Travelling to Burkina Faso can be an interesting adventure. It offers an extraordinary glimpse into West African culture and heritage. However, before you pack your bags and venture off to this beautiful place, you need to understand the visa prerequisites for entering Burkina Faso. Handling visa requirements can be a handful and time-consuming; hence you should be well prepared, this article is here for you; it will guide you through the essential Burkina Faso visa requirements and help you avoid common mistakes.

Type of Visa Burkina Faso 

1. Tourist Visa
2. Business Visa
3. Diplomatic and official Visa
4. Transit Visa
5. Student Visa
6. Work Visa

1.  Tourist Visa: A tourist visa is for travellers who intend to visit Burkina Faso for leisure, recreational purposes and relaxation. It allows for those visiting to stay in the country for stipulated period of time, with maximum stay of 90 days. The purposes under this visa are for tourism, visit friends or family.

2.  Business Visa: A business visa is the visa requested by individuals who are travelling to Burkina Faso for business related activities, these include; conferences, meetings and negotiation. It has maximum validity of three months but you can request extensions.

3.  Official Visa: this visa only offered to government officials and representatives of international organizations, the duration varies, depending on their assignments and duties.

4.  Transit Visa: This is a visa offered to travelers passing through Burkina Faso as a route to another country. It is valid for a short period of time; it is an entry visa with a maximum validity of 3 days.

5.  Student Visa: A student visa is offered to travelers going to Burkina Faso for study purpose, duration is based on the program they got admitted into.

6.  Work visa: This visa is for individuals who have secured employment in Burkina Faso, and the duration varies depending on how long the job is for.

All visa types are carefully designed for specific purpose and has distinct requirements, it is very important to apply for the appropriate one.

 Burkina Faso visa Requirements

Here is a list of Burkina Faso visa requirements you need to take note of and follow to get a Burkina Faso online visa or physical visa.

1. Passport
2. Visa Application form
3. Passport photograph
4. Travel Itinerary
5. Proof of Accommodation
6. Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
7. Additional documents.

1.  Passport: A scanned copy of your bio-data page of your passport, also your passport must be valid, that is valid for at least six months from your travel date.

2. Visa Application Form: This is the completely filled and signed Burkina Faso visa application form.

3. Passport photograph: Make sure that it meets the visa photo requirements in terms of size, colour and background colour.

4. Travel Itinerary: This consists of your travel plans in detail, including flight reservations, if applicable.

5. Proof of Accommodation: This should contain proof that you have where to stay, be it a hotel, lodge, or a family or friend’s place. If you are staying with a friend or family in Gabon, there must be an invitation letter to prove this

6.  Yellow Fever vaccination Certificate: This is a mandatory certificate to enter into Burkina Faso, so get vaccinated before or while processing your visa application, attach the valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to your travel documents. this is to reduce the risk of yellow fever outbreak in Burkina Faso. 

7.   Additional documents that will be requested by the embassy.

Other information should know about

• Processing Time
• Application process
• Additional procedures

• Processing time: The processing time for a Burkina Faso Visa can vary for different reasons, two of which are the visa type and the workload on the embassy of Burkina Faso at the time. The Standard Processing time is 5-10 working days, and if the processing time is improved, it is 2-3 working days.
• Application process:
• Organize your documents
• Complete your visa application
• Ensure to have your recent passport photograph
• Submit the application either in person or by mail; some embassy or consulates accept applications by mail; however, ensure to include a prepaid return envelope.
• Attend an interview if it is applicable to you, and for this you must have a proper understanding of the country’s visa requirements.

• Additional procedure: Ensure you have the following: yellow fever vaccination certification; always have it on you; carry your travel insurance; and get a stay permit. Stay updated on any travel advisories or health guidelines by Burkina Faso.

Tips for Burkina Faso Visa Application

• Endeavour to apply early that is, in advance, to avoid delay, especially during peak travel seasons.
• Reach out to Burkina Faso’s consulate in your country for updated information regarding the visa.
• Ensure to keep all copies of the documents that you submitted and always have them on you.
• Be fully aware of all local procedures you might need to follow once you get into Burkina Faso.
• – Please note that you should not share your sensitive information with just anyone; if you are ever confused, contact the embassy. 

Guide on how to submit a Burkina Faso visa through various means.

1.       Through the consulates or Burkina Faso embassy

• Find the nearest Burkina Faso embassy in your country. This information can be found on Burkina Faso’s official embassy website.
• Organize and prepare all necessary documents depending on the visa category you are applying for.
• Complete your visa application form, you can fill this up on their website or obtain a form from the embassy physically.
• Depending on the embassy, you might need to schedule an appointment to submit your application, inquire for the embassy’s requirements.
• Submit your application form alongside other important documents
• Pay for the visa; however, it is required by the embassy methods and use their preferred payment method.
• The processing time takes 5-10 working days, expedited services might incur extra cost.
• Collect your visa, this is collecting your passport with the visa stamp of the embassy, or you can receive the visa by mail.

2.       Through the online Burkina Faso visa application portal

• Visit the online portal by visiting the official Burkina Faso visa application portal if it is available at the time.
• Create an Account: This is only if it is required to create an account and register on the portal.
• Start a new application: Click on the option on the portal that prompts you to start a new visa online application and start your application.
• Fill out application form: Provide personal information, upload documents and input travel details, including the planned date of entry and exit of Burkina Faso, purpose of your visit and accommodation details.
• Upload required documents: Scan and upload all required documents
• Review the application: Cross-check your application or errors, and make corrections where necessary.
• Pay the e- visa fee: First make sure your card allows for international transaction; you can use a credit or debit card. 
• Submit application: Immediately after payment for the visa, you can submit your application.
• Receive confirmation: After payment and submission, you will receive a message confirming both payment and submission.
• Track your application using the tracking feature on the portal.
• Wait for the processing: Give it time, a couple of business days, and you will know if you can travel to Burkina Faso. If you can, then, 
• Receive your e-visa: Once approved, your e-visa will be sent to your email address. Download and print it out for convenience.

