Burkina Faso entry requirements for Sweden 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
Swedish passport holders need an eVisa to enter Burkina Faso. You can apply online before you travel, which is the most straightforward option. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Burkina Faso eVisaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; the eVisa must be approved before you fly. Apply online before travel | Swedish citizens must obtain an eVisa prior to arrival. Apply through the official Burkina Faso eVisa portal, complete the application, pay the fee, and receive the approved eVisa by email. Print a copy to present upon arrival. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, renew it before traveling. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Swedish passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Burkina Faso. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesStamps need a clean page; extra pages are safer. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank visa page for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketShows you plan to leave within the allowed period. Proof of departure | Immigration may require proof of a return or onward flight out of Burkina Faso. Have a printed or digital copy of your itinerary. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof avoids issues. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) to cover your expenses while in Burkina Faso. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateYou may be denied entry without it. Required for entry | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers entering Burkina Faso. Carry the original certificate. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou only need the eVisa and passport. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Burkina Faso. | Not required |
Security situation
Burkina Faso has a high risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict, especially in the northern and eastern regions. Only travel if absolutely necessary, and always follow local security advice.
eVisa is mandatory
Swedish passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must obtain the eVisa before you travel. Without it, you'll be refused entry.
Yellow fever certificate required
You must carry your yellow fever vaccination certificate. If you don't have it, you may be vaccinated at the airport (at your own cost) or denied entry.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Burkina Faso eVisa website, fill out the application form with your personal and travel details, upload your passport photo and passport data page, and pay the fee. Processing typically takes 2-5 business days, so apply at least a week before your departure.
2
Receive your eVisa by email
Once approved, you'll receive your eVisa as a PDF. Print it out and keep a digital copy on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival in Burkina Faso.
3
Arrive at Ouagadougou Airport
At Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA), proceed to immigration. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and yellow fever certificate. The officer will check your documents and stamp your passport. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready if asked.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your baggage and proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, follow the green channel. Then you're free to enter Burkina Faso.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Long-stay visa (e.g., work, study)
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for duration of contract/program
Cost$150–$300 (approx. 87,000–174,000 XOF)
Requires invitation letter, proof of funds, and police clearance.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Residence Permit) for Employment
1 year, renewable
~€150 (approx. $162 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Burkina Faso employer. Requires work contract, medical certificate, and police clearance. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Residence Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (approx. $108 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in Burkina Faso. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| e-Visa (single entry, 30 days)Apply online before travel; pay with credit card. | $70 (approx. 40,000 XOF) |
| e-Visa (single entry, 90 days)For longer stays. | $100 (approx. 58,000 XOF) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only for certain nationalities; check with embassy. | $100 (approx. 58,000 XOF) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Immigration Office in Ouagadougou. | $30 (approx. 17,500 XOF) |
| Exit fee (if applicable)Most airlines include airport tax in ticket price. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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
Swedish citizens transiting through Burkina Faso require a visa unless they remain airside and depart within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no need to clear immigration
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; proof of vaccination may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesRecommendedMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high year-round across Burkina Faso. 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 la Police Nationale – Service des Étrangers
Avenue de la Nation, Ouagadougou
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Bobo-Dioulasso
Commissariat Central – Service des Étrangers
Rue de la République, Bobo-Dioulasso
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for visa extensions; less crowded than Ouagadougou.
Practical information for SE 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
Processing typically takes 2-5 business days, but it can take longer. Apply at least a week before your planned departure to avoid delays.
The fee varies depending on the type of visa and processing speed. Expect to pay around $100-150 USD for a standard tourist visa. Check the official eVisa portal for the exact amount.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and reapply for a new visa.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all travelers over 1 year old. You'll need to show it at immigration upon arrival.
You will likely be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Swedish passport holders, so you must have the eVisa before you travel.
The eVisa is generally valid for entry at all official border crossings, but it's always safer to enter via Ouagadougou Airport if possible. Check with the Burkina Faso embassy if you plan to enter overland.
The security situation in Burkina Faso is volatile, with risks of terrorism and kidnapping. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. If you do travel, register with your embassy and have a solid security plan.
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.