Burkina Faso entry requirements for Zimbabwe passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Zimbabwean passport holders need an eVisa to enter Burkina Faso. Apply online before you travel, and show the approved eVisa at the airport. This rule started in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Burkina Faso eVisa | Apply online at the official Burkina Faso Visa Portal before you travel. The eVisa is mandatory for Zimbabwe passport holders — there is no visa on arrival option. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week ahead.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Burkina Faso. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a clear screenshot on your phone showing your flight out of Burkina Faso. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having a booking ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have cash (CFA francs or euros) or a bank statement showing you can cover your expenses. There is no fixed minimum, but around 100,000 CFA (~€150) per week is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) upon arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport — expensive and time-consuming.
eVisa is the only option
No visa on arrival for Zimbabwean passport holders. Apply and receive approval before you fly. Plan ahead.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to visaburkina.bf, fill in personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $50–$80 depending on processing speed) and submit. You'll get a confirmation email within a few days.
2
Print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get a PDF. Print at least one copy and save a digital version on your phone. Show it at check-in and upon arrival in Ouagadougou.
3
Arrive at Ouagadougou International Airport
After landing, go to immigration. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The process usually takes 10–15 minutes if you have all documents ready.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · Zimbabwe Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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
Cost~$50 USD (approx. 30,000 XOF)
Standard option for tourism; apply at embassy or online.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF)
For frequent travellers; allows multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XOF)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XOF) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a local job offer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Carte de Séjour (Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF) plus enrollment proof
For students enrolled in a recognized Burkina Faso institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 300,000 XOF) plus investment proof
For investors with a minimum investment of ~$50,000 USD in a local business. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online. | ~$50 USD (approx. 30,000 XOF) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration. | ~$10 USD (approx. 6,000 XOF) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete eVisa 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
Zimbabwe passport holders transiting through Burkina Faso do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, a visa is required if leaving the airport.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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 may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. 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 (Immigration)
Avenue de la Nation, Ouagadougou
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Bobo-Dioulasso
Commissariat Central de Police (Immigration Section)
Rue de la République, Bobo-Dioulasso
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the western region.
Practical information for ZW 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 = 564.01 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
Standard processing takes 3–5 business days. Expedited (24–48 hours) costs around $100–$120. Apply well before your flight.
No. The eVisa is single-entry and valid for a maximum of 30 days. Extensions are not available. You must leave and reapply.
Rejections are rare but happen if documents are incomplete or passport has less than 6 months validity. Reapply with corrected info. No appeal process.
Yes. Burkina Faso requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 9 months old. Carry your yellow card — immigration may ask.
No. Zimbabwean passport holders must have an approved eVisa before travel. No visa-on-arrival at Ouagadougou airport.
West African CFA franc (XOF). ATMs in Ouagadougou, but carry cash for smaller towns. Credit cards accepted at major hotels but not everywhere.
Security situation changes quickly. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Avoid border regions and the north and east. Stick to Ouagadougou and well-touristed areas.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.