Burkina Faso entry requirements for Senegal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 2026·View sources
No visa 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
Senegalese passport holders can enter Burkina Faso without a visa for short stays. As of 2026, you can stay up to 90 days without applying in advance. Just show up with your passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Burkina Faso. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers at Ouagadougou Airport will verify it on arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Burkina Faso | Immigration at Ouagadougou Airport routinely asks for a return or onward ticket before letting you through. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number. Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly 150,000 XOF (about $250) per week of your stay. Officers rarely ask, but it's better to have it handy. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) to enter Burkina Faso. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the border.
No visa needed, but have documents ready
Even though you don't need a visa, immigration may ask for your return ticket and proof of accommodation. Keep them easily accessible on your phone or printed.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Ouagadougou or Bobo-Dioulasso airport
Most flights land at Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA). After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Arrivals'. There's usually one queue for all foreign passports.
2
Present your passport and ticket
Hand over your passport and return ticket (printed or on your phone). The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in. No visa fee, no forms to fill.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. Usually a quick process — expect 15–30 minutes total if the queue is short.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · Senegal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostUnknown (estimated ~$50 USD)
Apply at Burkinabe embassy in Dakar or nearest consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostUnknown (estimated ~$100 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
CostUnknown (estimated ~$200 USD)
Requires sponsorship or work/study permit; apply at embassy.
work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur
1 year, renewable
Unknown (estimated ~$150 USD)
For those with a job offer in Burkina Faso. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Carte de Séjour pour Étudiant
1 year, renewable
Unknown (estimated ~$100 USD)
For students enrolled in a recognized Burkinabe institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour pour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
Unknown (estimated ~$500 USD)
For investors making a significant economic contribution. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension feeExtensions are not officially available for visa-free stays; overstay fines apply. | Unknown (estimated ~$50 USD equivalent) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are not officially published but may be charged upon exit. | Unknown (estimated ~$10 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Senegal passport holders transiting through Burkina Faso do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
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; Senegal is considered endemic, so certificate may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide. 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 and photos.
Bobo-Dioulasso
Commissariat Central – Service des Étrangers
Rue de la République, Bobo-Dioulasso
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for immigration matters; less crowded than Ouagadougou.
Practical information for SN 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
Senegalese passport holders can stay up to 90 days visa-free. If you want to stay longer, you'll need to apply for an extension at the immigration office in Ouagadougou before your 90 days are up.
Yes, but you must apply for an extension before your visa-free period expires. Go to the Direction Générale de la Police Nationale in Ouagadougou. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis and cost around 10,000–20,000 XOF (about $16–$33).
Yes, Burkina Faso requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
You'll likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before you travel. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, you can enter by land at any official border crossing. The same visa-free rules apply. You'll go through immigration at the border post. Have your passport, return ticket, and proof of accommodation ready.
No, departure tax is included in your airline ticket. You don't need to pay anything extra at the airport.
The West African CFA franc (XOF). You can exchange euros or US dollars at banks and exchange offices in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso. ATMs are available in major cities but may not always work with foreign cards — bring some cash.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.