Burkina Faso entry requirements for Ireland 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
Irish passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Ouagadougou Airport. This is the simplest option for tourism or short business trips in 2026 — no need to apply in advance. Just show up with the right documents and cash for the fee.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Ouagadougou Airport | Irish passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Ouagadougou Airport. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready — the visa officer will ask for both. Pay the visa fee in cash (EUR or XOF) — there is no ATM at the visa counter.Check visa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Irish passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Burkina Faso. Airlines at Dublin and connecting hubs will check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Burkina Faso | Immigration at Ouagadougou Airport will ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. A printed itinerary or e-ticket works — have it ready with your passport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. The visa officer may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry enough cash (EUR or XOF) for your stay — there are no ATMs at the visa counter. A bank statement showing recent transactions can help if asked. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. Bring euros or CFA francs. There are ATMs in the airport, but they may not be reliable. Better to have the exact amount ready.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) to enter Burkina Faso. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before your trip. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Ouagadougou Airport
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 number, purpose of visit, length of stay. Fill it out in capital letters.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over the cash (CFA or euros) at the payment window. Keep the receipt.
4
Submit documents and get visa
Give your passport, form, and receipt to the immigration officer. They'll process it on the spot — usually takes 10–20 minutes.
5
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa sticker, go to the main passport control queue. Show your passport and onward ticket if asked.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland 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, 3 months)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Apply at Burkina Faso embassy in advance; allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 6 months)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~€150 (approx. $165 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires embassy application.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD or EUR) upon arrival at Ouagadougou Airport. | ~$100 USD (approx. €90) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap reported; avoid overstaying. | ~$5 USD per day (approx. €4.50) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Ireland passport holders transiting through Burkina Faso do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsOuagadougou 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, especially during rainy season (June–October). Atovaquone/proguanil or doxycycline recommended.
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
For visa extensions and overstay fines; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Bobo-Dioulasso
Commissariat Central – Service des Étrangers
Rue de la République, Bobo-Dioulasso
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration matters for the western region.
Practical information for IE 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
The fee is roughly 50,000–70,000 CFA (about €75–€105) depending on your nationality and length of stay. Pay in cash — euros or CFA — at the airport counter. No card payments.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Yes, Burkina Faso requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Visa on arrival is available at some land border crossings, but it's less reliable. The airport in Ouagadougou is the safest bet. If entering by land, check with the nearest Burkinabe embassy beforehand.
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you travel.
You need proof of onward travel — a return flight, a bus ticket to a neighbouring country, or a flight out. A screenshot or printed copy is fine.
Yes, Irish citizens can get a visa on arrival for tourism or short business visits. No prior application needed. Just bring the required documents and cash.
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.