The Burkina Faso eVisa is a digital travel authorisation required for UK citizens visiting the country. You apply online via the government portal, submitting a passport scan, photo, and yellow fever certificate. The tourist eVisa costs approximately $143 USD, with processing taking 3 to 5 business days. A 2026 Digital Travel Form is also mandatory for all travellers entering and departing Burkina Faso.
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date with two blank pages for entry stamps. The full eVisa Burkina Faso application takes 20 to 30 minutes on the portal.
What Is the Burkina Faso eVisa?
The Burkina Faso eVisa is an electronic travel authorisation issued digitally by the Ministry of Security (Direction Générale de la Police Nationale), certifying that the holder is legally permitted to enter, travel within, and stay in Burkina Faso for a maximum of 90 days.
The eVisa Burkina Faso is available to approximately 50 nationalities via the government portal at applicant.visaburkina.bf, replacing paper visas for short stays including tourism, business, family visits, conferences, and training.
Unlike a visa on arrival, the Burkina Faso eVisa is granted before departure, eliminating the risk of refusal at the border. Approved applications are delivered as a downloadable PDF by email within 3 to 5 business days of payment confirmation.
Who Needs an eVisa Burkina Faso in 2026?
UK citizens must obtain an eVisa Burkina Faso before departure; no visa-free entry exists for British passport holders. The Burkina Faso eVisa is mandatory for UK travellers and available to approximately 50 nationalities via the government portal at applicant.visaburkina.bf. Ineligible nationals must apply through the Embassy of Burkina Faso in Brussels.
Countries Exempt from the Burkina Faso Visa
Citizens of ECOWAS member states and select bilateral-agreement countries do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. Entry is permitted with a national ID card or a valid passport.
| ECOWAS Member State | Maximum Stay |
|---|---|
| Benin | 90 days |
| Cape Verde | 90 days |
| Togo | 90 days |
| Ghana | 90 days |
| Niger | 90 days |
| Nigeria | 90 days |
| Mali | 90 days |
| Ivory Coast | 90 days |
| Guinea | 90 days |
| Senegal | 90 days |
| The Gambia | 90 days |
| Guinea-Bissau | 90 days |
| Liberia | 90 days |
| Sierra Leone | 90 days |
New for 2026: Burkina Faso Digital Travel Form
Since 8 April 2026, all travellers regardless of nationality must complete the free Burkina Faso Digital Travel Form at fichedevoyage.gov.bf within 72 hours before every entry and every departure. This separate, mandatory procedure replaced the old paper travel information card (ancienne fiche de renseignements papier) and applies alongside any eVisa Burkina Faso.
Go to the portal
Visit fichedevoyage.gov.bf up to 72 hours before travel.
Enter your details
Provide personal, travel, transport, and accommodation information.
Submit and download
Submit the form and download the generated QR code or digital sheet.
Present the QR code
Show the QR code at the airport on both entry and departure.
Burkina Faso eVisa Types and Categories
The Burkina Faso eVisa covers four short-stay categories: tourism, business, transit, and conferences or training, each permitting a stay of up to 90 days. The online portal issues single-entry authorisations exclusively; multiple-entry eVisas require an embassy application.
| Visa Type | Entry | Fee | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa | Single | ~$143 USD | Proof of accommodation; return or onward travel ticket |
| Business eVisa | Single | €123 | French letter of introduction on company letterhead |
| Business eVisa | Multiple | €148 | Same; embassy application required |
| Conference / Studies / Training | Single | €89 | Short-stay for eligible event purposes |
| Conference / Studies / Training | Multiple | €115 | Embassy application required |
| Transit eVisa | Single | €39 | Confirmed onward travel ticket |
The Burkina Faso eVisa for business additionally requires the letter of introduction in French, signed and stamped on company letterhead, stating the requested visa length.
Stay Duration, Entry Types and Validity
The Burkina Faso eVisa permits a maximum stay of up to 90 days per visit. The online portal issues single-entry authorisations exclusively; once you depart Burkina Faso, re-entry requires a new eVisa Burkina Faso application. Multiple-entry authorisations are available only through embassy or consulate application.
