Burkina Faso entry requirements for Cameroon passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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

Cameroonian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Burkina Faso in 2026. Apply entirely online before you travel, and you'll receive an approval document to present at immigration. Processing can take a few days, so plan ahead.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Burkina Faso eVisa
Apply for your Burkina Faso eVisa at the official portal before departure. The application asks for passport details, travel dates, and a digital photo. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week ahead.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Cameroon passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Burkina Faso. Airlines at Yaoundé and Douala check this before boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration at Ouagadougou Airport asks for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Burkina Faso. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you're staying more than a few days.Recommended
Proof of funds
Bank statement or cash
Have a recent bank statement or enough cash (around 200,000 CFA francs) to show you can support yourself. Border officers rarely check, but it's safer to have it.Recommended
Apply early — processing can be slow
The eVisa website sometimes takes longer than advertised. Don't leave it to the last minute. Apply at least 7 days before departure.
Keep your eVisa on your phone and printed
You'll need to show it at check-in, at immigration in Burkina Faso, and possibly at a police checkpoint. Having both a digital copy and a printout covers all bases.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to visaburkina.bf, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (50,000 XOF, about $80 USD). Processing takes 2–5 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa approval
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval document. Download it, print a copy, and save a PDF on your phone. This is what you'll show at check-in and immigration.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
Before heading to the airport, make sure you have: passport with 6+ months validity, printed eVisa, return ticket, and first night hotel booking. Screenshots on your phone are acceptable backups.
4
Arrive at Ouagadougou or Bobo-Dioulasso airport
Most flights arrive at Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA). At immigration, present your passport and eVisa approval. They'll stamp you in. Expect a short queue.
5
Activate your eSIM and get connected
If you bought an Airalo eSIM, it activates automatically when you land. Otherwise, buy a local SIM at the airport. Having data helps with maps, translation, and showing documents.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · Cameroon Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$50 USD (approx. 30,000 XOF)

Apply at Burkina Faso embassy or online. Extension costs ~$25 USD.

Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF)

Allows multiple entries; extension possible per stay.

Long-Stay Visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XOF)

Requires proof of purpose (work, study, etc.) and sponsorship.

work visa
Carte de Séjour (Residence Permit) for Employment
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XOF) per year
For those with a job offer in Burkina Faso. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa d'Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF) per year
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in Burkina Faso. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa d'Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 300,000 XOF) initial fee
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Includes family members.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (Single Entry)Standard fee for a tourist eVisa, valid for up to 30 days.~$50 USD (approx. 30,000 XOF)
Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $150 USD (approx. 90,000 XOF).~$5 USD (approx. 3,000 XOF) per day

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%

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

Cameroon passport holders transiting through Burkina Faso do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa is required.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid visa for a Schengen, US, UK, or Canada may transit without visa for up to 24 hours.
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, including Cameroon. Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.

Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Common due to poor sanitation. Drink bottled or boiled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round, with highest risk in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travellers.

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 fee.

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.

Practical information for CM 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 = 562.57 XOF
updated May 30
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
Police17
Medical15
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The fee is 50,000 XOF (about $80 USD), payable online.
No. Cameroonian passport holders must have an eVisa approved before travel. There is no visa-on-arrival option.
You will be denied boarding. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is counted from your entry date into Burkina Faso.
Yes. You need proof of onward travel — a bus ticket, flight, or any confirmed transport out of Burkina Faso. A screenshot or printed confirmation works.
It's not listed as a mandatory requirement on the eVisa application, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Burkina Faso can be high, and evacuation insurance is a good idea.
The eVisa does not appear to be extendable. If you need to stay longer, contact the immigration office in Ouagadougou before your visa expires.
You can show the eVisa approval on your phone, but having a printed copy is safer — phone batteries die and screens break. Immigration officers are used to digital copies, but a printout avoids any hassle.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.