Do you need a visa to visit Burkina Faso?
Find your nearest Burkina Faso Embassy.
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.
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
All foreign nationals require a visa to enter Burkina Faso unless they are from one of the visa-exempt countries listed below.
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 |
The following travel and border restrictions currently apply for entry into Burkina Faso:
Processing timelines for Burkina Faso visas vary by method of application:
Visa appointment wait times vary by consulate and are subject to staffing levels and local demand. For UK residents:
There are six visa types issued by Burkina Faso based on the purpose of travel:
If your visa application is denied:
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.
Actionable Instruction:
If you are not visa-exempt and do not qualify for a visa on arrival, submit your application at least 3 weeks in advance. UK residents must apply via the Embassy of Burkina Faso in Brussels. Ensure you carry a valid yellow fever certificate. Check with your airline or tour operator to confirm current entry logistics and health protocols.
Citizens and those with a valid visa issued by a Schengen Member State are eligible for a visa upon arrival. When applying for a Burkina Faso visa, you must know which type to apply for based on the purpose of your trip to Burkina Faso: Normal tourist activities require a valid tourist visa.
A Burkina Faso visa is solely valid for tourism and business. You are not permitted to accept a paid position with this visa. You are permitted to participate in conferences, business meetings, and tourist activities.
To apply for a visa to Burkina Faso, you must possess:
