UK citizens need a visa for Burkina Faso but can apply for an eVisa online through the government portal at applicant.visaburkina.bf. The eVisa system, launched in August 2023, replaced visa-on-arrival for most nationalities. Visa-free entry is limited to 15 ECOWAS member states and select bilateral agreement countries.
Check your nationality against three entry pathways: visa-free, eVisa, or embassy visa. Burkina Faso eVisa eligibility covers most non-visa-exempt ordinary passport holders, including UK citizens. Diplomatic, official, or service passport holders from certain countries may qualify for separate exemptions under bilateral agreements.
The eVisa covers tourism and family visits with a maximum stay of 90 days on a single-entry basis. Applications are processed within 3 to 5 business days, with delivery by email in PDF format. Travellers should apply 1 to 2 months before their planned departure date through the portal at applicant.visaburkina.bf.
Visa-Free Countries & Diplomatic Exemptions for 2026
19 visa-exempt nations include 15 ECOWAS members and bilateral partners. Burkina Faso eVisa eligibility exempts these nationalities from the online application requirement. Diplomatic, official, or service passport holders from seven countries are also exempt: Brazil, China, Congo, Cuba, Russia, Taiwan, and Turkey.
| Country | Max Stay | Basis & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 15 ECOWAS members (treaty: 30 Apr 1980) | – | Benin, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo |
| Central African Republic | 90 days | Bilateral |
| Mauritania | 90 days | Bilateral |
| Morocco | 90 days | Abolition agreement 23 Oct 2020, effective 22 Dec 2020 |
| Singapore | 30 days | Bilateral |
| Hong Kong SAR | 14 days | Not recognised by Timatic; carry eVisa as backup |
| United Arab Emirates | – | Not recognised by Timatic; eVisa recommended |
Turkey diplomatic exemption under agreement of 8 January 2013, effective 16 October 2013. UAE and Hong Kong bilateral exemptions may not be recognised by Timatic at airline check-in; verify before departure. Burkina Faso eVisa eligibility does not apply to these visa-exempt nationalities.
Burkina Faso eVisa Eligibility: Who Needs to Apply?
UK, EU/Schengen, GCC, and most non-ECOWAS African passport holders can apply for the eVisa online. Burkina Faso eVisa eligibility covers UK citizens, though a visa cannot be obtained within the UK itself. Applications are submitted through the eVisa portal at applicant.visaburkina.bf. EU/Schengen nationals and GCC passport holders also qualify for the online route. The standard tourist eVisa grants single entry for tourism or business purposes, with a maximum stay of 90 days.
US passport holders face entry and transit refusal; South African passport holders require a visa at all times, including transit. Nationals not on the eVisa-eligible list, or those needing multiple-entry or long-stay permits, must pursue the embassy visa route instead. Burkina Faso eVisa eligibility does not extend to these restricted categories.
Complete Nationality Eligibility Table for 2026
Burkina Faso eVisa eligibility divides all nationalities into four categories: visa-free, eVisa-eligible, embassy-required, and entry-restricted. The table below covers key nationalities and their status as of 2026.
