Burkina Faso entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Australian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Burkina Faso. You don't need to apply in advance — just show up at the airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for tourism and short business trips.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Ouagadougou Airport. Pay the fee in cash (CFA francs, euros, or US dollars) — have exact change ready. The visa is valid for up to 30 days and cannot be extended.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Burkina Faso. Have at least two blank pages for the visa and entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Airlines also check this before boarding. Have a printed copy or a digital version ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host ready. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry enough cash (CFA francs, euros, or US dollars) to cover your stay — around 100,000 CFA (~$165 USD) per week is a safe minimum. ATMs are scarce outside Ouagadougou. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
You will be asked for it at immigration. No certificate = no entry. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.
Cash only for visa on arrival
No credit cards, no ATMs at the visa counter. Bring EUR or XOF in cash. Change money at the airport if needed, but the rate won't be great.
Security situation — check before you go
Burkina Faso has active travel warnings from most governments. Only travel if absolutely necessary, and stay in Ouagadougou. Register with your embassy on arrival.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Ouagadougou Airport (OUA)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form — name, passport details, purpose of visit, accommodation address. Fill it in and attach your photos.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over your form, passport, and cash (EUR or XOF). The officer will process payment and issue a receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The visa is stuck into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away.
5
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa, your boarding pass, and your return ticket if asked. You're in.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (equivalent)
Apply at Burkinabe embassy in Canberra or nearest consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$150 USD
Requires letter of invitation or detailed itinerary.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD
For longer stays; requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation.
work visa
Carte de Séjour Temporaire (Temporary Residence Permit) – Work
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD + processing fees
For those with a job offer in Burkina Faso. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and medical certificate. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at a recognized Burkinabe institution. Requires proof of enrollment, sufficient funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Carte de Résident Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Grants long-term residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD or EUR) at the airport; valid for up to 30 days. | ~$100 USD (approx. AUD 150) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future bans. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. AUD 15), max cap unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Burkina Faso
No transit visa needed
Australian passport holders transiting through Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the transit area or change airports, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsOuagadougou International Airport (OUA)
Health & vaccines for Burkina Faso
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; proof may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialMeningococcal meningitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination and careful eating/drinking advised.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present nationwide, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Ouagadougou
Direction Générale de la Police Nationale – Service des Étrangers
Avenue de la Nation, Ouagadougou
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Bobo-Dioulasso
Commissariat Central – Service des Étrangers
Bobo-Dioulasso, near the central market
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Regional office for visa matters; limited services compared to Ouagadougou.
Practical information for AU travellers
Country basics
CapitalOuagadougou
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyWest African CFA franc (XOF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 563.11 XOF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C (two round pins) and Type E (two round pins with a hole for the male grounding pin)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but practically all international flights arrive at Ouagadougou Airport (OUA). Bobo-Dioulasso Airport handles mostly regional flights — visa on arrival is available there too, but it's less common.
Expect to pay around 50,000–70,000 XOF (€75–€105) for a single-entry visa. The exact amount can change, so bring a bit extra in cash. Only EUR or XOF accepted — no US dollars or cards.
Typically 30 days. The officer will stamp the validity in your passport. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Ouagadougou — but it's not guaranteed.
Yes. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. No certificate = possible denial of entry or quarantine.
Extensions are possible but not automatic. You'll need to visit the Direction Générale de la Documentation Nationale (immigration office) in Ouagadougou. The process takes a few days and costs extra. Start early.
The security situation is volatile, especially outside Ouagadougou. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. If you go, stick to the capital, avoid border regions, and register with your embassy.
You'll likely be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry at immigration. A return or onward ticket is mandatory. A refundable ticket booked just for entry is a common workaround.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.