Burkina Faso Visa Application Form: How to Fill It Out
The Burkina Faso visa application form requires personal details, travel information, and supporting documents – whether you apply online through the eVisa portal, at an embassy, or on arrival at the airport. This guide walks you through every field on the form, explains what documents you need, and shows you how to avoid the mistakes that cause most rejections.
You can complete the Burkina Faso visa application form through three channels: the eVisa portal (visaburkina.bf), a paper form at an embassy or consulate, or the arrival form at Ouagadougou Airport. Each channel collects the same core information but uses a different submission method.
| Channel | Format | Where to Get It | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| eVisa Portal | Online form | visaburkina.bf | Most applicants – submit from home |
| Embassy | Paper form | Burkina Faso embassy or consulate | Long-stay visas, applicants without internet |
| Visa on Arrival | Paper form | Airport immigration desk | eVisa pre-approval holders, emergency travel |
Documents You Need Before Filling Out the Form
Gather all required documents before you start the Burkina Faso visa application form. Missing or incorrect documents are the number one reason applications get delayed or rejected.
You will need the following:
- Valid passport – must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date, with at least 2 blank pages
- Passport-size photo – white background, taken within the last 6 months (see photo requirements below)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate – mandatory for all travelers entering Burkina Faso
- Accommodation proof – hotel reservation, booking confirmation, or invitation letter from a host in Burkina Faso
- Travel itinerary – return flight ticket or onward travel booking
- Proof of sufficient funds – recent bank statement (for business visas, an employer letter may also be required)
Tip: Scan or photograph all documents before starting the online form. The eVisa portal requires JPEG or PDF uploads with a maximum file size of 2 MB per file. For more details on each document, see our guide on visa requirements for Burkina Faso.
How to Fill Out the eVisa Form (Field by Field)
The eVisa application form on visaburkina.bf has 8 main sections with approximately 30 fields. This field-by-field walkthrough explains what each section asks for and how to answer correctly.
Section 1: Account Registration
- Email address – use an email you check regularly. All status updates and the approved eVisa will be sent here.
- Password – create a strong password for your portal account.
- Confirm password – re-enter the same password.
After registration, the portal sends a confirmation email. Click the link within 24 hours to activate your account.
Section 2: Visa Type Selection
- Nationality – select your citizenship from the dropdown. This determines the visa types available to you.
- Visa category – choose from Tourist, Business, Transit, or Long-Stay.
- Entry type – single entry (one-time entry) or multiple entry (re-enter during validity).
- Duration – 30 days (short stay), 90 days (extended), or 5 days (transit).
Section 3: Personal Information
Fill in every field exactly as it appears in your passport:
- Surname / Family name – must match passport exactly, including hyphens or special characters
- Given name(s) – all first and middle names as shown on passport
- Date of birth – format: DD/MM/YYYY
- Place of birth – city and country as shown on passport
- Gender – male or female
- Nationality – your citizenship (must match passport)
- Marital status – single, married, divorced, or widowed
Section 4: Passport Details
- Passport number – enter exactly as printed on your passport bio-data page
- Date of issue – when your passport was issued
- Date of expiry – your passport must be valid for 6+ months beyond entry date
- Issuing authority – country that issued your passport
Section 5: Contact Information
- Current address – your home address (street, city, postal code, country)
- Phone number – include country code (e.g., +1 for US, +44 for UK)
- Email address – should match your registration email
Section 6: Travel Details
- Purpose of visit – tourism, business, conference, transit, study, or other
- Intended date of entry – when you plan to arrive in Burkina Faso
- Intended date of departure – when you plan to leave
- Port of entry – Ouagadougou Airport (OUD), Bobo-Dioulasso Airport, or a land border crossing
- Accommodation address – hotel name and address, or host’s address in Burkina Faso
Section 7: Host / Sponsor Information
- Host name – hotel name, company name, or individual host
- Host address – full address in Burkina Faso
- Host phone number – contact number in Burkina Faso
- Relationship to host – hotel guest, business partner, friend, family, etc.
For tourists staying at a hotel, enter the hotel details. For business travelers, enter the inviting company’s information.
Section 8: Document Upload
Upload the following files in JPEG or PDF format (max 2 MB each):
- Passport bio-data page – clear scan or photo showing all text and your photo
- Passport photo – white background, recent, face clearly visible
- Yellow fever certificate – must show your name and vaccination date
- Accommodation proof – hotel booking or invitation letter
- Flight itinerary – return or onward travel booking
Upload tips:
– Ensure all four corners of documents are visible
– Photo must show full face, no glasses, neutral expression
– Use simple file names without special characters
– If a file exceeds 2 MB, compress it before uploading
After uploading, review your entire application on the summary page. If all information is correct, proceed to payment. The visa fee depends on your visa type and nationality. Payment is accepted by credit or debit card.
How to Fill Out the Embassy Paper Form
The embassy visa application form is a paper document available at Burkina Faso embassies and consulates worldwide. If you prefer to apply in person or need a long-stay visa, this is your application channel.
