Burkina Faso, often called the Land of Upright People, is a nation rich in history, ancient culture, and unique West African landscapes. For years, securing a travel visa was often difficult, requiring complicated paperwork and a visit to a remote embassy. Fortunately, the Burkinabé government has modernized its entry process, offering a secure and convenient online e-Visa solution.
If you're planning a trip to this extraordinary country, whether for the renowned FESPACO film festival or to explore its ancient sites, knowing how to apply for your Burkina Faso e-Visa is your first step. This indispensable guide explains everything you need to know: eligibility, required documents, fees, and processing times, ensuring your journey to the "Land of Upright People" is as smooth and rich as its cultural heritage.
What is the Burkina Faso Tourist e-Visa?
The Burkina Faso Tourist e-Visa is an official electronic travel authorization issued by the Burkinabé government's Directorate General of National Police. It completely eliminates the need for eligible foreign nationals to visit a Burkinabé embassy or consulate to submit a physical application. The entire process, from submission to payment and final approval, is handled securely online.
Once approved, the e-Visa document is digitally sent to the applicant's registered email. Visitors are required to take out a color print of this file and show it together with their valid passport when they arrive at any major Burkinabé port of entry, such as Ouagadougou Airport (OUA). The program is a simplified step to make the country's tourism more attractive and easier to reach.
What are the Eligibility Criteria for a Burkina Faso e-Visa?
The e-Visa is available to the citizens of a wide range of countries across the globe. First of all, you need to be sure of your eligibility before you start working on your application because confirming your eligibility for the Burkina Faso e-Visa is the most important thing.
- Nationality: You must hold a passport from one of the countries that have been authorized for the e-Visa program.
- Purpose of Travel: The e-Visa permits a short period of stay in which the holder may visit Burkina Faso for the purpose of sightseeing, visiting friends/family, or attending a specific cultural event.
- Duration: The Tourist e-Visa permits Single or Multiple Entry and grants a maximum stay of 30 to 90 consecutive days (depending on the type chosen and approved).
- Health Requirement: All travelers aged 9 months and older must possess a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.
Crucial Note: Being a nationality eligible for the scheme does not mean that the approval is automatic. All requests are subjected to a mandatory examination by Burkina Faso immigration authorities.
What are the Documents Required for a Burkina Faso e-Visa?
For an application to be successful, it depends largely on whether or not the applicant has prepared in detail and submitted the correct and good quality documents that fulfill all the requirements. It is very important to have all the requirements for your e-Visa ready beforehand if you want the process to be without any problems.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must meet these strict criteria:
- Validity: Must be a valid passport for 6 months from your intended date of entry into Burkina Faso.
- Blank Pages: Must contain at least 2 blank pages for official immigration stamps.
- Type: Must be a clear, legible scan of the machine-readable passport (MRP) bio-page.
Passport Photo Requirements
- Format: A recent color photograph, taken within the last 6 months.
- Size: 35mm x 45mm and submitted in JPEG format.
- Quality: Must have a white or light-colored background, with the face clearly visible and a neutral facial expression.
Supporting Documents (Itinerary and Bookings)
e-Visa Type | Mandatory Supporting Documents |
Tourist e-Visa | Detailed travel itinerary, accommodation proof (hotel bookings/host invitation letter), return/onward flight confirmation, and proof of sufficient funds (USD per day). |
Business e-Visa | Official invitation letter from a registered Burkinabé company, company contact information, and accommodation proof. |
Transit e-Visa | Transit purpose statement and onward flight tickets/rail tickets to your final destination. |
What are the Types of Burkina Faso e-Visa?
Choose Your Burkina Faso e-Visa Type, as it governs the documentation required and the allowed duration/purpose of your visit.
- Tourist e-Visa
Purpose: Holidays, leisure, general sightseeing, and visiting friends/family.
Max Stay: 30 to 90 consecutive days.
- Business e-Visa
Purpose: Traveling to conduct commercial activities, meetings, or trade fairs.
Max Stay: 30 to 90 consecutive days.
- Transit e-Visa
Purpose: Passing through Burkina Faso to a third country.
Max Stay: Typically 3 to 5 consecutive days.
How to apply for a Burkina Faso e-Visa online?
The process for how to apply for a Burkina Faso e-Visa is user-friendly and conducted entirely through the online portal.
- Select Visa Type and Fill in Information: Choose the correct visa type (e.g., Tourist) and accurately input all personal and travel details. Verify that the information exactly matches your passport.
- Upload Required Documents: Upload clear, high-quality scans of your passport bio page, compliant photo, and all specific supporting documents (flights, accommodation, financial proof).
- Review and Make Payment: Carefully review the entire form for errors. Pay the applicable Burkina Faso e-Visa fees (Government Fee + Service Fee) using a credit/debit card.
- Receive Your e-Visa: Once approved, download and print a color copy of the e-Visa document sent to your email.
How long does it take to get an e-Visa to Burkina Faso?
The Burkina Faso e-Visa cost and time varies depending on the processing speed you select to suit your travel schedule.
