Burkina Faso entry requirements for New Zealand 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

New Zealand passport holders need a visa to enter Burkina Faso. As of 2026, you can apply for an eVisa online before you travel, which is the standard route for most visitors. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date and has at least one blank page.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Burkina Faso eVisaNew Zealand 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 online form, upload required documents (passport bio page, passport photo), and pay the fee. Approval is typically issued electronically; carry a printed or digital copy for presentation upon arrival.Required
Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry.
At least 6 months beyond arrival
Your New Zealand passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Burkina Faso. Check your passport's expiry date well in advance.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 for the entry stamp. Ensure no pages are damaged or missing.Required
Return or onward ticketImmigration often requires evidence of onward travel.
Proof of departure
You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Burkina Faso before your authorized stay ends. Have a printed or digital copy ready.Required
Proof of fundsCarrying proof of financial means can help avoid issues at immigration.
Sufficient for stay
Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as recent bank statements or credit cards. The amount is not fixed but should cover accommodation and living expenses.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccination certificateWithout this certificate, you may be refused entry or vaccinated on arrival.
Required for entry
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Burkina Faso. Ensure you are vaccinated at least 10 days before travel and carry the International Certificate of Vaccination.Required
Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out an online arrival form before travel.
Not required
No separate arrival declaration is required for Burkina Faso based on current regulations.Not required
No visa on arrival
New Zealand citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in Burkina Faso. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel. Airlines may refuse boarding without it.
Health precautions
Besides yellow fever, consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis. Consult a travel health clinic 4-6 weeks before departure.
Security situation
Burkina Faso has areas with high security risk due to terrorism and kidnapping. Check your government's travel advisory before booking, and avoid non-essential travel to high-risk regions.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to the official Burkina Faso eVisa website and complete the application form. You'll need to upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page, a recent passport-style photo, and pay the visa fee online. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days, so apply at least a week before your departure.
2
Print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive an email with your eVisa document. Print a physical copy to carry with you — don't rely on your phone, as power or connectivity issues can happen at the airport.
3
Arrive at Ouagadougou or Bobo-Dioulasso airport
Upon landing, head to the immigration desk. Present your passport, printed eVisa, yellow fever certificate, and any other requested documents. The officer will check your details and stamp your passport. Keep your eVisa copy with you for the duration of your stay.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Long-stay visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost$200 (approx.)

For business or frequent travel; apply at Burkinabè embassy.

Residence permit (carte de séjour)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$150 (approx.)

For work, study, or long-term stay; requires local sponsorship.

work visa
Carte de Séjour Temporaire (Temporary Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD application fee
For foreign workers with a job offer in Burkina Faso. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa d'Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in Burkina Faso. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Carte de Commerçant)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry, 90 days)Required for all New Zealand citizens; apply online before travel.$100 (approx.)
Visa on arrival (if eligible)Not guaranteed; eVisa strongly recommended.$100 (approx.)
Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at the National Police immigration office in Ouagadougou.$50 (approx.)
Exit feeUsually included in airline ticket; no separate payment at airport.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

New Zealand citizens transiting through Burkina Faso require a visa, even if staying airside.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
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; may be required for all travellers depending on current regulations.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country, especially during rainy season (May–October).

Dengue feverModerate risk

Outbreaks occur; mosquito avoidance is key.

Typhoid feverModerate risk

Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended.

Malaria risk: high

High risk nationwide; prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended. Use mosquito nets and repellent.

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 08:00–16:30

For visa extensions and residence permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.

Bobo-Dioulasso
Commissariat Central – Service des Étrangers
Bobo-Dioulasso, near the central market
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Handles extensions for visitors in the western region.

Practical information for NZ 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
updated Jul 3
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
Police17
Medical15
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Processing usually takes about 3-5 business days, but it can vary. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The eVisa is typically valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
The fee depends on the type of visa and duration of stay. Single-entry tourist visas are around 90,000 XOF (about $150 USD), but check the official eVisa portal for the exact amount at the time of application. Payment is made online.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and reapply for a new visa. Plan your trip accordingly.
If you're staying in the airport and not entering the country, you may not need it. But if you leave the transit area or stay overnight, the certificate is required. It's safest to have it.
You will likely be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. There is no visa-on-arrival for New Zealand citizens. Don't risk it — get the eVisa before you fly.
No, the standard eVisa is single-entry. If you plan to leave Burkina Faso and return, you'll need to apply for a new visa.
The eVisa typically allows a stay of up to 90 days, but the exact duration is printed on your approval. Make sure you don't overstay, as penalties can be severe.

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.