Burkina Faso entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders need an eVisa to travel to Burkina Faso. Apply online before departure; approval usually takes 1–3 business days. As of 2026, this is the only entry method for tourism or business.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Burkina Faso eVisa at the official portal visaburkina.bf. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport — immigration at Ouagadougou Airport will verify it on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Saudi passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from Burkina Faso. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Burkina Faso | Immigration officers at Ouagadougou Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone showing your flight out of Burkina Faso. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Burkina Faso. Immigration may ask for it at the border, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card ready to demonstrate you have enough money for your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, they want to see at least 150,000 CFA francs (~$250) for a short visit. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Burkina Faso. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (which can be inconvenient). Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
eVisa is the only option
There is no visa on arrival for Saudi passport holders. You must apply and receive your eVisa before flying. The official website is visaburkina.bf — avoid third-party sites that charge extra.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to visaburkina.bf, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (typically $50–$80 USD depending on processing speed). Approval usually comes within 1–3 business days.
2
Print or save eVisa
Once approved, download the eVisa PDF. Print a paper copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Prepare documents for travel
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, accommodation booking, and insurance. Keep digital copies on your phone and paper backups in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at Ouagadougou Airport
At Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA), proceed to immigration. Present your passport and eVisa. They may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. The process is straightforward — expect 10–20 minutes.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. There are no additional customs forms for most travellers. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$70 USD (approx. 42,000 XOF)
Standard option for short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XOF)
Requires sponsorship or specific purpose (e.g., work, study).
work visa
Travailleur Temporaire Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XOF)
For foreign workers with a job offer in Burkina Faso. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Visa Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF)
For students enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Burkina Faso. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Visa Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 300,000 XOF)
For individuals investing a minimum amount (e.g., $50,000) in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Saudi passport holders applying online. | ~$50 USD (approx. 30,000 XOF) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)If applying at embassy or on arrival (if available). | ~$70 USD (approx. 42,000 XOF) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration. | ~$10 USD (approx. 6,000 XOF) per day |
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
No transit visa needed
Saudi Arabia passport holders transiting through Burkina Faso do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Burkina Faso may transit without additional documentation.
Transit hubsOuagadougou International Airport (OUA) · Bobo-Dioulasso Airport (BOY)
Health & vaccines for Burkina Faso
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; food and water precautions reduce risk.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is endemic nationwide. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed nets.
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 l'Immigration
Avenue de la Nation, Ouagadougou
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Bobo-Dioulasso
Service Régional de l'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 SA 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 = 563.41 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
Processing usually takes 1–3 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There's no official expedited option, but some users report faster approvals if you pay a higher fee.
No. Saudi passport holders must have an eVisa before travel. There is no visa-on-arrival option at Ouagadougou Airport.
You will be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced from your arrival date.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You'll need to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new eVisa. Overstaying can result in fines or difficulties at departure.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation booking. They may also ask for proof of funds or travel insurance, but this is rare.
Security conditions can change. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. Avoid border regions and areas with known instability. Stick to Ouagadougou and major cities.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.