Burkina Faso entry requirements for Portugal 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
Portuguese passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Burkina Faso. Show up at Ouagadougou Airport with the right documents and pay the fee in cash. 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. Have a printed visa application form, two passport photos, and the visa fee in cash (CFA francs or euros). The visa costs around 70,000 CFA for a single entry, valid up to 30 days.Check visa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration at Ouagadougou enforces it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight out of Burkina Faso. Have a printed itinerary or e-ticket ready — they may deny boarding if you don't have one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have on hand | While not always checked, having a hotel booking or invitation letter from a host can speed up the visa-on-arrival process. Print it out — phone screens aren't always accepted. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to show if asked | Immigration may ask for evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing at least 200,000 CFA (roughly €300) per week. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa fee must be paid in cash — no credit or debit cards. Bring euros or West African CFA francs. ATMs are available after immigration but not before.
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 on the spot.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Ouagadougou Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Pay the visa fee in cash (EUR or XOF). The officer will process and issue the visa sticker.
3
Pass through immigration
Once you have the visa, proceed to the immigration desk. They'll stamp you in. Keep the visa sticker safe — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal 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, 90 days)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (equivalent in XOF)
Apply at Burkina Faso embassy in Lisbon or Paris for longer stays beyond visa-on-arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (equivalent in XOF)
Suitable for multiple visits; requires embassy application.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Temporary Resident Card) for Employment
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (application fee + residence card)
For those with a job offer in Burkina Faso. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and police clearance. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa d'Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (application fee)
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Burkina Faso. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) at Ouagadougou Airport. | ~€70 (approx. $75 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap unknown; avoid overstaying. | ~€5 (approx. $5.50 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
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
Portuguese passport holders transiting through Burkina Faso do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport or change terminals, you must obtain a visa on arrival.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Burkina Faso may transit without additional documentation.
Transit hubsOuagadougou International Airport (OUA) · Bobo-Dioulasso Airport (BOY)
Health & vaccines for Burkina Faso
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travelers arriving from endemic countries; proof of vaccination (ICVP) may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travelers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travelers but outbreaks occur; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round nationwide. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed 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 (Immigration Service)
Avenue de la Nation, Ouagadougou
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters; bring passport, photos, and fee in XOF.
Bobo-Dioulasso
Commissariat Central de Police (Immigration Section)
Rue de la République, Bobo-Dioulasso
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for visa-related issues; limited services compared to Ouagadougou.
Practical information for PT 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 typically around €100 or the equivalent in West African CFA francs (XOF). It's paid in cash at the airport counter. Bring euros or local currency — no cards accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
You'll be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, Burkina Faso requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers. You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before arrival.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Ouagadougou Airport. Land border crossings may have different rules — check with the nearest Burkinabe embassy if entering overland.
No, it's a single-entry visa. If you leave Burkina Faso and want to return, you'll need to get a new visa on arrival again.
Immigration may refuse to issue the visa. Always have a confirmed onward or return ticket before you arrive.
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.