Burkina Faso entry requirements for Latvia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Latvian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Burkina Faso. You don't need to apply in advance — just show up at Ouagadougou Airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry process for tourism and short business trips.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Ouagadougou Airport. Pay the fee in cash (CFA francs or euros) — have exact change ready. The visa is valid for up to 30 days and cannot be extended.Check visa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs at least one blank page for the visa sticker. Burkina Faso does not require 6 months of validity beyond your stay — just enough to cover your trip. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Ouagadougou Airport ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Airlines also check this at check-in — have a printed copy or a digital booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have your hotel booking or host's address and phone number written down. Officers occasionally ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (CFA francs or euros) for your stay — around 100,000 CFA (~€150) per week is a safe benchmark. ATMs in Ouagadougou work but can run out of cash. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash (EUR or XOF). Cards are not accepted. ATMs at the airport are unreliable. Bring enough cash for the fee and a few days of expenses.
Security situation
Burkina Faso has areas with high security risk due to terrorism and kidnapping. Avoid travel to the northern and eastern regions. Stay informed via your embassy's travel advisories. Register with your embassy on arrival.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) to enter Burkina Faso. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before your flight. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport.
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 passport control.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a short form to complete. Have your passport and flight details handy. Staff can help if needed.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash (EUR or XOF) at the counter. Keep the receipt — you'll need it later.
4
Receive your visa sticker
An officer will affix the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away.
5
Proceed to passport control
Present your passport with the new visa, your boarding pass, and any requested documents (return ticket, accommodation).
6
Collect luggage and exit
After stamping, head to baggage claim, then customs. The whole process usually takes 30–60 minutes.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. €90)
Apply at Burkina Faso embassy in Riga or nearest embassy. May allow longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (approx. €135)
For frequent travellers; requires embassy application.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (USD or EUR) at Ouagadougou Airport. Exact fee may vary. | ~$100 USD (approx. €90) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap known; avoid overstay to prevent fines or detention. | ~$10 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete visa 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
Latvia passport holders transiting through Burkina Faso airports 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 on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed
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 or if you have recently visited an endemic area. Proof of vaccination may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow Fever (if not required)EssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas during rainy season.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination and careful eating/drinking advised.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, including urban areas. CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine). Use insect repellent and bed nets.
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 et des Frontières
Avenue de la Révolution, Ouagadougou
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Bobo-Dioulasso
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Rue de la Gare, Bobo-Dioulasso
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for visa-related issues in the second-largest city.
Practical information for LV 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 = 564.91 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 visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible at the immigration office in Ouagadougou, but the process can be slow. Plan your trip within that window if possible.
Yes, some land border crossings (like from Ghana or Togo) also issue visas on arrival, but it's less reliable than at Ouagadougou Airport. For land entries, it's safer to arrange a visa in advance through an embassy.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Expect to pay around 50–100 EUR (or equivalent in XOF). The exact amount can change — bring extra cash in small bills. US dollars are sometimes accepted but EUR is more reliable.
Yes, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Direction Générale de la Documentation Nationale in Ouagadougou. The process takes a few days and costs around 30–50 EUR. Start early — don't wait until the last day.
Security conditions can change quickly. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Avoid border regions and the north. Stick to Ouagadougou and major towns. Register with your embassy on arrival.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.