Burkina Faso entry requirements for Netherlands passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Dutch passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Burkina Faso. You'll handle the paperwork at Ouagadougou Airport (OUA) after landing. This has been the standard procedure since 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | You get a visa on arrival at Ouagadougou Airport. Pay the fee in cash (EUR or XOF) — around €70–€90 depending on your nationality. Have a passport photo ready.Check visa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Burkina Faso. Airlines at Schiphol will check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Ouagadougou Airport asks for a return or onward ticket. Airlines also check this at check-in. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration may ask for a hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host. A printed booking confirmation from Booking.com or similar works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your stay. Carry at least €500 in cash or have a bank statement ready. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival desk at Ouagadougou Airport does not accept credit or debit cards. Bring euros or CFA francs in cash. ATMs are available after immigration, but don't rely on them for the visa fee.
Security situation
Burkina Faso has a high risk of terrorism and kidnapping, especially outside the capital. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against all but essential travel to many regions.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Ouagadougou Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The desk is usually near baggage claim. Queue up — it can take 30–60 minutes.
2
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed arrival form (often given on the plane), and cash. The officer will process your visa sticker.
3
Collect passport and proceed
Once the sticker is affixed, you'll go through passport control. Keep your boarding pass and hotel confirmation handy in case they ask.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · Netherlands Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (€92)
Obtainable at Burkina Faso embassy in The Hague or on arrival. Same as VOA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days total, max 30 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (€138)
Apply at embassy; allows multiple entries for short stays.
Long-stay visa (3 months)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$200 USD (€184)
Requires sponsorship or justification; apply at embassy.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (€184) + employer sponsorship
For Netherlands holders with a job offer in Burkina Faso. Requires employer to sponsor and provide contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Carte de Séjour (Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (€92) + proof of enrollment
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Burkina Faso. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (€460) + investment proof
For investors with a minimum investment of ~$50,000 USD in a local business. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD or EUR) upon arrival at Ouagadougou Airport. | ~$100 USD (€92) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap unknown; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry issues. | ~$5 USD (€4.60) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete yellow fever vaccination20%
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
Netherlands passport holders transiting through Burkina Faso do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport or change terminals, you may need a visa on arrival.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Schengen, or UK 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 over 9 months of age arriving from any country; certificate must be presented at border.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season; use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and avoid street food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Burkina Faso, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travellers.
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
For visa extensions or residency permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Bobo-Dioulasso
Commissariat Central de Police – Service des Étrangers
Rue de la République, Bobo-Dioulasso
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa extensions for visitors in the western region.
Practical information for NL 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 = 561.56 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 and can change without notice. As of mid-2025, expect around €70–€100 or equivalent in CFA francs. Bring euros — they're widely accepted. Cash only.
Yes, but it's less predictable. The main land crossings (e.g., from Ghana, Togo, or Benin) may offer visa on arrival, but not all do. Ouagadougou Airport is the most reliable. If entering by land, check with the nearest Burkinabe embassy beforehand.
Typically 30 days. The exact duration is stamped in your passport at the desk. Extensions are possible but require a visit to the immigration office in Ouagadougou.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You'll need to go to the Direction Générale de la Documentation Nationale in Ouagadougou. Bring your passport, a passport photo, and the extension fee (around €30–€50). Allow a few days for processing.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling. No exceptions.
Yes, it's mandatory. You'll be asked for the yellow fever vaccination certificate (the 'yellow card') at immigration. If you don't have it, you may be vaccinated on the spot or denied entry.
Security conditions can change rapidly. Check your government's travel advisory (e.g., Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs) before booking. Many areas outside Ouagadougou are considered high-risk due to terrorism and kidnapping.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.