Burkina Faso entry requirements for Norway passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 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
Norwegian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Burkina Faso. You can apply online before you travel, which saves a trip to the embassy. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date and has at least one blank page.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Burkina Faso eVisaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; the eVisa must be approved before you fly. Apply online before travel | Norwegian passport holders must obtain an eVisa prior to arrival. Apply through the official Burkina Faso eVisa portal, complete the application, pay the fee, and receive the approved eVisa by email. Print a copy to present upon arrival. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, renew it before traveling. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Norwegian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Burkina Faso. Check the expiry date before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesBorder officials need a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. Ensure no pages are damaged or missing. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketA ticket out of the country proves you intend to leave within the allowed period. Proof of departure | You must hold a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing your departure from Burkina Faso. Immigration may ask to see it upon arrival. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry proof in case immigration asks how you'll support yourself. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as recent bank statements or a credit card. The amount is not fixed but should cover accommodation and living expenses. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateYou may be asked to show this at the border; get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel. Required for entry | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, and is generally recommended for all travelers to Burkina Faso. Carry the International Certificate of Vaccination. | Required |
| Travel insuranceInsurance can save you from high out-of-pocket costs if you get sick or injured. Medical and evacuation coverage | While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended due to limited healthcare facilities in Burkina Faso. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Without a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate, you may be refused entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (which can be inconvenient and costly). Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
eVisa is not extendable
Plan your stay carefully. The eVisa cannot be extended in Burkina Faso. If you overstay, you'll face fines and potential issues when leaving.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Burkina Faso eVisa website and fill out the application form. Upload your passport scan, photo, and travel details. Pay the visa fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Receive your eVisa by email
Processing typically takes a few business days. You'll receive an approval email with your eVisa attached. Print a copy to carry with you — you'll need it at check-in and upon arrival.
3
Arrive at Ouagadougou or Bobo-Dioulasso airport
Most international flights land at Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA). At immigration, present your passport, printed eVisa, and yellow fever certificate. The officer will stamp your passport and grant entry.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. Keep your eVisa and passport handy in case of spot checks.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · Norway Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Long-stay visa (e.g., work, study, residence)
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for 3 months to 1 year
Cost$150–$300 (approx. 87,000–174,000 XOF)
Requires sponsorship and approval from Burkina Faso immigration; apply at embassy in advance.
work visa
Carte de Séjour Temporaire (Temporary Residence Permit) – Work
1 year, renewable annually
Free (no fee for Norwegian citizens)
For those with a job offer in Burkina Faso. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and medical certificate. Allows multiple entries and family reunification.
student visa
Carte de Séjour Étudiant (Student Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable annually
Free (no fee for Norwegian citizens)
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in Burkina Faso. Requires proof of enrollment, financial means, and health insurance. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour Investisseur (Investor Residence Permit)
2 years, renewable
Free (no fee for Norwegian citizens)
For investors with a minimum investment of 50 million XOF (~$80,000 USD) in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry, 30 days)Paid online at official Burkina Faso eVisa portal; non-refundable. | $70 (approx. 40,000 XOF) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only for certain nationalities; Norwegians are advised to obtain eVisa in advance. | $100 (approx. 58,000 XOF) |
| Visa extension (up to 30 days)Apply at the Direction Générale de la Documentation Nationale in Ouagadougou. | $30 (approx. 17,500 XOF) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete visa 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
Transit visa required
Norwegian citizens transiting through Burkina Faso (e.g., Ouagadougou) require a visa unless they remain airside and depart within 24 hours. However, due to security concerns, transit is discouraged.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Crew members with valid airline ID
Transit hubsOuagadougou International Airport (OUA)
Health & vaccines for Burkina Faso
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; recommended for all travellers due to risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; risk increases during rainy season or in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round nationwide, with highest transmission during rainy season (June–October). Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly 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
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Bobo-Dioulasso
Commissariat Central de Police – Service des Étrangers
Rue de la République, Bobo-Dioulasso
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for visa matters; less crowded than Ouagadougou.
Practical information for NO 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
No, Norwegian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel. Apply online at least a few days before your departure.
Processing usually takes 2-5 business days, but it can take longer during peak periods. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The eVisa fee varies depending on the type and duration. Typically it's around $100-150 USD for a single-entry tourist visa. You pay online during the application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and reapply for a new visa.
You'll be denied boarding and entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
If you leave the airport and enter Burkina Faso, yes. If you're only in transit and don't pass immigration, you may not need it, but it's safer to have the certificate. Check with your airline.
No, the eVisa is the only option for Norwegian citizens. There is no embassy application process for this visa type. Use the official online portal.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.