Burkina Faso visas

Burkina Faso Visa

As of 2025, most visitors to Burkina Faso require a visa. However, specific exemptions apply to nationals of neighbouring countries and certain diplomatic categories. Visa-on-arrival options are available for many travellers, while others must obtain a visa in advance. For UK residents, visa applications must be made through the Embassy of Burkina Faso in Brussels, as there is no Burkinabe consular visa service within the UK.

Travellers are advised to have all required travel arrangements and documentation in place prior to application. Entry requirements remain subject to change, and applicants should consult the most recent government advisories before travelling.

Eligibility to Apply for a Burkina Faso Visa

To qualify for a Burkina Faso visa, applicants must provide the following documentation:

Visa Central or embassy-specific order form, if applying via a third-party service

• Original signed passport (with at least six months validity and one blank page)
• Completed visa application form
• Recent passport-sized photograph
• Travel itinerary or return ticket
• Copy of the personal information page of the passport
• Proof of accommodation or invitation letter (if applicable)
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate

Who Needs a Visa to Visit Burkina Faso?

All foreign nationals require a visa to enter Burkina Faso unless they are from one of the visa-exempt countries listed below.

Visa-Exempt Countries

The following 18 countries are exempt from visa requirements for entry into Burkina Faso:

• Benin — Cape Verde — Central African Republic (up to 90 days)
• Côte d’Ivoire — The Gambia — Ghana
• Guinea — Guinea-Bissau — Liberia
• Mali — Mauritania (up to 90 days) — Niger
• Nigeria — Senegal — Sierra Leone
• Singapore (up to 30 days) — Togo — United Arab Emirates

Entry into Burkina Faso

The following travel and border restrictions currently apply for entry into Burkina Faso:

• International flights are limited at Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso airports — confirm availability with your airline
• Land borders remain closed until further notice due to ongoing regional instability
• Travel to areas outside Ouagadougou is strongly discouraged due to security risks
• Travellers should check updated guidance from their airline, tour operator, or embassy before departure

Visa Processing Time

Processing timelines for Burkina Faso visas vary by method of application:

• Standard embassy-issued visas: Approximately 3 business days, though this may extend to several weeks depending on volume or special circumstances
• Visa on Arrival (VoA): Issued immediately at the point of entry, provided eligibility requirements are met
• Applicants requiring an embassy visa should apply at least three weeks before departure

Appointment Waiting Times

Visa appointment wait times vary by consulate and are subject to staffing levels and local demand. For UK residents:

• Visa applications cannot be submitted in the UK
• All UK-based applicants must apply through the Embassy of Burkina Faso in Brussels
• Potential online applications may be available via the embassy’s website
• Appointment availability is not guaranteed and should be secured well in advance

Who Can Visit Burkina Faso Without a Visa?

As outlined above, citizens of the following countries are visa-exempt:

Travellers holding diplomatic, official, or special passports from specified countries are also exempt.

• Benin — Cape Verde — Central African Republic (90 days)
• Côte d’Ivoire — The Gambia — Ghana
• Guinea — Guinea-Bissau — Liberia
• Mali — Mauritania (90 days) — Niger
• Nigeria — Senegal — Sierra Leone
• Singapore (30 days) — Togo — United Arab Emirates

What to Do if Your Burkina Faso Visa Is Refused

Common reasons for refusal include:

There is no guarantee of visa approval. Final decisions are made solely at the discretion of the immigration or consular authority.

• The embassy or consulate will issue a formal notification stating the reasons for refusal
• Applicants have the right to contest the decision by submitting a formal appeal to the issuing mission
• If reapplying, the applicant must submit a new visa application, including all supporting documents and applicable fees
• Incomplete or incorrect documentation
• Insufficient travel funds or unclear purpose of visit
• Failure to comply with health or vaccination requirements