Last updated: September 2026 | By the UK Travel Visa Editorial Team
UK citizens need a mandatory eVisa for Burkina Faso. The application is completed online via the government portal, costing ~$143 USD (~£115 GBP). Processing takes 3 to 5 business days, requiring a valid passport, digital photo, and mandatory yellow fever certificate.
The Burkina Faso eVisa for UK citizens allows a maximum stay of up to 90 days for tourism, family visits, or business. British passport holders must ensure their travel documents meet specific requirements, including a minimum of six months passport validity and two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
UK residents cannot get a visa in the UK as there is no Burkina Faso embassy or consulate in the country. The Embassy of Burkina Faso in Brussels handles physical visa applications for UK residents if a stamped visa is required.
Burkina Faso eVisa Application Process for UK Citizens
The Burkina Faso eVisa for UK citizens is applied for entirely online at applicant.visaburkina.bf; pay via Visa/Mastercard; receive PDF by email.
UK travellers complete a six-step process:
Register on the portal and create an account
Set up your account on the eVisa application portal.
Fill out the application form
Provide your personal and travel details.
Upload supporting documents
Passport scan, digital photo, hotel booking, vaccination certificate.
Pay the visa fee online
Complete payment via Visa or Mastercard on the portal.
Await the approval decision
Processing typically takes 3-5 business days.
Receive the approved eVisa as a PDF by email
Print the PDF and carry it with your passport to the port of entry.
Accepted Payment Methods
The Burkina Faso eVisa for UK citizens accepts payment by Visa and Mastercard, charged in USD or XOF (CFA franc). The portal may reject some Arab-issued cards.
eVisa Delivery
Upon approval, the eVisa is sent to the applicant’s email as a PDF and must be printed and carried with the passport to the port of entry.
Document Requirements for British Passport Holders
The Burkina Faso eVisa for British passport holders requires the following supporting documents uploaded through the online portal:
- Passport scan with at least 6 months passport validity and 2 blank pages
- Digital photograph (35×45 mm, white background, JPEG, max 1024 KB)
- Mandatory yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Hotel reservation with applicant’s name (proof of accommodation)
- Return or onward flight booking (onward/return ticket)
- Health insurance certificate covering the stay
- Proof of sufficient funds
Burkina Faso eVisa Photo Requirements
The Burkina Faso eVisa for UK citizens requires a photograph measuring 35×45 mm (minimum 600×750 pixels) on a solid white background, in JPEG format not exceeding 1024 KB, taken within the last 6 months, front-facing, with no glasses. Face coverage should be 70-80% of frame.
Passport Validity and Blank Pages
British passports must retain 6 months validity beyond the intended stay and have 2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Airlines enforce the 6-month rule at check-in via TIMATIC.
Burkina Faso eVisa Cost and Processing Time
The standard Burkina Faso eVisa for UK citizens costs ~$143 USD (~£115 GBP); processing takes 3-5 business days; max stay 90 days single entry.
Government Portal vs UK Agency Cost Comparison
Fee structure verified against the official portal visaburkina.bf, operated by the Ministry of Security (Ministère de la Sécurité).
| Source | Gov Fee (USD) | Gov Fee (GBP) | Service Fee | VAT (20%) | Total (GBP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Government portal (visaburkina.bf) | ~$143 | ~£115 | – | – | ~£115 |
| UK agency (VisaHQ.co.uk) | – | £322.50 | £65.00 | £13.00 | £400.50 |
Applying directly saves ~£285 GBP. Standard processing time is 3-5 business days; up to 2 weeks during peak. Apply at least 2-4 weeks before departure.
Practical note: the portal typically processes applications within 3-5 business days, but border officials strictly verify the yellow fever certificate at Ouagadougou Airport.
Where to Apply, Border Entry, and Travel Safety
UK residents apply online via the visaburkina.bf portal or through the Embassy of Burkina Faso in Brussels. FCDO Level 4 applies. Verify land border rules before overland travel.
There is no Burkina Faso embassy or consulate in the UK; UK residents cannot get a visa in the UK. Physical or multiple-entry visas require the Embassy in Brussels. In 2026, the UK FCDO advises against all travel to Burkina Faso (Level 4) due to terrorism and kidnapping risks.
The Burkina Faso eVisa for UK citizens is accepted at Ouagadougou Airport (OUA) and Bobo-Dioulasso Airport (BOY). Land border acceptance varies; confirm with the Division de la migration before overland travel. Transit visa exemption applies if staying airside within 24 hours with confirmed onward ticket and next-destination documents. Visa extensions are handled by the Division de la migration:
Division de la migration, avenue de l’indépendance, OuagadougouTel: (+226) 76 40 06 46 / (+226) 68 15 50 07
Email: [email protected]
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or official advice. Always verify requirements directly on visaburkina.bf or with the Embassy of Burkina Faso in Brussels.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to visit Burkina Faso as a UK citizen?
Yes, mandatory for all British citizen passport holders. The eVisa is the primary option for tourism, family visits, business, or transit.
Can I apply for a Burkina Faso visa online?
Yes, apply online at applicant.visaburkina.bf. Always verify the .bf domain to avoid fraudulent sites.
How much does a Burkina Faso eVisa cost for UK citizens?
Direct: ~$143 USD (~£115 GBP). Agency package: £400.50. Direct saves ~£285.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Burkina Faso?
A visa on arrival may be available at airports. The pre-approved eVisa is the more reliable option.
How long does the Burkina Faso eVisa take to process?
3-5 business days (up to 2 weeks peak). Apply 2-4 weeks before departure.
What documents do I need for a Burkina Faso eVisa?
Passport scan (6 months validity), digital photo, proof of accommodation, return flight, health insurance, sufficient funds, and mandatory yellow fever certificate.
How long can I stay in Burkina Faso on an eVisa?
Up to 90 days from date of issuance. Online eVisa is single entry only; multiple entry requires the Embassy in Brussels.
Is Burkina Faso safe for UK travellers?
As of 2026, UK FCDO advises against all travel (Level 4). See gov.uk.
Can I extend my Burkina Faso eVisa in-country?
Yes, at Division de la migration in Ouagadougou (avenue de l’indépendance). Apply before expiry. Tel: (+226) 76 40 06 46 / (+226) 68 15 50 07; email: [email protected].
What happens if my passport is lost or stolen in Burkina Faso?
Denied entry likely. British dual nationals must use a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement when returning to the UK.
Do British dual nationals need additional documents?
Use your British passport for the eVisa application and travel. A certificate of entitlement is required if returning to the UK on a non-British passport.
Is the eVisa accepted at land borders?
The eVisa is designed for airport entry at Ouagadougou (OUA) and Bobo-Dioulasso (BOY). Confirm land border acceptance with the Division de la migration before travelling.
