Burkina Faso entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Burkina Faso. You don't need to arrange anything before you travel — just show up at Ouagadougou Airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for Kiwis.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Ouagadougou Airport. Have a printed copy of your visa approval letter from the Burkina Faso Visa Portal (visaburkina.bf) ready to show at the counter. Pay the visa fee in cash — EUR or USD accepted, but exact change helps.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport with at least 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Burkina Faso. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Ouagadougou Airport asks for a confirmed return or onward ticket. A printed itinerary showing your flight out of Burkina Faso works. Without one, you risk being refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Burkina Faso. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you are staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry enough cash (EUR or USD) for your stay — around 100,000 XOF per week is a safe benchmark. A recent bank statement showing sufficient funds also works if asked. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — no credit or debit cards accepted. Bring enough XOF or euros. There are ATMs in Ouagadougou, but they may not be reliable.
Security situation
Burkina Faso has active security risks including terrorism and kidnapping. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. If you travel, avoid border regions and stay in secure accommodation.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) on arrival. Without it, you may be vaccinated at the airport or denied entry. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
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 to complete. Have your passport and flight details handy.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash (XOF or euros) at the counter. Keep the receipt — you'll need it to collect your passport.
4
Wait for processing
Processing takes 10–30 minutes. Your passport will be returned with the visa sticker inside.
5
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the visa sticker, boarding pass, and accommodation confirmation. You'll be stamped in.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (via embassy)
Apply at Burkina Faso embassy before travel; may allow longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$150 USD
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD
Requires sponsorship or proof of sufficient funds; apply at embassy.
work visa
Carte de Séjour Temporaire (Temporary Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD application fee
For foreign workers with a job offer in Burkina Faso. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa d'Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in Burkina Faso. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Carte de Commerçant)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)New Zealand passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at Ouagadougou Airport at no cost for stays up to 30 days. | Free (USD 0) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying to prevent fines or detention. | Unknown (estimated ~$5 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Burkina Faso do not require a transit visa if they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate may be checked.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsOuagadougou International Airport (OUA) · Bobo-Dioulasso Airport (BOY)
Health & vaccines for Burkina Faso
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; may be required for all travellers depending on current regulations.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially during rainy season (May–October).
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; mosquito avoidance is key.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide; prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended. Use mosquito nets and repellent.
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 08:00–16:30
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 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the western region.
Practical information for NZ 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, visa on arrival is available at most major land border crossings, including those from Ghana, Togo, and Benin. The process is similar to the airport — cash payment and form filling. However, availability can vary, so it's safer to enter via Ouagadougou Airport if possible.
The fee is typically 50,000–70,000 XOF (about 75–105 EUR) for a single-entry visa. It's paid in cash at the counter. Bring euros or US dollars as backup — there are exchange bureaus at the airport.
The visa on arrival is usually valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible at the immigration office in Ouagadougou, but the process can be slow. It's easier to plan for 30 days or less.
Yes, yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport.
Yes, extensions are possible at the Direction Générale de la Documentation Nationale (immigration office) in Ouagadougou. The process takes a few days and costs around 30,000–50,000 XOF. Start early — don't wait until the last day.
Safety conditions change frequently. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Many countries advise against non-essential travel to parts of Burkina Faso due to terrorism and kidnapping risks. If you do go, stick to Ouagadougou and well-travelled routes.
You will be denied boarding by your airline or entry at the border. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before travelling.
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.