Burkina Faso entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
South African passport holders need an eVisa to enter Burkina Faso. The application is entirely online, and the visa is electronically linked to your passport. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival option for South Africans.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter Burkina Faso. Apply at the official Burkina Faso Visa Portal at least 5 business days before your trip. The eVisa is valid for 30 days and costs around $80 USD.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your South African passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Burkina Faso. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately from your passport. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Ouagadougou Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Burkina Faso. Officers may ask for it at the border, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support your stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough funds for your trip. Around $100 USD per day is a safe benchmark. Immigration rarely asks, but it's better to have it. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot at your own expense. Get the shot at least 10 days before you travel.
eVisa is linked to your passport
The eVisa is electronic — no sticker or stamp in your passport. When you arrive, immigration will check your passport number against their system. Print the approval email as backup in case of system issues.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Burkina Faso eVisa website (visaburkina.bf). Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel dates. Upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around 30,000–50,000 XOF depending on processing speed). You'll receive a confirmation email within minutes.
2
Wait for approval
Processing takes 3–5 business days for standard applications. You'll get an email with your eVisa approval. Print a copy and save a PDF on your phone.
3
Pack your documents
Before you leave, gather: passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa approval, return ticket, first night accommodation confirmation, and travel insurance details. Keep them in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at Ouagadougou Airport
At Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA), head to immigration. Present your passport and eVisa approval. The officer will check your details and stamp you in. The process usually takes 5–10 minutes.
5
Exit immigration and collect luggage
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Customs is generally straightforward — declare anything over 500,000 XOF or restricted items.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 1,800 XOF)
Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 2,700 XOF)
Good for frequent travellers; each entry limited to 30 days.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 3,600 XOF)
For longer stays; requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 3,600 XOF) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a job offer in Burkina Faso. Requires employer to sponsor and provide contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Carte de Séjour (Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 1,800 XOF) plus proof of enrollment
For students enrolled in a recognized institution in Burkina Faso. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 9,000 XOF) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum amount in the local economy. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for South African passport holders applying online. | ~$100 USD (approx. 1,800 XOF) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa, but processed at embassy if not using online system. | ~$100 USD (approx. 1,800 XOF) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$150 USD (approx. 2,700 XOF) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed; no official cap known. | ~$10 USD (approx. 180 XOF) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
South African passport holders transiting through Burkina Faso do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or collect luggage), a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Burkina Faso may enter the country during transit.
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; South Africa is not endemic, but proof may be requested if travelling from a risk area.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
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
High risk throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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 (Immigration)
Avenue de la Nation, Ouagadougou
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Bobo-Dioulasso
Commissariat Central de Bobo-Dioulasso (Immigration)
Rue de la République, Bobo-Dioulasso
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Regional office for visa matters; less crowded than Ouagadougou.
Practical information for ZA 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 = 564.8 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
No. The eVisa is the only option for South African passport holders. There is no visa-on-arrival facility at Ouagadougou Airport or any land border.
The standard eVisa costs around 30,000 XOF (about 50 USD). Express processing (24–48 hours) costs roughly 50,000 XOF (about 85 USD). Fees are paid online by credit or debit card.
Standard processing takes 3–5 business days. Express processing takes 24–48 hours. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The eVisa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible but must be arranged at the immigration office in Ouagadougou before your visa expires.
Yes. Burkina Faso requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your photo doesn't meet requirements, your passport has less than 6 months validity, or you have a criminal record. You can reapply with corrected information. There is no refund for rejected applications.
Yes. The eVisa is valid for entry at all official border crossings, including land borders from Mali, Niger, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, and Benin. Just show your passport and eVisa approval at the checkpoint.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.