| Region | Country / Group | Ordinary Passport | Max Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Africa (ECOWAS) | Benin, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo | 🟢 Visa-free | Unlimited | ECOWAS treaty 30 Apr 1980 |
| Africa (bilateral) | Morocco, Mauritania, CAR | 🟢 Visa-free | 90 days | Bilateral agreements |
| Africa (other) | South Africa | 🟡 Embassy visa | – | Visa required at all times, including transit |
| Africa (other) | Most non-ECOWAS African nations | 🔵 eVisa eligible | 90 days | – |
| Europe | UK, EU/Schengen, other European | 🔵 eVisa eligible | 90 days | UK: cannot obtain within UK; apply via portal or Brussels embassy |
| Americas | United States | 🔴 Entry refused | – | Entry and transit refused, even if remaining on aircraft |
| Americas (other) | Canada, Mexico, Brazil (ordinary), others | 🔵 eVisa eligible | 90 days | – |
| Asia | Singapore | 🟢 Visa-free | 30 days | Bilateral |
| Asia | Hong Kong SAR | 🟢 Visa-free | 14 days | Not in Timatic; carry eVisa backup |
| Asia | UAE | 🟢 Visa-free | – | Not in Timatic; eVisa recommended |
| Asia (other) | India, China (ordinary), Japan, others | 🔵 eVisa eligible | 90 days | – |
| Oceania | Australia, New Zealand, others | 🔵 eVisa eligible | 90 days | – |
| Diplomatic | Brazil, China, Congo, Cuba, Russia, Taiwan, Turkey | 🟢 Exempt (diplomatic/official/service) | Varies | Turkey: agreement 8 Jan 2013, effective 16 Oct 2013 |
Most unlisted nationalities default to eVisa-eligible status. Burkina Faso eVisa eligibility for any specific nationality should be verified at applicant.visaburkina.bf before applying. UAE and Hong Kong SAR visa-free status may not be recognised by Timatic; carry an eVisa as backup.
Embassy Visa vs eVisa Decision Guide & Entry Points
Travellers needing single-entry tourism or business access for under 90 days can use the eVisa, while multiple-entry, long-stay, or study purposes require an embassy visa processed through Burkina Faso’s embassy in Brussels. Burkina Faso eVisa eligibility applies to the first group; the second must use the embassy route. The embassy visa requires your original physical passport (not a copy) and is stamped directly onto a passport page. The eVisa is issued electronically as a PDF and grants single entry only.
Visa-on-arrival has been discontinued for ordinary passports since August 2023 and is no longer a fallback option. Burkina Faso eVisa eligibility also depends on your entry point. The eVisa is accepted at Ouagadougou Airport (OUA) and Bobo-Dioulasso Airport (BOY). Land border crossings with Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mali vary; verify acceptance before overland travel with the Division de la Migration: (+226) 76 40 06 46 / (+226) 68 15 50 07, email [email protected].
How to Apply & Required Documents for Burkina Faso eVisa
Applicants confirmed for Burkina Faso eVisa eligibility must create an account on the eVisa portal, upload a passport valid for 6 months with 2 consecutive blank pages, and provide a yellow fever certificate.
Register
Create an account at applicant.visaburkina.bf and select visa type (Tourist, Business, Transit, or Student).
Fill in the form
Complete the personal and travel form on the portal.
Upload documents
Passport data-page scan, biometric photo (solid white background, front-facing, no eyeglasses), return flight proof, hotel reservation, yellow fever vaccination certificate, proof of sufficient funds, and health insurance covering the full stay.
Pay online
Pay through the portal’s payment gateway. Accepted methods include Visa and Mastercard; verify exact options at checkout.
Receive your eVisa
Approved eVisa delivered by email as a PDF within 3 to 5 business days (maximum up to 2 weeks). Apply 1 to 2 months before travel.
Business eVisa applicants must additionally submit a Letter of Invitation from a Burkinabe company. Refund policy for rejected applications is not publicly stated; contact portal support for details. Print the PDF and carry it with your passport at border control. Burkina Faso eVisa eligibility requires all listed documents for approval.
eVisa Fees, Processing Time & Validity Rules (2026)
A Burkina Faso tourist eVisa for UK citizens costs £400.50 via VisaHQ (third-party) and processes in 3 to 5 business days (max. 2 weeks). Direct portal fees may differ; verify at application.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Embassy fee (VisaHQ) | £322.50 GBP |
| Service fee (VisaHQ) | £65.00 GBP |
| VAT (20%) | £13.00 GBP |
| Total (third-party) | £400.50 GBP |
| Standard processing | 3-5 business days |
| Maximum processing | Up to 2 weeks |
| Processing starts | Next business day after submission |
| Maximum stay | 90 days |
| Entry type (tourist) | Single entry |
| Validity start | Date of issuance |
| Delivery | Email (PDF) |
Processing begins the next business day following submission. Burkina Faso eVisa eligibility for the standard tourist category grants single-entry access only, valid from the date of issuance. Submit 1 to 2 months before the travel date to account for potential delays. Historical VOA fees (94,000 CFA single, 122,000 CFA multiple) are no longer available for ordinary passports since the eVisa system launched in August 2023.
