Burkina Faso entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
British passport holders need an e-visa to enter Burkina Faso for tourism or business. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option. Plan ahead, as approval can take a few days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Burkina Faso e-VisaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must have the e-visa approved before you fly. Apply online before travel | British passport holders must obtain an e-visa before arrival. Apply through the official Burkina Faso e-visa portal, complete the online form, upload required documents (passport bio page, photo, travel itinerary), and pay the fee. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days. Print the e-visa approval to present upon arrival. | Required |
| Passport validityBorder officials will refuse entry if your passport is not valid long enough. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your UK passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Burkina Faso. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for the e-visa. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean page for the immigration officer to stamp on arrival. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank visa page (not the endorsement page) for the entry stamp. Ensure no stamps or marks obscure the page. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketCarry evidence of your exit plans to avoid being turned away. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask for proof of a return or onward flight out of Burkina Faso. Have a printed or digital copy of your itinerary showing your departure within the allowed stay period. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but having proof avoids delays or refusal. Sufficient for your stay | You may be asked to show you have enough money to cover your stay in Burkina Faso. A bank statement or credit card with available limit is acceptable. Amount is not fixed but should cover accommodation, food, and transport. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateWithout the certificate, you may be denied entry or vaccinated on arrival at your own cost. Required for entry | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 1 year old arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including the UK. Carry the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any online arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration or health form is required for Burkina Faso as of 2026. | Not required |
Security situation — check travel advice
Burkina Faso has areas with significant security risks, including terrorism and kidnapping. Before booking, read the UK Foreign Office travel advice and consider whether your itinerary is safe.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
This is not optional. You will be asked for it at immigration. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel and carry the certificate with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your e-visa online
Go to the official Burkina Faso e-visa website (visa.burkinafaso.org or the government portal). Fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a copy of your passport bio page, and pay the fee (around $100–$150 depending on type). Processing typically takes 3–5 business days, but can be longer, so apply at least 2 weeks before travel.
2
Receive your e-visa approval
You'll get an email with your approved e-visa. Print it out and also save a copy on your phone. Check that your name and passport number match exactly.
3
Arrive at Ouagadougou or Bobo-Dioulasso airport
Most international flights land at Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA). At immigration, present your passport, e-visa approval, and yellow fever certificate. The officer will check your details and stamp you in. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready in case they ask.
4
Go through customs and baggage claim
After immigration, collect your bags and walk through customs. Declare any large amounts of cash or restricted items. Then you're free to exit.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Long-stay visa (multiple entry, 1 year)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost$200 (approx. 116,000 XOF)
Requires sponsorship and additional documents; apply at Burkinabè embassy.
Business visa (multiple entry, 6 months)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost$150 (approx. 87,000 XOF)
Requires invitation letter from a Burkinabè company.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Residence Permit) for Employment
1 year, renewable
Unknown (USD equivalent not available)
For UK nationals with a job offer in Burkina Faso. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa d'Étudiant)
1 year, renewable
Unknown (USD equivalent not available)
For UK nationals enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Burkina Faso. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa d'Investisseur)
1 year, renewable
Unknown (USD equivalent not available)
For UK nationals investing a significant amount in Burkina Faso. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| E-visa (single entry, 30 days)Paid online via official e-visa portal before travel. | $70 (approx. 40,000 XOF) |
| E-visa (single entry, 90 days)Available for longer stays. | $100 (approx. 58,000 XOF) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only at Ouagadougou Airport; not guaranteed for all nationalities. | $100 (approx. 58,000 XOF) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Police des Frontières in Ouagadougou. | $30 (approx. 17,500 XOF) |
| Exit feeNo separate airport tax for international departures. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
UK passport holders transiting through Burkina Faso (even airside) must obtain a transit visa in advance. No visa-free transit is permitted.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and staying airside for less than 24 hours may still need a transit visa; check with the airline.
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; certificate may be requested at border.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMeningococcal MeningitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; food and water precautions recommended.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk throughout Burkina Faso. 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 - Service des Étrangers
Avenue de la Nation, Ouagadougou
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits.
Bobo-Dioulasso
Commissariat Central de Police - Service des Étrangers
Rue de la République, Bobo-Dioulasso
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for visa matters in the second largest city.
Practical information for GB 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
Yes, you need an e-visa. There is no visa-on-arrival for UK passport holders. Apply online before you travel.
Typically 3–5 business days, but it can take longer. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The fee varies depending on the type and duration, but expect to pay roughly $100–$150. Check the official portal for the exact amount.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter or contact immigration authorities before your visa runs out.
You may be refused entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport, which could cost time and money. It's best to get the vaccine and carry the certificate.
Typically it's for single entry. Check your e-visa approval for details. If you plan to leave and re-enter, you may need a new visa.
Immigration rarely asks, but it's wise to have a credit card or some cash (CFA francs) to show if questioned. No specific amount is required.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.