Planning a trip to Burkina Faso? By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which visa you need, how to apply step by step, and how to avoid common pitfalls—so you can focus on the vibrant culture, music festivals, and wildlife waiting for you.

Types of Visas You Can Apply For

Burkina Faso offers several visa categories. As a tourist, you’ll focus on the Tourist Visa, but it helps to know your alternatives:
– Diplomatic, Courtesy, Official
– Business
– Student
– Transit
– Five-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa[^1]

[^1]: Embassy of Burkina Faso in Washington D.C., Visa Types, https://www.embassyofburkinafaso-usa.org/visa

Key Requirements for Your Tourist Visa

Before you book your flight, gather these essentials:
– A passport valid for at least six months beyond your stay, aligned with IATA’s Passport Validity Guidelines
– Completed application form (available on embassy sites)
– Two passport-style photos
– Yellow fever vaccination card[^2]
– Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation letter)
– Flight itinerary
– Recent bank statement

[^2]: CDC, Yellow Fever Vaccination Recommendations, https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/yf/hcp/recommendations.html

Mandatory Yellow Fever Vaccination

Burkina Faso enforces a strict yellow fever vaccination rule. Without your International Certificate of Vaccination, airlines may refuse boarding according to the [WHO’s guidance on vaccination certificates][^3].

[^3]: World Health Organization, International Certificate of Vaccination, https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/404

E-Visa vs. Visa on Arrival: Which Is Right for You?

Choosing between an e-Visa and visa on arrival affects cost, speed, and convenience.

• E-Visa
• Apply online via the official portal[^4]
• Pays lower fees than border applications

• Processing takes 3–7 business days

• Visa on Arrival

• Available at Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso airports
• Higher issuance fees and longer waits
• Requires exact cash payment in CFA francs

[^4]: Burkina Faso e-Visa Portal, https://www.evisa.gov.bf/

Visa on Arrival Nuances

Border fees can exceed embassy rates by up to 50% and lines may stretch several hours during peak travel seasons, so plan accordingly[^1].

Visa Exemptions and ECOWAS Privileges

If you hold a passport from any ECOWAS member state, you enjoy visa-free access for stays up to 90 days[^5].
Diplomatic and certain official passport holders from partner countries also qualify for exemptions under bilateral agreements.

[^5]: Economic Community of West African States, Free Movement Protocol, https://www.ecowas.int/protocols/free-movement

Extended Stays: Multiple-Entry Visas and Extensions

Five-Year Multiple-Entry Visa

Burkina Faso’s five-year multiple-entry visa is rare in the region. You can apply at a Burkina Faso embassy for a fee lower than at border posts[^1].

Extending Your Stay

If you need more time, visit the Visa Office in Ouagadougou. Extensions or conversions to other visa types are possible, but must be filed at least two weeks before expiry[^1].

Transit Visa Specifics

Transiting for under 24 hours and remaining in the international zone often exempts you from needing any visa, depending on nationality[^6].

[^6]: KAYAK Travel Restrictions, Burkina Faso Transit Rules, https://www.kayak.com/travel-restrictions/Burkina-Faso

Avoiding Pitfalls: Overstay Penalties and Policy Updates

Overstaying your visa can lead to fines of up to 50,000 CFA (about $85), detention, or deportation—and may bar you from future visits[^7].
Burkina Faso occasionally revises fees and health requirements, so check embassy updates within two weeks of departure.

[^7]: U.S. Department of State, Burkina Faso Country Information, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/BurkinaFaso.html

Practical Tips for a Smooth Application

1. Start your application at least one month in advance.
2. Use certified translations if your documents aren’t in French or English.
3. Pay fees with a traceable method (bank transfer or embassy cashier’s check).
4. Track your application online or by email—consular sections rarely respond to after-hours calls.
5. Keep digital and physical copies of all submissions.

Your Next Step: Ready, Set, Explore

You now understand every angle of the Burkina Faso tourist visa: types, requirements, exemptions, and how to stay compliant. With your paperwork in order, you’re free to immerse yourself in the legendary hospitality, vibrant markets, and UNESCO sites that make Burkina Faso unforgettable.

Safe travels—and enjoy every moment of your journey!