Last updated: September 2026. Fee data verified against VisaHQ and the government eVisa portal at applicant.visaburkina.bf. This article is published by an independent travel information portal, not affiliated with the Government of Burkina Faso; always verify current fees and requirements at applicant.visaburkina.bf before applying.
Special Entry Rules, Overstay Penalties & FCDO Advice
Beyond Burkina Faso eVisa eligibility, special rules apply to certain nationalities and transit scenarios. Visa-on-arrival is no longer available for ordinary passports since August 2023. US nationals face entry and transit refusal, and the UK FCDO advises against all travel to Burkina Faso due to security risks.
Transit without visa is permitted for a maximum of 24 hours, provided the passenger holds a confirmed onward ticket. Unaccompanied minors must present a birth certificate and notarised parental consent alongside their visa application. Dual nationals (UK-Burkinabe) should carry both passports, using the British passport at airline check-in and presenting the Burkinabe passport or eVisa at border control. Interpol passport holders on duty require 1 passport photo; BCN INTERPOL in Burkina Faso must be informed before arrival.
Overstaying a Burkina Faso visa incurs daily fines and possible deportation. Extensions must be requested from the Division de la Migration before the visa expires. Burkina Faso eVisa eligibility does not exempt travellers from overstay penalties.
Division de la MigrationAvenue de l’Indépendance, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Phone: (+226) 76 40 06 46 / (+226) 68 15 50 07
Email: [email protected]
Burkina Faso eVisa Eligibility FAQ
Common questions about Burkina Faso eVisa eligibility and entry rules for 2026.
Can UK citizens apply for a Burkina Faso eVisa online in 2026?
Yes. UK passport holders are eligible; apply at applicant.visaburkina.bf. Visa cannot be obtained within the UK; alternatively, apply via the Embassy in Brussels.
Which nationalities are visa-free for Burkina Faso?
19 countries: 15 ECOWAS members plus Morocco, Mauritania, CAR (90 days), Singapore (30), Hong Kong (14), UAE. HK and UAE not in Timatic; verify before travel.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Burkina Faso?
No. Visa-on-arrival has been discontinued for ordinary passports since August 2023. Must obtain an eVisa online or an embassy visa before travel.
How long does the Burkina Faso eVisa take to process?
Standard processing is 3 to 5 business days, up to 2 weeks maximum. Apply 1 to 2 months before your travel date.
How much does the Burkina Faso eVisa cost for UK passport holders?
Total £400.50 via VisaHQ: embassy fee £322.50, service fee £65.00, VAT £13.00. Direct portal fees may differ; verify at application.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Burkina Faso?
Yes. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all travellers and checked at border control upon arrival.
Can I use my Burkina Faso eVisa at a land border crossing?
Airports (Ouagadougou, Bobo-Dioulasso) accept eVisa. Land borders with Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Mali vary; verify with Division de la Migration before travel.
Who must apply for an embassy visa instead of an eVisa?
Nationalities not on the eVisa-eligible list, those needing multiple-entry, stays exceeding 90 days, or study purposes. UK residents apply via the Embassy in Brussels.
What happens if I overstay my Burkina Faso visa?
Daily fines, possible deportation; extend before expiry via Division de la Migration: (+226) 68 15 50 07, [email protected].
How do I check if my nationality is eligible for the Burkina Faso eVisa?
Use the complete eligibility table in this article or verify directly at applicant.visaburkina.bf before submitting your application.
