Burkina Faso entry requirements for Norway 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
Norwegian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Ouagadougou Airport. You'll need to pay in cash (EUR or XOF) and have all documents ready. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | You get a visa on arrival at Ouagadougou Airport. Have 1 passport photo and cash (EUR or USD) ready — the fee is around 90 EUR for a single-entry visa. The process takes 15–30 minutes at the counter before immigration.Check visa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your arrival date. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Ouagadougou Airport ask for a return or onward ticket. If you don't have one, they may deny entry or ask you to buy one at the airline counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Have a hotel booking or host invitation ready. Officers rarely ask, but if you can't show where you're staying, they may question your plans. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry cash (EUR or USD) or a bank statement showing at least 500 USD for your stay. Officers rarely check, but it helps if asked. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival counter does not accept credit or debit cards. Bring euros (EUR) or West African CFA francs (XOF) in cash. There are ATMs in the arrival hall, but they may not always work.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before your flight. No exceptions.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Ouagadougou Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The counter is before the main passport control booths.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a short form at the counter. Fill in your details, attach two passport photos, and hand it to the officer.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash (EUR or XOF). The fee is around 50–100 EUR depending on your nationality. Keep the receipt.
4
Wait for processing
Processing takes 10–20 minutes. The officer will stamp your passport and hand back the visa sticker.
5
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa and your boarding pass. You're free to enter.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · Norway 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (no fee for Norwegian citizens)
Can be obtained from Burkina Faso embassy before travel; same conditions as visa on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostFree (no fee for Norwegian citizens)
Allows multiple entries; useful for travellers planning to leave and re-enter.
Long-stay visa (visa de long séjour)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostFree (no fee for Norwegian citizens)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship and additional documentation.
work visa
Carte de Séjour Temporaire (Temporary Residence Permit) – Work
1 year, renewable annually
Free (no fee for Norwegian citizens)
For those with a job offer in Burkina Faso. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and medical certificate. Allows multiple entries and family reunification.
student visa
Carte de Séjour Étudiant (Student Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable annually
Free (no fee for Norwegian citizens)
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in Burkina Faso. Requires proof of enrollment, financial means, and health insurance. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour Investisseur (Investor Residence Permit)
2 years, renewable
Free (no fee for Norwegian citizens)
For investors with a minimum investment of 50 million XOF (~$80,000 USD) in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) upon arrival at Ouagadougou Airport. | ~€90 EUR (~$100 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry, up to 90 days)Available at the airport; cash only. | ~€150 EUR (~$165 USD) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure; avoid overstaying. | ~€5 EUR (~$5.50 USD) per day, max cap unknown |
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
Norwegian citizens transiting through Burkina Faso do not require a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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; recommended for all travellers due to risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; risk increases during rainy season or in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round nationwide, with highest transmission during rainy season (June–October). 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; 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
Regional office for visa matters; less crowded than Ouagadougou.
Practical information for NO 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 is typically 50–100 EUR (or equivalent in XOF). It varies slightly depending on your nationality and the current rate. Pay in cash — no cards accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will be denied the visa on arrival. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, Burkina Faso requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers. You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at major land border crossings like the ones from Ghana, Togo, and Benin. The process is similar to the airport — cash, photos, and a valid passport.
Immigration may refuse the visa on arrival. Always have a confirmed onward or return ticket. A screenshot on your phone is acceptable.
The security situation can change quickly. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Avoid border regions and the north. Stick to Ouagadougou and major cities if you're a first-time visitor.
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.