Burkina Faso entry requirements for United States passport holders
Verified May 14, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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
US passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Ouagadougou Airport and all land borders. The process is straightforward but you'll need a few things ready before you land. This applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Ouagadougou Airport. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready — the visa officer will ask for both. Pay the visa fee in cash (CFA francs or euros); credit cards are not accepted at the counter.Check eVisa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport with at least 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Burkina Faso. The airline at check-in will enforce this — they won't let you board without enough validity. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Ouagadougou Airport will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. Airlines also check this before issuing a boarding pass. | 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 officers routinely ask for this at the visa-on-arrival counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or bank statement | Have at least 500 USD equivalent in cash (CFA francs, euros, or dollars) or a recent bank statement. Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — Euros or CFA francs. Cards are not accepted. ATMs are available after you clear customs, but you'll need cash before that. Bring enough to cover the fee plus a buffer.
Security situation — check before you go
Burkina Faso has experienced terrorist attacks and kidnappings, especially in the north and east. Many governments advise against all travel to large parts of the country. Check your embassy's latest travel advisory and consider registering with the STEP program (US) or equivalent.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Ouagadougou Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The counter is usually before passport control. Queue up, fill out a short application form, and hand over your passport, photos, and fee.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash (Euros or CFA francs). The officer will process your visa and affix the sticker into your passport. Keep the receipt.
3
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa sticker, join the main passport control queue. Present your passport with the new visa, your boarding pass, and any requested documents (return ticket, accommodation).
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Burkina Faso.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 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 date
Cost~$100 USD (equivalent in XOF)
Apply at Burkinabe embassy abroad.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (equivalent in XOF)
Good for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (equivalent in XOF)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and local sponsor.
work visa
Carte de Séjour de Travailleur
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (equivalent in XOF)
For US citizens with a job offer in Burkina Faso. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit approval. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Carte de Séjour Étudiant
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (equivalent in XOF)
For US citizens enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Burkina Faso. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (equivalent in XOF)
For US citizens investing a minimum amount (e.g., $50,000) in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)As of 2025, US passport holders do not pay for a visa on arrival for stays up to 30 days. | Free (US citizens currently exempt from visa-on-arrival fee) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)For longer stays or if preferred before travel. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in XOF) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$150 USD (equivalent in XOF) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure. | ~$5 USD per day (no official cap known) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
No transit visa needed
US citizens transiting through Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival may be required.
Transit hubsOuagadougou International Airport (OUA)
Health & vaccines for Burkina Faso
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; may be requested at border.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMeningococcal MeningitisRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
Typhoid FeverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination advised.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, including urban areas. CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine).
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
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 and registration for visitors in the region.
Practical information for US 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 = 558.8 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
As of 2026, the visa on arrival fee for US passport holders is approximately 70,000 CFA francs (about €110 or $120) for a single-entry visa valid for up to 30 days. Fees can change, so bring a little extra in Euros or CFA francs.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at all official land border crossings into Burkina Faso. The process is similar to the airport — you'll fill out a form, pay the fee in cash, and get a sticker. Bring passport photos and cash.
The standard visa on arrival is valid for up to 30 days. If you need to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Ouagadougou. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost extra.
Immigration may deny entry if you cannot show proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket or a cheap onward flight to a neighboring country just in case.
Yellow fever vaccination is required for all travelers over 9 months old. You must show a valid yellow fever certificate (the 'yellow card') upon arrival. Also recommended: hepatitis A, typhoid, and meningitis vaccines. Malaria is present — take prophylaxis.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Direction Générale de la Documentation Nationale (immigration office) in Ouagadougou. Extensions are typically granted for up to 30 additional days. The cost is around 30,000 CFA francs. Start the process at least a week before your visa expires.
Security conditions can change rapidly. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. Many countries advise against non-essential travel to parts of Burkina Faso due to terrorism and kidnapping risks. If you go, register with your embassy and avoid border regions.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.