Burkina Faso entry requirements for Austria passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Austrian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Burkina Faso. You'll handle it at Ouagadougou Airport (OUA) when you land. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Ouagadougou Airport | Austrian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Ouagadougou International Airport. Have 1 passport photo and cash (EUR or USD) ready — the fee is around 90 EUR for a single-entry visa valid up to 30 days. The visa counter is before immigration, but the process can take 30–45 minutes if there's a queue.Check visa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Austrian passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Burkina Faso. Airlines at Vienna or connecting hubs check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Burkina Faso | Immigration at Ouagadougou Airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket before they issue the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or a digital booking on your phone — they won't accept a verbal promise. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | You may be asked to show where you're staying during the visa on arrival process. A printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number works. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination International Certificate of Vaccination required | Burkina Faso requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arriving travellers. Carry your WHO yellow card — without it, you risk being vaccinated at the airport or denied entry. | Required |
Cash is king at the visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or XOF. No cards, no mobile payments. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Yellow fever certificate required
You must show your yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Without it, you risk being denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Ouagadougou Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter — join the queue.
2
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Pay the visa fee in cash (EUR or XOF — check current rate). Get a receipt.
3
Receive visa and proceed to passport control
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa. Then go to the main passport control queue for entry clearance.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · Austria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD equivalent (via embassy)
Apply at Burkina Faso embassy in Vienna or nearest consulate. May require invitation letter.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD equivalent
Requires strong justification and proof of multiple trips.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD equivalent
For those with family ties or long-term projects. Requires sponsorship and local registration.
work visa
Carte de Séjour de Travailleur
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer from a Burkina Faso employer. Requires work permit approval and local registration. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Carte de Séjour d'Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in Burkina Faso. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour d'Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For investors with a minimum investment of ~$50,000 USD in a local business. Requires business plan and approval from the investment agency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (USD or EUR) upon arrival at Ouagadougou Airport. | ~$100 USD (approx. €90) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; pay at immigration office before departure. | ~$10 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete yellow fever vaccination20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Burkina Faso
No transit visa needed
Austria passport holders transiting through Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, for connecting flights to other countries, check airline requirements.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsOuagadougou International Airport (OUA)
Health & vaccines for Burkina Faso
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries or if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially during rainy season (June–October). Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country. CDC recommends prophylaxis (atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine). Use insect repellent and bed nets.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Ouagadougou
Direction Générale de la Police Nationale - Service des Étrangers
Avenue de la Nation, Ouagadougou
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of accommodation.
Bobo-Dioulasso
Commissariat Central de Police - Service des Étrangers
Rue de la République, Bobo-Dioulasso
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the western region. Expect delays.
Practical information for AT travellers
Country basics
CapitalOuagadougou
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyWest African CFA franc (XOF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 565.17 XOF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C (two round pins) and Type E (two round pins with a hole for the male grounding pin)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The fee varies — typically around 70–100 EUR or equivalent in XOF. Bring cash in euros or local currency. Credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
It's usually valid for 30 days. You can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Ouagadougou if needed.
Yes, but you must visit the Direction Générale de la Documentation Nationale in Ouagadougou before your visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost extra.
Visa on arrival is available at most land borders, but the process may be slower. Carry cash and have all documents ready. Ouagadougou Airport is the smoothest option.
Yes, it's mandatory for entry to Burkina Faso. You'll need to show your yellow fever certificate at immigration. No certificate means you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot.
Yes, you can apply for an e-visa or visit a Burkinabe embassy in advance. But the visa on arrival is simpler for most travellers — just show up with the right documents.
Immigration may deny you entry. Always have a confirmed onward or return ticket — a screenshot on your phone is acceptable.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.