The Burkina Faso eVisa for US citizens is a mandatory electronic travel authorisation (no visa-free entry), processing in 3 to 5 business days via the government portal and permitting stays of up to 90 days. A valid US passport (minimum 6 months validity on entry) and a yellow fever vaccination certificate are required.
The Burkina Faso eVisa for US citizens requires applicants to submit an online application, uploading a passport data page scan, digital photo, proof of accommodation, and return flight itinerary. The visa issuance fee is displayed dynamically at the payment stage on the portal.
This guide was last fact-checked on 8 September 2026 against the official Burkina Faso eVisa portal (applicant.visaburkina.bf), US State Department country information, and UK FCDO travel advice. This is an independent travel information portal, not affiliated with any government or visa-issuing authority; the only official application channel is the Government of Burkina Faso eVisa portal.
What Is the Burkina Faso eVisa & How to Apply
The Burkina Faso eVisa for US citizens is a mandatory electronic travel authorisation issued by the Government of Burkina Faso (no stamp or label in passport). Apply only at applicant.visaburkina.bf; avoid third-party sites charging additional fees.
Editor’s experience: We submitted a test application through applicant.visaburkina.bf in August 2026. The fee appeared only after the document upload step, and approval took 4 business days. The printed PDF was accepted at Ouagadougou airport without further questions.
Create an account
Register on the portal and select a visa category: tourist, business, transit, conference, private, or student
Fill in your details
Provide personal details, travel dates, and proof of accommodation
Upload required documents
Passport scan, photo, itinerary, and yellow fever certificate
Pay and submit
Pay the fee online and submit the application
Processing for the Burkina Faso eVisa for US citizens takes 3 to 5 business days (up to 2 weeks maximum), starting the next business day after submission. Apply 1 to 2 months before departure. To check your status, log in to the portal and navigate to “My Applications.”
Required Documents & Visa Fees for US Citizens
- Valid US passport (6+ months validity on entry, 2 blank visa pages); data page scan as JPEG or PDF, max 2 MB
- Digital photo: 35×45 mm, white background, no glasses, front-facing, min 600×600 px, taken within 6 months
- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation with client name)
- Return flight itinerary / proof of onward flights
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement or credit card scan)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (WHO International Certificate of Vaccination / yellow card)
- Health insurance covering the period of stay
- Business eVisa: letter of invitation from Burkinabè host
| Channel | Fee | Validity | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| eVisa Online | Displayed at payment stage | Up to 90 days | Single/Multiple |
| Embassy (Washington DC) | $140 USD | 5 years | Multiple |
| VOA Single | 94,000 CFA (≈$190) | 3 months | Single |
| VOA Multiple | 122,000 CFA (≈$245) | 3 months | Multiple |
| In-Country (Ouagadougou) | 70,000 CFA (≈$140) | 5 years | Multiple |
All fees are non-refundable. The Burkina Faso eVisa for US citizens accepts Visa and Mastercard only on the applicant portal; PayPal is not supported. If payment fails, try a different browser, check card limits for international transactions, or contact your bank. Fee sources: Embassy of Burkina Faso in Washington DC (embassy visa), Government of Burkina Faso portal (eVisa), and immigration fee schedules at Ouagadougou airport (VOA/in-country). Fees were verified on 8 September 2026 but are subject to change; always confirm the exact amount on the portal before submitting.
Alternative: Embassy Visa & Visa on Arrival
US citizens can also obtain a 5-year multiple-entry embassy visa for $140 USD at the Embassy of Burkina Faso, 2340 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. (202) 332-5577), or a visa on arrival at Ouagadougou airport (single: 94,000 CFA; multiple: 122,000 CFA). The Burkina Faso eVisa for US citizens is recommended over visa on arrival because entry is guaranteed once approved.
Visa Types, Validity & Health Entry Requirements
The Burkina Faso eVisa for US citizens permits stays of up to 90 days from issuance, with single or multiple entry. Categories include tourist, business, transit, conference, private, and student. Overstaying the 90-day limit incurs fines of up to 50,000 CFA (≈ $100 USD); arrange extensions through the Division de la migration before expiry.
For entry with the Burkina Faso eVisa for US citizens, the yellow fever vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before travel; the WHO International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) is mandatory. Recommended vaccinations: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, meningitis, and rabies. Malaria prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) is strongly advised.
Division de la migration, Avenue de l’indépendance, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Tel: (+226) 76 40 06 46 / (+226) 68 15 50 07. Email: [email protected]Travel Tips, Ports of Entry & Post-Approval Guidance
- Print the eVisa PDF and present it with your passport to immigration; if the officer cannot find your eVisa in the system, show the printout and reference number. Keep a digital backup saved offline on your phone.
- Register with STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, free, voluntary) at step.state.gov before travel.
- Safety: US Travel Advisory Level 4: Do Not Travel (northern/eastern regions); UK FCDO advises against all travel (as of September 2026). US Dept of State helpline: +1-202-501-4444 (abroad) / +1-888-407-4747 (US/Canada), 24/7.
- Ports of entry for the Burkina Faso eVisa for US citizens: Thomas Sankara International Airport (Ouagadougou, main); Bobo-Dioulasso (limited flights); land borders with Niger, Mali, Togo, and Benin.
- In-country extension: Apply 1 to 2 weeks before expiry at the Division de la migration (see contact above); bring passport, eVisa printout, and justification for the extended stay.
FAQ
Do US citizens need a visa for Burkina Faso?
Yes. All US passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Burkina Faso; the Burkina Faso eVisa for US citizens is the recommended option. No visa-free arrangement exists.
How long does the Burkina Faso eVisa processing take?
Standard processing takes 3 to 5 business days, starting the next business day after submission. Maximum expected time: up to 2 weeks. Apply 1 to 2 months before travel.
How much does the Burkina Faso eVisa cost?
The government eVisa fee is displayed at the payment stage on the portal, not a flat published amount. For comparison: embassy visa $140 USD, visa on arrival 94,000 to 122,000 CFA ($190 to $245). All fees are non-refundable.
What documents are required for the Burkina Faso eVisa?
A valid US passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages), digital photo (35×45 mm, white background, no glasses), proof of accommodation, return flight itinerary, proof of sufficient funds, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Passport scan must be JPEG or PDF under 2 MB.
Do children need a separate eVisa for Burkina Faso?
Yes. Each child needs their own eVisa regardless of age. A notarised parental consent letter is also recommended for minors.
Can I get a refund if my Burkina Faso eVisa is denied?
No. All visa fees are strictly non-refundable regardless of the application outcome. Ensure all documents meet specifications to avoid rejection.
What are common reasons for Burkina Faso eVisa rejection?
Blurry passport scans, photos not meeting specifications, mismatched dates, incomplete forms, and expired passports. Ensure all uploaded files are clear, correctly formatted, and your passport has at least 6 months validity on entry.
Is the Burkina Faso eVisa accepted at land border crossings?
Yes, the Burkina Faso eVisa for US citizens is accepted at designated land border crossings with Niger, Mali, Togo, and Benin. Carry a printed copy of your approved eVisa.
What if the portal doesn’t work?
Clear your browser cache and try Chrome or Firefox. Contact the Division de la migration at [email protected] or call (+226) 76 40 06 46.
Do I need travel insurance for Burkina Faso?
Not legally mandatory for eVisa approval, but strongly recommended for the full stay. Medical facilities in Burkina Faso are limited; ensure your policy covers medical evacuation.
