Burkina Faso entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
Entry not permitted
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
As of January 2026, Burkina Faso has completely banned US citizens from entering the country. This is a reciprocal measure announced by Burkina Faso and Mali in response to US entry restrictions on their nationals, and it applies indefinitely ("until further notice"). There is no visa, eVisa, or visa-on-arrival option available to US passport holders — entry is refused entirely, including transit.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa / entry permitUS citizens cannot enter Burkina Faso under any circumstances until this reciprocal ban is lifted. Entry banned for US citizens | Burkina Faso has banned US citizens from entering the country entirely, effective January 2026, as a reciprocal measure against US entry restrictions. No visa of any kind is being issued to US passport holders — this is not a procedural visa requirement, it is a full entry ban with no current exceptions. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire too soon after your trip. At least 6 months beyond departure | Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Burkina Faso. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for the immigration officer to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketCarry evidence of your departure plans to satisfy border officials. Proof of onward travel | Immigration may require proof of a return or onward ticket before boarding or at entry. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsHaving financial proof helps avoid delays at immigration. Sufficient for stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Burkina Faso. Carry bank statements or a credit card. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for US citizens entering Burkina Faso. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationDo not attempt to apply online; it will not work for US passports. Not available | US citizens are not eligible for Burkina Faso's eVisa program. Apply for a visa at a Burkinabè embassy or consulate instead. | Not required |
Entry banned for US citizens
Burkina Faso has banned US citizens from entering the country entirely (reciprocal measure, effective January 2026, in place "until further notice"). This is not a normal visa requirement — no visa, eVisa, or visa-on-arrival is being issued to US passport holders, and there is no way to obtain entry authorization at this time.
Security situation
Burkina Faso has a high risk of terrorism and kidnapping. The US State Department advises against travel to many parts of the country. Check current travel advisories before planning any trip.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Burkinabe embassy or consulate
Find the nearest Burkinabe diplomatic mission (e.g., in Washington, D.C., or New York). Call or email to ask about current visa application procedures, required documents, and fees. Some embassies outsource visa processing to a visa service.
2
Submit your visa application
Complete the application form, provide your passport, photos, and any requested supporting documents (e.g., itinerary, invitation letter). Pay the visa fee. Processing can take several weeks, so apply at least a month before your planned departure.
3
Receive your visa and prepare for travel
Once approved, your passport will be stamped with the visa. Check the validity dates and any restrictions. Carry your yellow fever certificate and all supporting documents in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at Ouagadougou Airport
At Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA), proceed to immigration. Present your passport with the visa, yellow fever certificate, and any other requested documents. Expect questions about your purpose of stay and accommodation.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Standard visa (single-entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostVaries by embassy
Must be obtained before travel; no visa on arrival for US citizens.
Standard visa (multiple-entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity3 months from issue
CostVaries by embassy
For multiple entries; apply at Burkinabè embassy.
Long-stay visa
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostVaries by embassy
For work, study, or residence; requires additional documentation.
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 (not available for US citizens)US citizens are not admitted to Burkina Faso without a prior visa. | Not applicable |
| Visa application fee (at Burkinabè embassy)Contact the nearest Burkinabè embassy or consulate for current fees. | Varies by embassy |
| Exit feeUsually included in airline ticket; no separate payment at airport. | Included in airfare |
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
Transit visa required
US citizens transiting through Burkina Faso must obtain a visa before arrival, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may have different rules.
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 = 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
No. US citizens are not eligible for visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa from a Burkinabe embassy or consulate before traveling.
No. Burkina Faso does not offer an eVisa to US citizens. You must apply through an embassy or consulate.
Processing times vary by embassy. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Apply at least a month in advance to be safe.
Fees vary by embassy and visa type (single entry, multiple entry, etc.). Contact the embassy for the current fee schedule. Expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $200.
Even for transit, you must have a visa unless you stay airside and do not pass through immigration. Check with your airline and the embassy to confirm transit rules.
Yes. The yellow fever certificate is required for all travelers over 1 year old. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expires or apply for a new visa from outside the country.
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.