Burkina Faso entry requirements for Kenya 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
Kenyan passport holders need an e-visa to enter Burkina Faso. You must apply online before you travel, as there is no visa-on-arrival facility. Plan ahead and get your approval sorted before you fly.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Burkina Faso eVisaKenyan passport holders must have an approved eVisa before boarding a flight to Burkina Faso. Apply online before travel | You must obtain an eVisa before arriving in Burkina Faso. 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, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months remaining | Your Kenyan passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Burkina Faso. Check the expiry date well before you travel. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesBorder officials need a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page (not counting the endorsement pages) for the entry stamp. Ensure there are no tears or damage on the visa/entry pages. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou must show you plan to leave Burkina Faso before your visa expires. Proof of departure | Carry a printed or digital copy of a return or onward flight ticket showing your departure from Burkina Faso. Immigration may ask to see it. | Required |
| Proof of accommodationWhile not always checked, it helps prove your travel plans. Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Burkina Faso, including the address and contact details. Keep a copy handy for immigration. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsImmigration may ask how you will support yourself during your visit. Sufficient money for your stay | Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statement, credit card, cash) to cover your expenses during your stay in Burkina Faso. The amount is not fixed but should match your itinerary. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateBurkina Faso is a yellow fever endemic country; the certificate is mandatory for entry. Required for entry | You must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival in Burkina Faso. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel and carry the certificate. | Required |
| Travel insuranceHealthcare in Burkina Faso may require upfront payment; insurance protects you. Medical coverage | Although not mandatory for visa approval, travel insurance covering medical expenses and evacuation is strongly recommended for your safety and to avoid high out-of-pocket costs. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
You will be denied entry if you cannot show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel – that's how long it takes to become effective.
E-visa is not extendable
The e-visa for Burkina Faso cannot be extended. If you overstay, you'll face fines and possible trouble at departure. Keep your stay within the visa's validity period.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official Burkina Faso e-visa portal (visa.burkinafaso.org or similar – check the government website). Fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page, and pay the fee. Processing typically takes 2 to 5 business days, so apply at least a week before your trip.
2
Receive your e-visa by email
Once approved, you'll get an email with your e-visa document. Print it out or save it on your phone. Double-check that your name, passport number, and dates are correct – any errors could cause problems at the border.
3
Arrive at Ouagadougou or Bobo-Dioulasso airport
Most international flights land at Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA). Go through immigration, present your passport, e-visa, and yellow fever certificate. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready in case they ask.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. Declare any items if required. Then you're free to exit the arrivals hall.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya 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, family)
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for duration of contract/study
Cost$150–$300 (approx. 85,000–170,000 XOF)
Requires sponsorship and approval from Burkinabè authorities; apply at embassy.
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer in Burkina Faso. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$50 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Apply online before travel; required for all Kenyan passport holders. | $80 (approx. 45,000 XOF) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Not guaranteed; check with nearest Burkinabè embassy before travel. | $100 (approx. 55,000 XOF) |
| Visa extension (up to 30 days)Apply at the Direction Générale de la Documentation Nationale in Ouagadougou. | $50 (approx. 28,000 XOF) |
| Exit feeNo separate exit fee for most 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
Kenyan citizens transiting through Burkina Faso require a visa, even if staying airside. Obtain an eVisa before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders with bilateral agreements
Transit hubsOuagadougou International Airport (OUA) · Bobo-Dioulasso Airport (BOY)
Health & vaccines for Burkina Faso
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from endemic countries; Kenya is endemic, so certificate is mandatory.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide; use mosquito repellent, nets, and consider prophylaxis like doxycycline or atovaquone-proguanil.
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 l'Immigration
Avenue de la Nation, Ouagadougou
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters.
Bobo-Dioulasso
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Rue de la République, Bobo-Dioulasso
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Regional office for visa-related issues in the second-largest city.
Practical information for KE 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
No. The e-visa is the only way to get a visa for Burkina Faso as a Kenyan citizen. You must apply online before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Kenyan passport holders.
Processing usually takes 2 to 5 business days, but it can take longer. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The e-visa is typically valid for 30 days from the date of issue, so don't apply too early – aim for 2-3 weeks before your trip.
The fee varies depending on the type of visa (single entry, multiple entry, etc.) and is paid online during the application. Expect to pay around 50,000 to 100,000 XOF (roughly $80–$160 USD). Check the official portal for the current fee.
If your e-visa application is denied, you'll need to contact the Burkina Faso embassy or consulate in your region to apply for a traditional visa. This is rare, but it can happen if your documents are incomplete or you have a criminal record. Allow extra time for this process.
If you're staying in the airport and not entering Burkina Faso, you may not need it. But if you leave the transit area or stay overnight, you'll need the certificate. It's best to get the vaccine anyway – it's required for entry and protects your health.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-enter with a new e-visa, or contact the immigration office in Ouagadougou to see if any other options exist. Plan your stay to fit within the visa's validity.
Have your passport (with 6 months validity), your printed or digital e-visa, your yellow fever certificate, and your return/onward ticket ready. Immigration may also ask for proof of accommodation or funds, so keep those handy too.
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.