Burkina Faso entry requirements for Rwanda passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Rwandan passport holders need an eVisa to enter Burkina Faso. Apply online before you travel. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard entry method for tourism and business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Burkina Faso eVisa | Apply online at the official Burkina Faso eVisa portal before you travel. The eVisa is valid for tourism and business visits. Processing takes a few business days — do not wait until the last minute.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Burkina Faso. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Ouagadougou Airport. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone showing your departure flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Burkina Faso. Officers may ask for it during the visa application process or at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. Immigration may request proof of sufficient funds, especially if you are staying for more than a few days. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot at your own expense.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa PDF, passport scan, and booking confirmations in your phone's files or cloud storage. If you lose your printed copies, you can still show them on your phone.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to visaburkina.bf, fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $80–$100 depending on nationality) with a credit card. Processing takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
You'll get a PDF approval by email. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. Keep it with your passport.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Gather your passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, and hotel booking. Put them in a folder you can grab quickly.
4
Arrive at Ouagadougou Airport
At Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA), go to immigration. Present your passport and eVisa. The officer will stamp you in. Have your return ticket and hotel address ready in case they ask.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel, then walk through customs. There's usually no baggage check unless you look suspicious.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · Rwanda Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (approx. 30,000 XOF)
Apply at Burkina Faso embassy or online eVisa portal.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total, 30 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$80 USD (approx. 48,000 XOF)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XOF)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and local sponsor.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XOF) plus employer fees
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Burkina Faso employer. Requires work permit and residence card. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Carte de Séjour (Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF) plus school fees
For students enrolled in a recognized Burkina Faso institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 300,000 XOF) plus investment proof
For investors with a minimum investment of ~$50,000 USD in a local business. Includes family reunification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online before travel. | ~$50 USD (approx. 30,000 XOF) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$80 USD (approx. 48,000 XOF) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official maximum cap reported; avoid overstay. | ~$5 USD (approx. 3,000 XOF) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
Rwanda passport holders transiting through Burkina Faso airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, for land transit or leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Burkina Faso or a Schengen/US/UK 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; Rwanda is endemic, so proof of vaccination is mandatory.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Burkina Faso; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round, with highest risk 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 residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Bobo-Dioulasso
Commissariat Central de Bobo-Dioulasso (Service Immigration)
Rue de la République, Bobo-Dioulasso
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for visa-related issues in the west.
Practical information for RW 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 = 562.57 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
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The fee is around $80–$100 for Rwandan passport holders, paid online by credit card. The exact amount shows on the application page.
No. The eVisa is required before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Rwandan passport holders.
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's shorter, renew your passport first.
Yes, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. Carry your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) with you.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new eVisa.
Rejections are rare if you provide correct documents. If rejected, you'll get a refund minus a processing fee. You can reapply with corrected information.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.