Processing Option | Estimated Working Days (Mon-Fri) | Ideal For |
Standard Processing | 6 - 9 Working Days | Planned travel with flexible dates (Most economical). |
Rush Processing | 4 - 7 Working Days | Tight schedules and quicker confirmation needs. |
Super-Rush Processing | 3 - 5 Working Days | Emergency, last-minute travel (Highest cost). |
What are the fees for a Burkina Faso e-Visa?
The entire cost of your e-Visa application includes the mandatory Government Visa Fee and any additional Service Fee charged for application handling. If you choose Expedited Processing (Rush or Super Urgent), the total amount will be raised considerably.
To get the latest, most accurate prices, it is advisable to look at the official online application platform right before making a payment.
How to check Burkina Faso e-Visa status online?
After a successful submission and payment, you can easily check application status online. You will need your unique Order ID (or Application ID) and your passport number to track the progress of your e-Visa application on the online.
How many days is the Burkina Faso e-Visa valid for?
Understanding the validity period is essential for planning your trip and preventing overstays.
- Entry Window: You must enter Burkina Faso within the period specified on your e-Visa approval (typically 3-6 months from the date of issue).
- Stay Duration: Your maximum permitted stay of 30 or 90 consecutive days begins from your actual date of entry into Burkina Faso.
- Entry Type: The e-Visa is valid for the number of entries approved (Single or Multiple). Leaving the country invalidates a single-entry visa, requiring a new application for re-entry.
Can I get a Burkina Faso e-Visa Extension?
The flexibility to extend your stay in Burkina Faso is limited under the e-Visa scheme.
- No Online Extension: The Burkina Faso e-Visa cannot be extended online.
- In-Person Application: If you are genuinely forced to prolong your stay you should be applying for a visa extension in person at the Immigration Office in Ouagadougou before the expiration of your current e-Visa. The procedure is complicated and lengthy; thus, the confirmation of a positive decision is not ??????fixed.
Common Rejection Reasons and How to Avoid Them
Being aware of potential administrative errors can safeguard your application from rejection.
- Mismatched Information: Avoid: Differences of any kind, even very small ones (typos, incorrect numbers), between the application form and the details in your passport.
- Poor Document Quality: Avoid: Provide blurry, partially cut, or low-resolution copies of your supporting documents or photo.
- Missing Health Certificate: Avoid: Do not: Not uploading or showing the required Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (ICVP).
- Insufficient Passport Validity: Avoid: Using a passport that is due to expire in less than six months from the date of your planned entry to apply.
What are the mandatory health advice guidelines?
- Yellow Fever: As mentioned, vaccination is mandatory for all travelers aged 9 months and older. Ensure your ICVP is up-to-date and easily accessible.
- Vaccinations: Routine vaccines (like DTP) and specific travel vaccines (Hepatitis A, Typhoid) are strongly recommended.
What currency does Burkina Faso use?
- Official Currency: The West African CFA Franc (XOF) is the official currency..
- Cash is Essential: Use of credit cards is generally limited to major hotels in Ouagadougou. Locally, cash (XOF) is the only means of payment for the markets, villages, and virtually all transactions that take place outside the capital city.
Which SIM network connectivity is available in Burkina Faso?
- Connectivity: You need to get a local SIM card (e.g., Orange, Telmob) once you are there. You can expect good 4G/5G coverage in the city areas but the network will be weak in the farthest parts of the countryside.
What are the most visited destinations in Burkina Faso?
Your approved e-Visa grants you access to these spectacular locations:
- Ouagadougou (OUA): The central city of the country, a vibrant place of culture, administration, and the popular FESPACO film festival.
- Loropéni Ruins: The only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Burkina Faso, comprising the remains of an ancient stone fortress.
- Sindou Peaks: Breathtaking sandstone cliffs providing the one-of-a-kind experience of walking the trail and taking spectacular photos.
- Karfiguela Falls: A lovely multi-level waterfall close to Banfora, a nice place for rest and relaxation.
Conclusion
The Burkina Faso e-Visa has been instrumental in simplifying travel to such a special and nice country. Basically, by mastering the steps of the application, being aware of the different types of e-Visa, and having your required documents completely ready, you have figured out how to overcome all the administrative barriers that could be presented to you.
The vibrant culture, warm hospitality, and amazing history of Burkina Faso are waiting for you. We strongly advise you to submit your e-Visa application online as soon as possible to be absolutely sure that everything will be okay. Stay safe, follow local customs, and prepare yourself for an incredible journey to the Land of Upright ??????People.
Read More: Dive Deeper into Burkinabé Culture
The e-Visa is what you need if you want to go beyond just seeing the old ruins and the wildlife. However, in order to really bond with nature, you have to take the creative route. If you want to know more about the art galleries, bronze casting, and colorful street art which are the main attractions of the cultural heartbeat of Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso, just follow the link below: – Exploring Burkina Faso’s Art Scene: Galleries & Street Art With eVisa
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