Burkina Faso entry requirements for Sweden 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
Swedish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Burkina Faso. You don't need to apply in advance — just show up at Ouagadougou Airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for Swedish travellers.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at Ouagadougou Airport (OUA) upon arrival. Have 1 passport photo and cash (EUR or USD) ready — the fee is around 90 EUR for a single-entry tourist visa. The process takes 15–30 minutes at the visa counter before immigration.Check visa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your Swedish 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 OUA will ask for a confirmed onward ticket showing you leave Burkina Faso within your visa validity. A printed or digital copy works — they rarely check the date beyond the visa expiry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Burkina Faso ready. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination International certificate required | You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (the yellow WHO card) at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot at the airport clinic (around 10,000 CFA). | Required |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — no cards accepted. Bring 50,000 XOF (about €75) in cash. Euros or US dollars may be accepted but you'll get change in XOF. Don't rely on ATMs at the airport — they may be out of service.
Yellow fever vaccination required
You must have a yellow fever vaccination and carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). Immigration may ask to show it. Without it, you could be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Ouagadougou Airport
After landing at Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA), 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 return ticket details handy. A pen is useful — the counter may not have one.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash. The cost is approximately 50,000 XOF (about €75) for a single-entry visa. Only cash is accepted — no cards. Euros or US dollars may be accepted but change will be in XOF.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will place a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away. The visa is typically valid for 30 days.
5
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa, your boarding pass, and your return ticket. Answer any questions about your stay. Then you're through.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~€50 (approx. $54 USD)
Apply at Burkina Faso embassy in Stockholm or nearest consulate. Requires invitation letter or hotel booking.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~€100 (approx. $108 USD)
For frequent travellers; same application process as single entry.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Residence Permit) for Employment
1 year, renewable
~€150 (approx. $162 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Burkina Faso employer. Requires work contract, medical certificate, and police clearance. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Residence Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (approx. $108 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in Burkina Faso. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD, EUR, XOF) at Ouagadougou Airport. | ~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration. | ~$5 USD (approx. 3,000 XOF) 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
Sweden passport holders transiting through Burkina Faso do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or changing airports, a visa on arrival may be required.
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 endemic countries; proof of vaccination may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesRecommendedMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high year-round across Burkina Faso. 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 – Service des Étrangers
Avenue de la Nation, Ouagadougou
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Bobo-Dioulasso
Commissariat Central – Service des Étrangers
Rue de la République, Bobo-Dioulasso
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for visa extensions; less crowded than Ouagadougou.
Practical information for SE 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 visa on arrival costs approximately 50,000 XOF (West African CFA francs), which is about €75. You must pay in cash — no credit or debit cards are accepted. Euros or US dollars may be accepted but you'll get change in XOF.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. It's a single-entry visa, so if you leave Burkina Faso, you'll need a new visa to re-enter.
Yes, you can extend your visa at the Immigration Office in Ouagadougou. The extension costs around 30,000 XOF (about €45) and can give you an additional 30 days. Start the process at least a week before your visa expires.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or denied entry at the border. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before travelling.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You must carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card). You may be asked to show it at immigration.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at major land border crossings, including from Ghana, Togo, and Benin. The process is similar to the airport — cash payment and form filling. However, availability and fees can vary, so it's more reliable to get it at the airport.
Overstaying your visa can result in a fine of about 10,000 XOF (€15) per day. In serious cases, you may be detained or deported. Always extend your visa before it expires if you need more time.
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.