Burkina Faso entry requirements for Laos passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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
Laos passport holders need an eVisa to enter Burkina Faso. You apply entirely online before traveling. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Burkina Faso eVisa | Apply online at the official Burkina Faso eVisa portal before you travel. The eVisa is mandatory for Lao passport holders — there is no visa on arrival option. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before your departure.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have 6 months validity | Your passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Burkina Faso. Airlines at Vientiane and Bangkok check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration at Ouagadougou Airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Burkina Faso. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds (around 500,000 XOF or equivalent) or carry cash in euros or US dollars. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (WHO yellow card) upon arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport at your own expense.
Keep digital backups of everything
Save copies of your eVisa, passport, and tickets in a cloud folder (Google Drive, Dropbox) and on your phone. If you lose the printed copies, you can still access them.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Burkina Faso eVisa website (visaburkina.bf). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee with a credit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print at least two copies — one for immigration at the airport and one as a backup. Keep a digital copy on your phone too.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
Before you leave for the airport, gather: your printed eVisa, passport (6+ months validity), return/onward ticket, hotel booking confirmation, and travel insurance documents. Put them in an easily accessible folder.
4
Arrive at Ouagadougou Airport
At Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA), proceed to immigration. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer may ask about your accommodation and purpose of visit. Answer clearly. After stamping, you're free to enter.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 1,000,000 LAK)
Apply at Burkina Faso embassy or online eVisa.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 1,500,000 LAK)
For frequent travellers; must show travel history.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 2,000,000 LAK)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation.
work visa
Carte de Séjour Temporaire (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 3,000,000 LAK)
For those with a job offer in Burkina Faso. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Visa Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD (approx. 1,500,000 LAK)
For enrolled students at a recognized institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Visa Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 5,000,000 LAK)
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 in local business. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online. | ~$100 USD (approx. 1,000,000 LAK) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplied for each day overstay, no maximum cap specified. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. 100,000 LAK) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application 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
Laos passport holders transiting through Burkina Faso do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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 countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Laos.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Common in urban areas during rainy season.
Food/waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Risk of cholera, hepatitis A, and typhoid from contaminated food/water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide. Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas.
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 l'Immigration
Avenue de la Nation, Ouagadougou
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits.
Bobo-Dioulasso
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Rue de la République, Bobo-Dioulasso
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the western region.
Practical information for LA 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 = 574.19 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
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There is no expedited option.
No. The eVisa is the only option for Laos passport holders. You must have it approved and printed before you travel.
The official fee is around 50,000 XOF (about $80 USD) for a single-entry tourist visa. Check the official website for the latest amount — it can change.
You will be denied boarding by the airline. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eVisa with the new passport.
Yes. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel and carry the WHO yellow card.
Extensions are not available for eVisa holders. You must leave before the visa expires. If you need a longer stay, apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will likely be refused entry and put on the next flight back. The airline may also fine you. Always carry a printed copy.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.