponsor (Kafeel)?

No. One of the biggest advantages of the online Umrah visa for Guinea-Bissau (Group B) is that you do not need a local sponsor or a Letter of Invitation (LOI). Your valid Western visa or GCC residency acts as the "trust signal" for the Saudi authorities.

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Traveling from Bissau to the Holy Land

For Bissau-Guinean citizens, connectivity to Saudi Arabia is available via Portugal or Morocco.

• Via Casablanca (CMN):

  • Royal Air Maroc operates flights from Bissau (OXB) to Casablanca, connecting seamlessly to Jeddah (JED). This is a very popular route.

• Via Lisbon (LIS):

  • TAP Air Portugal connects Bissau to Lisbon. From Lisbon, you can fly to Middle Eastern hubs. This route is excellent if you hold a Schengen visa and wish to transit through Portugal.

• Via Dakar (DSS):

  • Many pilgrims travel by road or short flight to Dakar (Senegal) and take direct flights to Jeddah via Saudia or Air Senegal.

• Ihram Logistics (Miqat):

  • If you are flying via Casablanca or Lisbon, remember to enter the state of Ihram while on the plane (before crossing the Miqat), usually announced by the pilot.

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Saudi Umrah Visa Fees & Service Scope

Why Trust This Guide?

This guide is aligned with official regulations issued by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Our team specifically monitors health regulations (Febre Amarela) relevant to West African pilgrims.

Standard Processing Package

Our fee includes the government levy, insurance, and professional verification:

Processing Time:

For pilgrims asking about the processing speed, most eligible applications are approved within 24 to 48 hours.

Need it faster? If your flight is soon or you are at the airport, use our Urgent Express Visa service for priority handling.

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How to Apply for Saudi Umrah E-Visa (Step-by-Step)

For Bissau-Guinean applicants, accuracy is key to avoiding rejection.

1. Form Submission: Fill out the secure form.

2. Upload Proof: Provide your Guinea-Bissau Passport and the qualifying Western Visa/GCC ID.

3. Payment: Use an International Credit/Debit Card.

   • Tip: CFA Franc (XOF) cards from Banco da África Ocidental (BAO), Ecobank, or Orabank work if enabled for international use.

   • Alternative: Since many Bissau-Guineans have family in Portugal, using a Portuguese/European bank card is often the most reliable method. See our Payment Guidelines.

4. Issuance: Once approved, the "Electronic Waiver" is sent as a PDF to your email. Print this and keep it with your passport.

You can monitor every step of your application via our Track Visa Status tool.

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Religious Rites: The Nusuk App

While the E-Visa gets you into Saudi Arabia, the Nusuk App organizes your spiritual activities.

• Rawdah Booking: To pray in the Noble Rawdah (Riyad ul-Jannah) in Madinah, you must book a time slot via the Nusuk App.

• Umrah Slot: While not always strictly checked at the Mataf, it is recommended to book your Umrah slot on the app as well.

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FAQ: Saudi Umrah Visa for Guinea-Bissau Citizens

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Is the "Febre Amarela" (Yellow Fever) vaccine mandatory?

Yes. Guinea-Bissau is a high-risk zone. You MUST have a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate to enter Saudi Arabia. Without it, you may be denied entry.

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I have a Portuguese Passport. Which one should I use?

If you hold a Portuguese Passport (Dual Citizenship), you are in Group A. You should use your Portuguese passport to apply, as it is faster and requires no visa proofs. Use your Guinea-Bissau passport only if you do not have a European passport.

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Do Bissau-Guinean women need a Mahram?

No. Under current regulations (2026), women over the age of 18 can perform Umrah and travel on an E-Visa without a male guardian (Mahram).

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Do I need to visit the Saudi Embassy in Dakar?

No. Usually, Bissau falls under the jurisdiction of the Saudi Embassy in Senegal. However, if you qualify for the Group B E-Visa, the entire process is online. You do not need to travel to Dakar.

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Visa eligibility is based on nationality and your specific visa status. Always ensure your documents match MOFA records before travel.

This page provides administrative guidance based on publicly available Saudi MOFA regulations and does not constitute religious advice.