Burkina Faso entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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
Australian passport holders need an e-visa to enter Burkina Faso. Apply online before you travel, and ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Burkina Faso eVisaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; the eVisa must be approved before you fly. Apply online before travel | Australian passport holders must obtain an eVisa prior to arrival. Apply through the official Burkina Faso eVisa portal, complete the application, pay the fee, and receive the approved eVisa by email. Print a copy to present upon arrival. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your Australian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Burkina Faso. Check the expiry date well before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for the entry stamp; otherwise you could be refused entry. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Ensure no visa stickers or stamps occupy the page where the immigration officer will stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou may be asked to show that you plan to leave the country. Proof of departure | Immigration officials may require proof of a return or onward flight out of Burkina Faso. Have your itinerary or ticket readily available. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but having proof avoids issues at immigration. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as recent bank statements or a credit card. The amount is not fixed but should cover accommodation and living expenses. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateYou may be asked to show this at the border; without it, you could be denied entry or vaccinated on arrival. Required for entry | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Burkina Faso. Carry the original certificate with you. | Required |
| Travel insuranceMedical facilities are limited; insurance protects you from high costs. Recommended | Although not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical care and evacuation is strongly recommended for Burkina Faso. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any online arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Burkina Faso for Australian passport holders. | Not required |
Apply early
Don't leave the e-visa to the last minute. Processing can take up to a week, and you won't be allowed to board without approval.
Health requirements
Besides yellow fever, consider malaria prophylaxis and other routine vaccinations. Check with your doctor before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official Burkina Faso e-visa portal and fill out the application form. Upload your passport photo and provide your travel details. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes 3-5 business days. Check your email for the approval notification. Print a copy of the approved e-visa to carry with you.
3
Arrive at Ouagadougou International Airport
When you land, head to immigration control. Present your passport, printed e-visa, and yellow fever certificate. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Long-stay visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost$200 (approx. 120,000 XOF)
For business or frequent travel; apply at Burkina Faso embassy.
Residence permit (carte de séjour)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$150 (approx. 90,000 XOF)
For work, study, or long-term stay; requires local sponsorship.
work visa
Carte de Séjour Temporaire (Temporary Residence Permit) – Work
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD + processing fees
For those with a job offer in Burkina Faso. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and medical certificate. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at a recognized Burkinabe institution. Requires proof of enrollment, sufficient funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Carte de Résident Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Grants long-term residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry, 90 days)Paid online before travel; non-refundable. | $100 (approx. 60,000 XOF) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only for certain nationalities; Australians should obtain eVisa in advance. | $100 (approx. 60,000 XOF) |
| Airport departure taxNo separate payment at airport. | Included in airfare |
| Visa extension (if staying longer)Apply at the Immigration Office in Ouagadougou. | $50 (approx. 30,000 XOF) per month |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
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
Transit visa required
Australian citizens transiting through Burkina Faso (even airside) must hold a transit visa. Obtain an eVisa before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Crew members with valid airline ID may be exempt.
Transit hubsOuagadougou International Airport (OUA) · Bobo-Dioulasso Airport (BOY)
Health & vaccines for Burkina Faso
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; proof may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialMeningococcal meningitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination and careful eating/drinking advised.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present nationwide, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito 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
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Bobo-Dioulasso
Commissariat Central – Service des Étrangers
Bobo-Dioulasso, near the central market
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Regional office for visa matters; limited services compared to Ouagadougou.
Practical information for AU 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 = 574.19 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
Processing usually takes 3-5 business days, but it can take longer. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe.
The fee varies depending on the type of visa (single entry, multiple entry) and is paid online during the application. Expect to pay around $100–$150 USD. Check the official portal for the current fee.
No, Australian citizens cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have an approved e-visa before you travel.
You won't be allowed to board without an approved e-visa. If it's taking too long, contact the Burkina Faso embassy or consulate for help.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You'll need to show it at immigration.
The e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter or contact the immigration authorities in Ouagadougou for advice.
The e-visa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. Check your approval letter for the exact dates.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.