Burkina Faso entry requirements for China passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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

Chinese passport holders must get an eVisa before traveling to Burkina Faso. The entire application is online, and as of 2026, this is the only way to enter for tourism or short business trips.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply online before travel
Apply for your Burkina Faso eVisa at the official Burkina Faso Visa Portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Ouagadougou Airport will stamp you in.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of stay
Your Chinese passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Burkina Faso. Airlines at Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou check this before boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Burkina Faso
Immigration at Ouagadougou Airport routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone showing your flight out of Burkina Faso.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Burkina Faso. Immigration may ask for it if you look uncertain about where you're staying.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to at least 500 USD for the duration of your stay. Immigration rarely checks, but airlines sometimes ask at check-in.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccination required
You must carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). Immigration may ask for it on arrival. No card = possible denial of entry or quarantine.
Apply early for eVisa
Processing can take up to 5 business days. Don't wait until the last minute. Apply at least 10 days before your flight.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to visaburkina.bf, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and passport scan, pay the fee (around 50-80 USD), and wait for approval. Processing takes 3-5 business days.
2
Print or save eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa. Print a copy and save a PDF on your phone. You'll show this at immigration in Ouagadougou.
3
Arrive at Ouagadougou Airport (OUA)
After landing, head to immigration. Present your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa approval, return ticket, and possibly accommodation booking. The process takes 10-20 minutes if you have everything ready.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 700 CNY)

Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 1,050 CNY)

Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.

Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 1,400 CNY)

Requires invitation letter from Burkina Faso company.

work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 2,100 CNY)
For those with a job offer in Burkina Faso. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Étudiant Visa (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. 1,050 CNY)
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investisseur Visa (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 3,500 CNY)
For significant investors in local businesses. Requires proof of investment of at least $50,000 USD.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online.~$100 USD (approx. 700 CNY)
Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed; no maximum cap reported.~$10 USD per day (approx. 70 CNY)

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

China passport holders transiting through Burkina Faso airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsOuagadougou International Airport (OUA) · Bobo-Dioulasso Airport (BOY)

Health & vaccines for Burkina Faso

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas.

CholeraLow risk

Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is high risk nationwide. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.

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 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and residence 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

Regional office for visa matters; less crowded than Ouagadougou.

Practical information for CN 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 = 564.8 XOF
updated May 21
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

Typically 3-5 business days. Apply at least 10 days before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The official fee varies by nationality and visa type. For Chinese passport holders, expect around 50-80 USD. Check the exact amount on visaburkina.bf during application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply or contact immigration in Ouagadougou before your visa expires.
Yes, Burkina Faso requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers. Carry your yellow card—immigration may check it on arrival.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport doesn't meet validity requirements. You can reapply with corrected information. Contact the Burkina Faso embassy in Beijing if you need help.
No. The eVisa is the only option for Chinese passport holders. There is no visa on arrival.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa approval, return ticket, and possibly your accommodation booking. Have them ready in your hand before you reach the counter.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.