The approved eVisa Burkina Faso must typically be used within 30 to 90 days from the date of issuance. Check the Date of Expiry field on your eVisa approval letter carefully before booking flights to ensure your travel dates fall within this entry validity window.
Accepted ports of entry for the Burkina Faso eVisa include Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA) and Bobo-Dioulasso International Airport (BOY), along with designated land border crossings. All arrivals must present the printed eVisa, passport, and yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration.
Travellers transiting through Burkina Faso with a confirmed onward ticket may remain in the international transit area without a visa for up to 24 hours. This transit provision does not apply to refugees or those leaving the airport transit zone.
Required Documents for Your eVisa Application
The eVisa Burkina Faso requires a passport valid for at least 6 months, a 35×45 mm photograph, proof of accommodation, a return or onward travel ticket, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Prepare all files beforehand to avoid session timeouts.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned departure date, with 2 blank pages for entry stamps. Scan the full bio-data page; all text must be legible with no glare or cropping.
- Passport-style photograph at 35 × 45 mm, minimum resolution 600 × 750 pixels, JPEG format, maximum file size 1024 KB, plain white background, face covering 70-80% of the frame, taken within the last 6 months, no eyeglasses.
- Proof of accommodation: hotel reservation covering the full duration of stay with the applicant’s name clearly stated, or an invitation letter.
- Return or onward travel ticket: confirmed flight itinerary showing departure from Burkina Faso.
- Repatriation and health insurance: certificate covering the entire duration of stay.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate: WHO International Certificate of Vaccination, issued at least 10 days before departure.
eVisa Fees and Processing Times
The tourist eVisa Burkina Faso costs approximately $143 USD, payable via Visa or Mastercard on the government portal. Standard processing takes 3 to 5 business days from payment confirmation, with some cases extending up to 2 weeks. Processing begins the next business day after submission. Apply at least 2 weeks before departure to allow for delays or document re-uploads.
After approval, the eVisa Burkina Faso is delivered by email as a PDF attachment. A printed physical copy is mandatory at airline check-in and immigration.
Troubleshooting Payment on the eVisa Portal
Some foreign-issued cards may be rejected by the portal, including certain Arab-issued cards. If payment fails, do not restart the application. Wait 30 minutes, log back in, and check your status. Retry with a different Visa or Mastercard, ensure 3D Secure authentication is enabled, and confirm your bank permits international transactions.
Step-by-Step eVisa Burkina Faso Application Guide
The eVisa Burkina Faso application takes 20 to 30 minutes on the portal at applicant.visaburkina.bf.
Register an account
Use your full name, email, and password, then verify your email to activate it.
Complete the form
Enter personal details, passport number, issue and expiry dates, arrival date, port of entry, and accommodation address exactly as on passport; mismatches cause rejection.
Upload documents
Provide passport bio-data page scan (JPEG or PDF), photograph (35 × 45 mm, white background, max 1024 KB), proof of accommodation, flight itinerary, and insurance certificate.
Pay the fee
Pay with Visa or Mastercard. Save the generated reference number. For payment failures: wait 30 minutes, then retry with a different Visa or Mastercard (3D Secure enabled).
Track status
Use your reference number: Submitted, Under Review, Approved, or Rejected. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days from payment.
Download and print
Download the eVisa PDF. A physical copy is mandatory at airline check-in and immigration.
UK Travel Advice and Entry Rules
The UK FCDO advises against all travel to Burkina Faso due to terrorism and kidnapping risks, which can invalidate travel insurance and limit British consular support.
The Burkina Faso eVisa is mandatory for UK citizens on a full British passport. Physical visas cannot be obtained in the UK; the Embassy of Burkina Faso in Brussels, Belgium processes paper visa applications for UK residents as an alternative route.
The eVisa Burkina Faso requires a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned departure date with 2 blank pages for entry stamps. Three independent visa specialists confirm that consular authorities enforce this 6-month minimum to prevent border denial, overriding the FCDO’s stated validity guidance of “duration of stay.”
British dual nationals must use a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement when returning to the UK. Burkina Faso authorities deny entry to travellers using a passport reported lost or stolen.
Current FCDO guidance: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/burkina-faso.
Visa Refusals and Extending Your Stay
Rejected Burkina Faso eVisa applications result in non-refundable fees, while extensions require in-person submission at the Migration Division in Ouagadougou before expiry.
