Burkina Faso entry requirements for Canada 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
Canadian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Burkina Faso. You can apply online before you travel, which is the most straightforward option. 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 | Canadian citizens 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, renew it before applying for the eVisa. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Burkina Faso. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesBlank pages are needed for border officials to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your departure booking. Proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Burkina Faso before your authorized stay ends. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always requested, but having proof avoids problems at entry. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, bank statement, or credit card) to cover your expenses during your time in Burkina Faso. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateBorder officials may ask to see this certificate upon arrival. Required for entry | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Burkina Faso. Carry the original certificate with you. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out an online health or customs form before arrival. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Burkina Faso for Canadian citizens. | Not required |
Security situation
Burkina Faso has areas with significant security risks. Check the latest travel advisory from the Government of Canada before you book anything. Your travel insurance may not cover incidents in high-risk zones.
eVisa is not extendable
The eVisa is for a single entry and cannot be extended. If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you'll need to leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type through an embassy.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Burkina Faso eVisa website and complete the application form. You'll need to upload a digital photo and a copy of your passport's bio page. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Receive your eVisa by email
Once approved, you'll receive your eVisa as a PDF. Print a copy to carry with you — you'll need to present it at the airport check-in counter and to immigration officers on arrival.
3
Arrive at Ouagadougou or Bobo-Dioulasso airport
Most international flights land at Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA). After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival' — but since you have an eVisa, head to the regular immigration queue. Have your passport, printed eVisa, and yellow fever certificate ready.
4
Pass through immigration and collect your bags
The officer will stamp your passport and may ask about your stay. Answer clearly and have your return ticket handy. After that, collect your luggage and proceed through customs.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada 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 (e.g., work, study, residence)
Max stayUp to 1 year
ValidityIssued for duration of contract or study program
CostVaries (approx. $100–$200)
Must be arranged through a Burkina Faso embassy before travel.
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 extension (up to 30 additional days)Apply at the Direction Générale de la Documentation Nationale in Ouagadougou. | Approx. $50 |
| Exit feeNo separate exit fee for Canadian passport holders. | Included in airfare |
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 citizens transiting through Burkina Faso (e.g., at Ouagadougou Airport) do not require a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa is required.
- If transiting to a country that requires a visa, ensure you have the necessary documents.
Transit hubsOuagadougou International Airport (OUA)
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 = 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 times vary, but it's typically a few business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The official portal will give you an estimated processing time when you apply.
The eVisa is the recommended and most reliable route. While some nationalities can get a visa on arrival, it's not guaranteed for Canadians. Don't risk it — get the eVisa before you fly.
The fee is set by the Burkina Faso government and is payable online during the application. It's typically around $100 USD, but check the official portal for the exact amount in your currency.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You'll need to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
The eVisa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. It's not extendable, so if you need to stay longer, you'll need to leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa type.
You must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If your passport expires during your stay, you'll need to renew it at the Canadian embassy or consulate in a neighboring country, which is complicated. Avoid this by ensuring your passport is valid well beyond your travel dates.
The security situation can change. Check travel advisories from the Government of Canada before booking. If you do go, avoid areas with known security risks and stay informed.
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.