 You can apply for a visa via any of the means and get an electronic visa or physical visa. 

Burkina Faso Visa Exemptions and Restrictions

Visa exemptions are situations where citizens of certain countries can enter Burkina Faso without a visa for a specified duration; on the other hand, restrictions are limitations placed on travellers from certain countries for specific activities. These situation means that whoever is associated with these scenarios cannot travel to Burkina Faso.

• Exemptions
• Citizens who belong to countries that are members of the AU and ECOWAS enjoy the exemption policy. Not all of them, but most of the members of the AU and ECOWAS enjoy this policy. They do not need a visa to travel to Burkina Faso, and they can stay in Burkina Faso for up to 90 days.
• Specific exemptions exist for countries that have a bilateral agreement with Burkina Faso that allows their citizens to enter without a visa. However, these agreements change, so it is important to check and confirm if your country is one of them.
• Regardless of the fact that these citizens will enter Burkina Faso without a visa, there are general conditions, and they include ensuring that your passport is valid, having the yellow fever vaccination certificate, and letting them know how long you plan to stay in Burkina Faso and the purpose of your visit.

Countries with visa exemption policies and agreements.

• Benin
• Cape Verde
• Central Arican Republic
• Chad
• Cote d’Ivoire
• Gambia
• Ghana
• Guinea
• Liberia
• Niger
• Mali
• Mauritania
• Senegal
• Nigeria
• Sierra Leone
• Togo. 

• Restrictions
• Citizenship restrictions: Citizens of particular nationalities may face stricter Burkina Faso visa requirements, and when they do not meet these restrictions, they forfeit their visas.
• When the purpose of the visit on your passport doesn’t correspond with your actual purpose of the visit, this can result in legal issues or visa denial.
• Overstaying the duration stipulated on your visa can cause future entry ban, fines and deportation.
• Not entering Burkina Faso through the correct entry point can cause restrictions. Ensure you know the authorized entry points.
• Specific travel restrictions include indulging in prohibited activities not permitted by your visa type, which is illegal and can cause penalties. Travel ban countries, certain countries may be subject to bans and security checks and end up facing delays or not being able to enter Burkina Faso. Previous immigration issues can cause travel restrictions, issues with your health can cause travel restrictions, and not having supporting documents as required.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.  Can I get a visa on arrival in Burkina Faso?

• Yes you can get visa on arrival is available, however it is only citizens of certain countries that can. This visa is usually available at Ouagadougou international airport, and other designated port of entry . However, ensure to check in with the embassy before making plans to collect a visa when you arrive at Burkina Faso.

2.  What countries are Visa-free for Burkina Faso? 

Here is the list of countries that can enter Burkina Faso Visa free, however it is important to always check for updated information with a Burkina Faso embassy in regards to their visa services. 

• Benin
• Cape Verde
• Central Arican Republic
• Chad
• Cote d’Ivoire
• Gambia
• Ghana
• Guinea
• Liberia
• Niger
• Mali
• Mauritania
• Senegal
• Nigeria
• Sierra Leone
• Togo. 

3.  How long does it take to get an e-visa for Burkina Faso?

• Typically, an e- visa for Burkina Faso take 3-5 working days. However, the processing time can vary depending on how many application that has to be sorted by the embassy. 

4. How do I apply for an e-visa?

– Visit the online portal by visiting the official Burkina Faso visa application portal if it available at the time.

– Create an Account: This is only if it is required, create an account and register on the portal.

– Start new application: Click on the option on the portal that prompts you to start a new visa application and start your application.

– Fill out the application form: Provide personal information, upload documents and input travel details, including the planned date of entry and exit of Gabon, the purpose of your visit and accommodation details.

– Upload required documents: Scan and upload all required documents

– Review the application: Cross-check your application or errors, and make corrections where necessary.

– Pay the e-visa fee: First make sure your card allows for international transaction; you can use a credit or debit card.

– Submit application: Immediately after payment for the visa, you can submit your application.

– Receive confirmation: After payment and submission, you will receive a message confirming both payment and submission.

– Track your application using the tracking feature on the portal.

– Wait for the processing: Give it time, a couple of business days, and you will know if you can travel to Gabon if you can, then

– Receive your e-visa: Once approved, your e-visa will be sent to your email address, download and print out for convenience

5. What are the entry requirements for Burkina Faso besides a visa?

• A valid passport
• A yellow fever certificate of vaccination is to reduce the risk of yellow fever transmission. 
• Proof of return or onward travel.
• Proof of accommodation.

6.  Can I extend my stay In Burkina Faso if my visa is about to expire?

• Yes, you can do this by applying for a visa extension at a local immigration office in Burkina Faso. Note that extensions are given based on the reason you want them. It is given only if the immigration wants to, therefore you must have a valid reason for wanting to extend your stay.

7.  What should I do if my Burkina Faso visa application is denied? 

• Go through and find out the reason
• Organize and gather all documents
• Meet all requirements
• Then reapply.

Conclusion

Finally, you should have a good understanding of Burkina Faso visa requirements and how to apply for a Burkina Faso visa. It is important that you know the exemption and restriction policy and know the citizens who can enter Burkina Faso or citizens whose country is banned.

Remember to organize your documents, start your application early, seek help from the embassy when confused, verify every piece of information, don’t give out sensitive information to just anyone, and, lastly, have a safe trip to Burkina Faso.