Last updated: 8 September 2026. This is an independent informational portal, not affiliated with the Government of Burkina Faso. Always verify requirements on the eVisa portal at applicant.visaburkina.bf.
UK passport holders must meet Burkina Faso eVisa passport requirements at applicant.visaburkina.bf: at least 6 months’ passport validity beyond entry, 2 consecutive blank pages, and a 35×45 mm JPEG photo on a solid white background. The FCDO advises against all travel to Burkina Faso (Level 4).
Entry Mandate and Passport Validity for UK Travellers
Burkina Faso eVisa passport requirements stipulate at least 6 months validity beyond the intended date of entry. UK citizens must obtain an eVisa via the online portal at applicant.visaburkina.bf. The standard tourist eVisa is single entry, valid from the date of visa issuance, with a maximum stay of up to 90 days. The FCDO advises against all travel to Burkina Faso (Level 4) in 2026.
| Standard | Rule | Practical Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Gov.uk (FCDO) | Valid for the duration of stay | Legal minimum only |
| Airline boarding policy | 6 months beyond entry date | Boarding denied if shorter |
Burkina Faso eVisa passport requirements are enforced by airlines. Gov.uk sets the legal minimum at “valid for the duration of stay”, but airlines universally require 6 months beyond entry and deny boarding to those who fall short, regardless of Ouagadougou policy. Maintain a 6-month buffer from your entry date.
Multi-entry: validity is checked per entry; keep a 6-month buffer from each planned arrival.
Blank Pages, Passport Condition, and Biographical Page Scanning
Burkina Faso eVisa passport requirements mandate 2 consecutive blank pages for entry and exit stamps, an undamaged passport, and a clear colour biographical page scan. Gov.uk specifies 2 consecutive blank pages for physical entry and exit stamps, even though the eVisa itself is electronic. Torn or damaged pages do not count as blank. Water damage, alterations, biometric chip failure, or an illegible Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ) causes rejection at both application review and Ouagadougou border control.
Biographical page scan for Burkina Faso eVisa passport requirements:
Place the passport flat
Place the passport data page flat on a surface with no glare.
Scan in full colour
Scan in full colour; black-and-white or greyscale is not accepted.
Keep the full page visible
Keep the full page visible with no edges cropped.
Ensure MRZ lines are visible
Ensure the two MRZ lines are fully visible and unobstructed.
Save as JPEG
Save as JPEG with a maximum file size of 1,024 KB.
Digital Photo Specifications and Upload Compliance
Burkina Faso eVisa passport requirements dictate a 35×45 mm digital photo in JPEG format, with a solid white background and no glasses.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 35 mm x 45 mm (digital eVisa upload; 5×5 cm applies to physical consular submissions only) |
| File format | JPEG |
| Max file size | 1,024 KB |
| Min resolution | 600 x 750 px |
| Face coverage | 70-80% of frame |
| Background | Solid white, no shadows |
| Colour | Colour only (no black-and-white) |
| Recency | Taken within 6 months |
| Expression and view | Neutral, non-smiling, front-facing, face centred |
Beyond file parameters, Burkina Faso eVisa passport requirements also govern glasses, headwear, and infant photo rules:
- Glasses: none of any kind, including prescription, tinted, sunglasses, and frameless.
- Religious headwear: permitted only if the full facial oval from chin to top of forehead remains visible with no shadows cast on the face.
- Infants under 5: open mouths tolerated, eyes should be open, head support allowed if not visible in the frame.
Common Application Mistakes and Rejection Prevention
Top Burkina Faso eVisa passport requirements rejection causes and their fixes:
- MRZ scan blurred or cropped: rescan in colour; both MRZ lines must be fully visible and glare-free.
- Passport validity under 6 months at entry: renew before applying.
- Photo not 35×45 mm, JPEG, or under 1,024 KB: recrop or re-export; 5×5 cm is consular-only.
- Glasses in photo: retake without eyewear; headwear only for religious purposes.
- Torn pages, water stains, chip failure, or unreadable MRZ: renew passport.
- Fewer than 2 consecutive blank pages: renew before applying to meet Burkina Faso eVisa passport requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions: Burkina Faso eVisa Passport Requirements
How long does the Burkina Faso eVisa processing take for UK applicants?
Standard processing takes 3 to 5 business days (up to 2 weeks), starting the next business day. Submit at least 2 weeks before departure.
Can I use an emergency travel document (ETD) for the Burkina Faso eVisa?
The eVisa system may reject Emergency Travel Documents or temporary passports. Confirm acceptance by contacting the Embassy of Burkina Faso in Brussels or the Division de la Migration at +226 76 40 06 46 or [email protected]. Burkina Faso eVisa passport requirements generally assume a full-validity biometric passport.
What happens if the passport I used for the eVisa differs from my travel passport?
The eVisa is tied to the passport number used at registration; a different passport at Ouagadougou risks entry denial. Dual nationals must travel on the same passport.
Are there special photo rules for children applying for the Burkina Faso eVisa?
For children under 5, open mouths are tolerated and eyes should be open. Complete a separate visa application for each child; minors travelling alone or with one parent require a copy of the family register. All other Burkina Faso eVisa passport requirements for photos apply: solid white background, front-facing pose, JPEG format up to 1,024 KB.
How recent must my passport photo be for the Burkina Faso eVisa?
Within 6 months for the eVisa digital upload; some consular routes allow 3 months.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Burkina Faso?
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory at the port of entry. UK travellers should consult TravelHealthPro’s Burkina Faso guide and arrange vaccination before applying.
Can I apply for a Burkina Faso eVisa from the UK?
Yes, apply online at applicant.visaburkina.bf. There is no Burkina Faso consulate in the UK. For in-person enquiries, contact the Embassy of Burkina Faso in Brussels or the Paris consulate at 112 rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris (submission hours: 9h30 to 12h, tel: 01.53.86.01.00). Alternative consulates in Accra (Ghana) and Abidjan (Ivory Coast).
What passport details must I enter in the Burkina Faso visa application form?
Enter your passport number, expiry date, nationality, date of birth, and MRZ data from the biographical page. Ensure all entries match your passport exactly to satisfy Burkina Faso eVisa passport requirements.
Do I need proof of accommodation or a return flight for the eVisa?
A hotel reservation covering the entire stay (with the applicant’s name) and a return or onward flight confirmation are commonly required. The standard tourist eVisa is single entry, valid from the date of visa issuance, with a maximum stay of up to 90 days.
What if my passport has only 1 blank page left?
Gov.uk recommends 2 consecutive blank pages for entry and exit stamps at Ouagadougou border control. With only 1 blank page, you risk being denied entry; renew your passport before applying to meet Burkina Faso eVisa passport requirements.
