Burkina Faso entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
British passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Ouagadougou Airport. This is the standard way to enter Burkina Faso in 2026 — no need to apply in advance. Just show up with the right documents and cash for the fee.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply online before travel | Burkina Faso offers a visa on arrival at Ouagadougou Airport, but you must pre-register online at the official Burkina Faso Visa Portal before departure. Complete the application, pay the fee (around $80–$130 USD depending on nationality), and receive an approval letter via email. Print that letter and bring it with you — immigration at OUA will check it before issuing the visa sticker.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity | Your passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Burkina Faso. Airlines at Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester enforce this strictly — they won't let you board without it. Also carry a photocopy of your passport bio page separately from the original. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for immigration | Immigration at Ouagadougou Airport will ask to see a confirmed onward or return ticket. Airlines also check this at check-in. A one-way ticket without proof of onward travel will get you denied boarding. Book a refundable onward ticket if your plans are flexible. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Burkina Faso ready. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked tour. A booking confirmation from Booking.com or similar works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support your stay | Carry a recent bank statement or a credit card showing available funds. Immigration rarely asks for it, but having a statement with at least $500–$1,000 USD equivalent covers you. Cash in euros or US dollars is useful for the visa fee and local expenses. | Recommended |
Cash only at the visa desk
There is no ATM or card machine at the visa-on-arrival counter. Bring euros or CFA francs in cash. You'll need around €70–€100 per person. Change is rarely given, so bring exact or small denominations.
Security situation is volatile
Large parts of Burkina Faso are under a 'do not travel' advisory from the UK Foreign Office. Even Ouagadougou has a risk of terrorist attacks. Check FCDO travel advice immediately before departure and register with your embassy.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Ouagadougou Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before the main passport control.
2
Fill in the visa application form
You'll be given a short form. Fill it in with your details, passport info, and hotel address. Have your passport photos ready to attach.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over the form and your passport to the officer. Pay the fee in cash (euros or CFA). You'll get a receipt.
4
Wait for processing
Processing takes 10–20 minutes. They'll stamp your passport and give you a visa sticker. Check the validity dates before walking away.
5
Proceed to passport control
Take your passport with the new visa to the main immigration desk. They'll stamp you in. Keep your onward ticket and hotel confirmation handy just in case.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
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
CostFree (USD 0) for UK passport holders
Visa on arrival is free; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
CostFree (USD 0) for UK passport holders
Multiple entries allowed under visa on arrival; extension possible.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
CostUnknown (USD equivalent not available)
Apply at Burkinabe embassy for longer stays; conditions vary.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) upon arrival at Ouagadougou Airport. | ~€90 EUR (approx. $100 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are not publicly standardized; avoid overstaying. | Unknown |
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
No transit visa needed
UK passport holders transiting through Burkina Faso do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsOuagadougou International Airport (OUA)
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 = 565.17 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
The fee is typically around €70–€100 (or equivalent in CFA francs). It varies slightly depending on your nationality and the current rates. Bring euros or CFA in cash — no cards accepted.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at most major land border crossings, but it's less predictable than at Ouagadougou Airport. If you're entering by land, it's safer to arrange a visa in advance through the embassy in a neighbouring country.
The visa on arrival is usually valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible at the immigration office in Ouagadougou, but the process can take several days and requires a valid reason.
There's a photo booth at Ouagadougou Airport, but it's often out of order or has long queues. Bring your own photos to avoid delays.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot (and pay).
Yes, you can apply for a visa extension at the Direction Générale de la Police Nationale in Ouagadougou. The process takes a few days and costs around 10,000–20,000 CFA. You'll need a valid reason and proof of funds.
The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to large parts of Burkina Faso due to terrorism and kidnapping risks. Only essential travel is recommended to Ouagadougou. Check the latest FCDO travel advice before booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.