Moving to a new country is exciting, but it also requires a lot of preparation, paperwork, and planning! If you are relocating to Guinea-Bissau, read on for information and helpful tips on the required documents, regulations and restrictions for clearing customs at the border of your new home country!
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When relocating to Guinea-Bissau, there are
essential documents to gain entry and establish residency. When you plan your international move, you should enlist customs brokering services from your international moving company to ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork to clear customs and successfully enter the country.
When moving to Guinea-Bissau, you will need:
- Passport
- Original Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
- Valued packing list (in French, signed and dated by customer)
- Purchase receipts/invoices
- No-sale attestation
- Certificate of change of residence
- Letter of transfer from employer
- Insurance certificate
- Certificate of vaccination
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
If you are moving to Guinea-Bissau permanently, the regulations for importing both personal effects (clothing, jewelry, toiletries) and household effects (furniture, rugs, linens, bedding, dishes, other furnishings)include:
- Documents must be received by the Destination Agent at least eight days prior to shipment arrival
- Customs clearance takes approximately 10 to 30 days
- Household goods and furniture are taxed and dutiable
- Customs fees are approximately 40 percent of the declared value on the packing list
- Fees for returning citizens are determined by the length of stay overseas
- Diplomats do not pay duty but must pay a tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared value on the packing list
PROHIBITED ITEMS
In Guinea-Bissau, the following articles are prohibited for importation under any circumstances:
- Illegal drugs and narcotics
- Plants and plant products
- Pornographic materials
- Weapons and ammunition
- Printed, audio and video materials
- Food
- Matches
- Poisonous substances
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Some articles are limited to certain quantities or require special authorization/payments of duties and taxes to clear customs in Guinea-Bissau. These items include, but are not limited to:
- Tobacco
- Alcohol
- Perfume (bottles must be previously opened and a reasonable quantity for personal use)
- Foreign currency (must be declared upon arrival and sums larger than two million USD require a bank transfer)
- New items (taxed and dutiable)
- Electronics and furniture (must be more than six months old, require invoices)
- Home computers (subject to customs duties and import taxes)
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you are planning to ship your vehicle with you to Guinea-Bissau, you will need to hire international vehicle shippers with thorough knowledge of important overseas automobile shipping laws and customs regulations to safely transport your car for you.
The regulations for importing a vehicle include:
- Duties are applicable on new cars
- Redevance sur Traitement de Liquidation tax applies
- Customs tax and duties are assessed based on the cost, insurance and freight (CIF), year of manufacture and engine power of the vehicle
You will need the following documents:
- Title
- Original commercial invoice
- Insurance certificate
- Value certificate
- Document stating vehicle engine capacity
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Your pet is an important part of the family, so you want to ensure that he or she will clear customs for without trouble. To successfully cross Guinea-Bissau borders with your furry friend, the requirements are:
- Veterinarian health certificate
- Rabies vaccination certificate
- Documents must be available upon arrival
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moving is a tedious process, requiring knowledge, preparation, and the assistance of experienced, trustworthy international movers. Before choosing a company for hire, be sure to ask these important questions to ensure they are qualified for the job and well-versed in the customs process. Staying informed and always conducting a thorough background check on any potential overseas movers will prevent you from falling victim to a common moving mistake.
Need help finding reliable international moving companies in your area? Get started here at Movers.com by simply filling out our fast and easy free quote form to receive estimates from up to seven qualified movers in your area.
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