Burkina Faso entry requirements for Portugal 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

Portuguese passport holders need an eVisa to enter Burkina Faso. You can apply online before you travel — no embassy visit required. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months and has one blank page for the entry stamp.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Burkina Faso eVisaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must have the eVisa approved before you fly.
Apply online before travel
Portuguese 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, you will be denied boarding or entry.
At least 6 months beyond your intended stay
Your Portuguese passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Burkina Faso. Check your passport's 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 have at least 1 blank visa page for entry stamps. Ensure no stamps or markings occupy the page where the entry stamp will be placed.Required
Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see proof that you plan to leave the country.
Proof of departure from Burkina Faso
Have a printed or digital copy of a return flight ticket or an onward ticket to another country. The ticket must show you will leave Burkina Faso before your authorized stay expires.Required
Proof of fundsNot always checked, but having proof avoids problems if asked.
Sufficient money for your stay
Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as recent bank statements, credit cards, or cash. The amount is not fixed but should cover accommodation, meals, and expenses.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccination certificateYou may be denied entry without proof of yellow fever vaccination.
Required for entry
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Burkina Faso. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel and carry the international certificate.Required
Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any online arrival form before landing.
Not required
No separate arrival declaration is required for Burkina Faso for Portuguese passport holders.Not required
Yellow fever certificate is non-negotiable
Burkina Faso enforces the yellow fever vaccination requirement strictly. If you don't have the certificate, you may be turned away at the airport or forced to get vaccinated on arrival. Get the shot at least 10 days before you fly.
Apply early for your eVisa
Even though processing is usually quick, don't leave it to the last minute. Delays happen, and you won't be allowed to board without an approved eVisa.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Burkina Faso eVisa portal and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a digital photo. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Receive your eVisa by email
Processing usually takes a few business days. Once approved, you'll get a PDF. Print it out or save it on your phone — you'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration.
3
Arrive at Ouagadougou or Bobo-Dioulasso airport
Most international flights land at Ouagadougou (OUA). Go through immigration, present your passport, eVisa, and yellow fever certificate. They'll stamp you in. Keep your eVisa with your passport for the whole trip.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Long-stay visa (e.g., work, study, family)
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for duration of contract/studies
Cost$200–$500 (approx. 120,000–300,000 XOF)

Requires invitation letter, proof of funds, and police clearance; apply at Burkinabè embassy.

Multiple-entry visa (6 months)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost$250 (approx. 150,000 XOF)

For frequent travelers; apply at embassy or via eVisa if available.

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
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Apply online before travel; fee varies by nationality and duration.$100 (approx. 60,000 XOF)
eVisa (single entry, 90 days)Longer validity option.$150 (approx. 90,000 XOF)
Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only for certain nationalities; Portuguese citizens are advised to obtain eVisa in advance.$100 (approx. 60,000 XOF)
Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Immigration Office in Ouagadougou; subject to approval.$50 (approx. 30,000 XOF)
Exit fee (if applicable)Most international flights include departure taxes; no separate cash payment.Included in airfare

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

Transit visa required

Portuguese citizens transiting through Burkina Faso (e.g., Ouagadougou) require a visa unless they remain airside and do not pass immigration. However, due to security and operational reasons, most travelers are advised to obtain a transit visa in advance.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
  • Crew members with valid licenses may be exempt.
Transit hubsOuagadougou International Airport (OUA)

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 = 574.19 XOF
updated Jul 3
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
Police17
Medical15
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Typically 3–5 business days, but it can take longer. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe.
The fee varies depending on the type of visa (single entry, multiple entry) and is paid online during the application. Check the official eVisa portal for the current fee.
No, the eVisa is the standard route for Portuguese citizens. You must have it approved before you travel.
Yes, it's mandatory for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show the certificate at immigration. Without it, you could be refused entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter or contact the immigration office in Ouagadougou before your visa expires.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
It depends on what you apply for. Single-entry and multiple-entry options exist. Choose the one that matches your travel plans.

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.