Common Refusal Causes
- Photo non-compliance (wrong dimensions, background, or file size)
- Passport validity under 6 months beyond planned departure
- Blurred or incomplete document scans
- Mismatched personal details between form and passport
Refusal is notified by email and through the portal. UK residents unable to reapply online should contact the Embassy of Burkina Faso in Brussels.
Extending Your Stay Beyond 90 Days
The Burkina Faso eVisa extension must be requested in person at the Direction Générale de la Migration. Submit your request within 7 clear days before visa expiry, bringing original documents.
Direction Générale de la MigrationAvenue de l’Indépendance, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Tel: (+226) 76 40 06 46 / (+226) 68 15 50 07
Email: [email protected]
Overstaying the eVisa Burkina Faso risks daily fines, detention, and a potential re-entry ban.
Tips for a Smooth eVisa Application Process
Apply two to three weeks before departure and prepare all digital files in advance. The following tips help ensure your Burkina Faso eVisa application is processed without delays.
- Apply 2-3 weeks before departure (processing 3-5 business days).
- Confirm passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date.
- Prepare all scanned files beforehand: passport bio-data page scan, 35 × 45 mm photo in JPEG format, and supporting documents.
- Use a reliable private internet connection rather than public Wi-Fi to prevent session drops during payment.
- Save the reference number after payment and verify your registration email is spelled correctly to receive the approved eVisa Burkina Faso as a PDF.
- Print a physical copy and carry it with your yellow fever vaccination certificate in hand luggage for airline check-in and immigration.
- Check the FCDO travel advice page before departure and consider comprehensive travel insurance covering the entire stay.
Frequently Asked Questions About the eVisa Burkina Faso
Can I get a visa on arrival for Burkina Faso?
Visa on arrival is theoretically available at major airports for some nationalities, but the eVisa Burkina Faso eliminates border refusal risk. Secure your digital approval before boarding.
How long does the eVisa Burkina Faso take to process in 2026?
Standard processing takes 3 to 5 business days from payment confirmation, beginning the next business day after submission. Apply at least 2 weeks before departure to allow for delays or document re-uploads.
What should I do if my eVisa payment fails on the portal?
Do not restart the application. Wait 30 minutes, log back in, and check your status. Retry with a different Visa or Mastercard; ensure 3D Secure authentication is enabled and your bank permits international transactions.
How many days do I have to enter Burkina Faso after eVisa approval?
The approved eVisa must typically be used within 30 to 90 days from the date of issuance. Check the Date of Expiry field on your eVisa approval letter before booking flights.
Do I need to print my eVisa or is a digital copy sufficient?
You must carry a printed physical copy. Airlines require it at check-in and Burkina Faso immigration expects a hard copy upon arrival.
Can I apply for an eVisa Burkina Faso for my child?
Yes, each minor requires a separate eVisa application. Provide the child’s passport, a passport-style photo, and a copy of the family register or birth certificate. A parent or legal guardian completes the application on the portal.
Is the eVisa fee refundable if my application is rejected?
No. Government and processing fees are strictly non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Ensure all documents and photos meet specifications before submitting.
What is the Burkina Faso Digital Travel Form?
Since 8 April 2026, all travellers must complete the free Digital Travel Form at fichedevoyage.gov.bf within 72 hours before every entry and departure. It is separate from the eVisa and generates a mandatory QR code for presentation at the airport.
Which countries are exempt from needing a Burkina Faso visa?
Citizens of ECOWAS member states (Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Mali, Ivory Coast, Niger, Benin, Togo, Guinea, Cape Verde, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Sierra Leone) and select bilateral-agreement countries can enter without a visa using a national ID card for stays up to 90 days. UK citizens are not exempt and must obtain an eVisa Burkina Faso.
What happens if I overstay my eVisa in Burkina Faso?
Overstaying incurs daily fines, potential detention, and a re-entry ban. Apply for an extension at the Migration Division in Ouagadougou at least 7 days before your visa expires. Bring your original passport and current eVisa printout.
Last updated: September 2026. This is an independent information resource for travellers, not affiliated with any government entity. Visa regulations change frequently; always verify current requirements on the government portal before applying.
