Burkina Faso entry requirements for United States 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
US passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Ouagadougou Airport and all land borders. The process is straightforward but you'll need a few things ready before you land. This applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Ouagadougou Airport. Have 2 passport photos and cash (USD or EUR) ready — the fee is around $100 USD for a single-entry visa. The process takes 15–30 minutes at the visa counter before immigration.Check visa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your planned departure date from Burkina Faso. Airlines at US departure gates check this strictly — they'll deny boarding if your passport expires sooner. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Ouagadougou Airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy of your itinerary — showing a flight out of Burkina Faso within your visa validity. Without it, you'll be sent back to the visa counter to buy one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Burkina Faso. Immigration rarely asks, but having a printed copy speeds things up if they do. Include the address and phone number of where you're staying. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card showing available funds. Immigration doesn't routinely check, but you may need to show you can support yourself if asked. ATMs in Ouagadougou are unreliable for foreign cards. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — Euros or CFA francs. Cards are not accepted. ATMs are available after you clear customs, but you'll need cash before that. Bring enough to cover the fee plus a buffer.
Security situation — check before you go
Burkina Faso has experienced terrorist attacks and kidnappings, especially in the north and east. Many governments advise against all travel to large parts of the country. Check your embassy's latest travel advisory and consider registering with the STEP program (US) or equivalent.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Ouagadougou Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The counter is usually before passport control. Queue up, fill out a short application form, and hand over your passport, photos, and fee.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash (Euros or CFA francs). The officer will process your visa and affix the sticker into your passport. Keep the receipt.
3
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa sticker, join the main passport control queue. Present your passport with the new visa, your boarding pass, and any requested documents (return ticket, accommodation).
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Burkina Faso.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · United States 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 (equivalent in XOF)
Apply at Burkinabe embassy abroad.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (equivalent in XOF)
Good for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (equivalent in XOF)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and local sponsor.
work visa
Carte de Séjour de Travailleur
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (equivalent in XOF)
For US citizens with a job offer in Burkina Faso. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit approval. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Carte de Séjour Étudiant
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (equivalent in XOF)
For US citizens enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Burkina Faso. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (equivalent in XOF)
For US citizens investing a minimum amount (e.g., $50,000) in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Fee may vary; exact amount confirmed at point of entry. | ~$100 USD (paid in local currency or USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap known; avoid overstay. | ~$5 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
US citizens transiting through Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival may be required.
Transit hubsOuagadougou International Airport (OUA)
Health & vaccines for Burkina Faso
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; may be requested at border.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMeningococcal MeningitisRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
Typhoid FeverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination advised.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, including urban areas. CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine).
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
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 and registration for visitors in the region.
Practical information for US 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
As of 2026, the visa on arrival fee for US passport holders is approximately 70,000 CFA francs (about €110 or $120) for a single-entry visa valid for up to 30 days. Fees can change, so bring a little extra in Euros or CFA francs.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at all official land border crossings into Burkina Faso. The process is similar to the airport — you'll fill out a form, pay the fee in cash, and get a sticker. Bring passport photos and cash.
The standard visa on arrival is valid for up to 30 days. If you need to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Ouagadougou. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost extra.
Immigration may deny entry if you cannot show proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket or a cheap onward flight to a neighboring country just in case.
Yellow fever vaccination is required for all travelers over 9 months old. You must show a valid yellow fever certificate (the 'yellow card') upon arrival. Also recommended: hepatitis A, typhoid, and meningitis vaccines. Malaria is present — take prophylaxis.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Direction Générale de la Documentation Nationale (immigration office) in Ouagadougou. Extensions are typically granted for up to 30 additional days. The cost is around 30,000 CFA francs. Start the process at least a week before your visa expires.
Security conditions can change rapidly. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. Many countries advise against non-essential travel to parts of Burkina Faso due to terrorism and kidnapping risks. If you go, register with your embassy and avoid border regions.
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.