Burkina Faso entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
Canadian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Burkina Faso. Show up at Ouagadougou Airport with the right documents and cash to pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for Canadians.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Ouagadougou Airport. Have a printed invitation letter or hotel booking confirmation ready, plus two passport photos and cash for the visa fee (around 90,000 XOF for a 30-day single entry). The process takes 15–30 minutes.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Burkina Faso. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking showing you leave Burkina Faso within your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Burkina Faso. Immigration may ask for it at the visa-on-arrival counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Have cash (CFA francs, euros, or US dollars) or a bank statement showing you can support yourself during your stay. Around 100,000 XOF per week is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — no cards, no mobile payments. Bring EUR or XOF in exact or near-exact amount. The counter may not have change.
Yellow fever vaccination required
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) to enter Burkina Faso. This is a legal requirement, not just a recommendation.
Security situation
Burkina Faso has ongoing security risks including terrorism and kidnapping. Check the latest travel advisories from Global Affairs Canada before planning your trip.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Ouagadougou Airport (OUA)
After deplaning, follow signs for 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The counter is in the arrivals hall, before the baggage claim area.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a small form to complete. Have your passport and flight details ready. Bring your own pen — the counter may not have one.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash — EUR is preferred, but XOF is also accepted. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp and stick the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away.
5
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa and your boarding pass. You'll get an entry stamp and can collect your luggage.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 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~$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Apply at Burkina Faso embassy abroad; may allow longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
Requires justification; useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or study)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$200–$500 USD (approx. $200–$500 USD)
Requires employer or school sponsorship; apply at embassy.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200–$400 USD (approx. $200–$400 USD)
For those with a job offer in Burkina Faso. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and police clearance. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Carte de Séjour (Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100–$200 USD (approx. $100–$200 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$500–$1,000 USD (approx. $500–$1,000 USD)
For investors with a minimum investment of ~$50,000 USD in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
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. $100 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry, up to 90 days)Available at the airport; requires justification for multiple entries. | ~$150 USD (approx. $150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap reported; avoid overstay to prevent fines or bans. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. $10 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete visa 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
No transit visa needed
Canadian passport holders transiting through Burkina Faso do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or changing terminals, a visa on arrival may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours if staying airside.
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 or if transiting through an endemic area; proof of vaccination (ICVP) may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination and safe eating/drinking practices advised.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended. 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 (Immigration)
Avenue de la Nation, Ouagadougou
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Bobo-Dioulasso
Commissariat Central de Police (Immigration Section)
Rue de la République, Bobo-Dioulasso
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the western region; expect longer processing times.
Practical information for CA 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 = 558.8 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
As of 2026, the single-entry tourist visa costs about 90 EUR (roughly 59,000 XOF). Pay in cash at the airport. Credit cards are not accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card) — immigration may ask to see it.
Yes, but it's less reliable. The process is smoother at Ouagadougou Airport. If entering by land, have extra cash and patience — delays are common.
The Canadian government advises against non-essential travel due to security risks. Check travel advisories before booking. If you go, register with the Canadian consulate.
Euros are easiest for the visa fee. For daily expenses, bring XOF (West African CFA francs). ATMs exist in Ouagadougou but are unreliable. Carry enough cash for your stay.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.