Burkina Faso entry requirements for Malta 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
Malta passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Burkina Faso. You'll handle the paperwork at Ouagadougou International Airport. This has been the case since 2025.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Ouagadougou Airport | Get your visa on arrival at Ouagadougou International Airport. Have a printed invitation letter or hotel booking confirmation ready — immigration officers ask for it. Pay the fee in cash (EUR or XOF) — there is no ATM before the visa counter.Check visa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Burkina Faso. Airlines at check-in enforce this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Burkina Faso | Immigration at Ouagadougou Airport checks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. If you arrive without one, you may be refused entry or directed to buy a ticket at the airline counter inside the terminal. | 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. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificate Required for all travellers | You must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (the Yellow Card) upon arrival. Without it, you may be quarantined or denied entry — no exceptions for short stays. | Required |
Cash is king
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. ATMs at the airport may not work reliably. Bring enough euros or CFA francs to cover the fee.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Burkina Faso requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel and carry your yellow card.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Ouagadougou International Airport
After landing, follow signs to the visa-on-arrival counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation details ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a short form at the counter. Fill it in with your personal details and travel info. Keep it simple.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in cash (CFA francs or euros). Exact amount varies — check current rates before you travel. Keep the receipt.
4
Wait for processing
Processing usually takes 15–30 minutes. They'll call your name when the visa is ready.
5
Collect your passport with visa
Check the visa sticker for correct dates and details. Then proceed to passport control.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta 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, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~€100 EUR ($110 USD)
Apply at Burkina Faso embassy in Valletta or nearest embassy. Requires invitation letter or hotel booking.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~€150 EUR ($165 USD)
For frequent travellers. Must show proof of multiple trips or business ties.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~€300 EUR ($330 USD)
Requires strong justification (e.g., family reunion, research). Apply at embassy.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~€200 EUR ($220 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Burkina Faso employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Carte de Séjour (Étudiant)
1 year, renewable
~€100 EUR ($110 USD)
For students enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Burkina Faso. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~€500 EUR ($550 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of ~€50,000 EUR in a local business. Requires business plan and approval from investment agency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) upon arrival at Ouagadougou Airport. Exact amount may vary. | ~€70–90 EUR ($75–100 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstaying the visa-on-arrival period (usually 30 days) incurs daily fines. Avoid overstay to prevent future entry bans. | ~€5–10 EUR per day ($5–11 USD), no official cap |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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
Malta passport holders transiting through Burkina Faso (e.g., Ouagadougou Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport or have a layover over 24 hours, you must obtain a visa on arrival.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 24 hours airside.
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; proof of vaccination (ICVP) may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season. Use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers but outbreaks occur. Practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round, with highest transmission in rural areas. CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine prophylaxis.
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 residency permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Bobo-Dioulasso
Commissariat Central de Police (Immigration Section)
Rue de la République, Bobo-Dioulasso
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for visa-related issues. Limited services; may need to travel to Ouagadougou for complex cases.
Practical information for MT 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
The fee varies. Expect around 50,000–100,000 CFA francs (roughly €75–€150). Pay in cash — euros or CFA francs are accepted. Check current rates before you travel.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa type before travel.
The maximum stay is not fixed in the database, but typically it's 30 days. Confirm with immigration at the counter when you arrive.
You'll be denied the visa on arrival. Renew your passport before traveling. No exceptions.
Yes, Burkina Faso requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for entry. Carry your WHO-approved yellow card — they may check it at immigration.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Ouagadougou International Airport. Land border crossings may have different rules — check with the nearest Burkinabe embassy if entering overland.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally don't need a visa. But if you need to enter the country (e.g., overnight layover), you'll need the visa on arrival.
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.