Getting the Form
Visit the nearest Burkina Faso embassy or consulate during business hours. Some embassies provide the form for download on their website – check before visiting. The form is typically 2-3 pages long.
Filling Out the Paper Form
- Write in block capitals (uppercase letters) using black or blue ink
- Fill in every field – leave no blanks (write “N/A” if a field does not apply)
- Your name must match your passport exactly
- Attach your passport photo to the designated box on the form (do not staple – use glue or the photo may be provided loose for the embassy to attach)
- Sign and date the form where indicated
Submitting the Form
Bring the completed form along with all required documents to the embassy. The consular officer will:
1. Review your form for completeness
2. Verify your documents
3. Collect the visa fee (cash or as directed)
4. Give you a receipt with a reference number
Processing at embassies typically takes 3-7 business days. Express processing (24-48 hours) may be available for an additional fee. Check our visa processing time guide for details.
How to Fill Out the Visa on Arrival Form
The visa on arrival form is a paper document distributed at Ouagadougou International Airport or land border crossings. You fill this form out on the spot if you have eVisa pre-approval or qualify for arrival processing.
When You Receive the Form
- Airlines may distribute the form during the flight to Burkina Faso
- If not distributed on the plane, the forms are available at the immigration desk in the arrivals hall
- Fill it out before joining the immigration queue to speed up processing
Fields on the Arrival Form
The arrival form is shorter than the full application form. It typically asks for:
– Full name (as on passport)
– Passport number and nationality
– Date of birth
– Flight number
– Purpose of visit
– Address in Burkina Faso (hotel or host)
– Duration of stay
Submitting at Immigration
Present the completed form along with:
– Your passport
– Printed eVisa approval (if applying through the portal)
– Yellow fever certificate
The immigration officer stamps your passport with the visa. The entire process at the counter takes 5-15 minutes if your paperwork is complete.
Photo Requirements for the Application
The Burkina Faso visa application form has specific photo requirements that differ between the online and paper channels. Failing to meet these specifications is a common reason for application delays.
Online (eVisa) Photo Requirements
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Format | JPEG (.jpg) |
| File size | Maximum 2 MB |
| Dimensions | Minimum 600 x 600 pixels |
| Background | White or light grey |
| Face | Full face, front view, eyes open |
| Glasses | No glasses (remove for photo) |
| Head coverings | Only for religious reasons, face must be visible |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
Paper Form Photo Requirements
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Size | 35 x 45 mm (standard passport size) or 2 x 2 inches |
| Background | White |
| Face | Full face, front view |
| Quality | High resolution, not pixelated |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
Tip: Many passport photo services can produce both digital and print versions. Ask for “passport photos for Burkina Faso” and specify you need both a digital JPEG and a printed copy.
Common Mistakes on the Application Form
Avoiding common mistakes on the Burkina Faso visa application form can mean the difference between approval and rejection. Here are the top errors applicants make – and how to avoid each one.
1. Name Mismatch Between Form and Passport
The most frequent rejection reason. Your name on the application form must match your passport character for character, including middle names, hyphens, and suffixes.
How to avoid: Copy your name directly from the passport bio-data page. Do not abbreviate, shorten, or anglicize your name.
2. Expired or Soon-to-Expire Passport
Burkina Faso requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended entry date. If your passport expires within 6 months, renew it before applying.
How to avoid: Check your passport expiry date first. Calculate 6 months forward from your planned entry date.
3. Wrong Photo Format or Specifications
Submitting a photo with the wrong background color, wearing glasses, or using a low-resolution image causes rejections.
How to avoid: Follow the photo requirements table above exactly. Take new photos if your current ones don’t meet specifications.
4. Missing Yellow Fever Certificate
Burkina Faso requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers. This is non-negotiable – there are no exemptions.
How to avoid: Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel (the vaccine needs time to become effective). Keep the original certificate and upload a clear scan.
5. Insufficient Accommodation Proof
A vague or missing accommodation document raises red flags. The embassy or portal needs to see where you will stay.
How to avoid: Provide a confirmed hotel booking with dates, address, and your name. If staying with a host, get a formal invitation letter with their full address and contact details.
6. Blurry or Cropped Document Uploads
The eVisa portal requires clear, complete scans. If your passport page is cut off at the edges or your photo is blurry, the application will be rejected.
How to avoid: Scan at 300 DPI minimum. Ensure all four corners of documents are visible. Preview each upload before submitting.
Checking Your Application Status After Submission
After submitting the Burkina Faso visa application form, you can track your application status through the eVisa portal or by contacting the embassy.
eVisa Portal (Online Applications)
- Log in to your account at applicant.visaburkina.bf
- Go to “My Applications” or “Application Status”
- Your application will show one of these statuses:
- Submitted – application received, awaiting review
- Under Review – being processed by immigration
- Approved – visa granted, eVisa PDF available for download
- Rejected – application denied (reason usually provided)
Embassy Applications
Contact the embassy where you submitted your application. Provide your receipt number and passport details. Most embassies respond within 1-2 business days.
Processing Times
| Application Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| eVisa (standard) | 3-7 business days |
| Embassy (standard) | 3-7 business days |
| Embassy (express) | 24-48 hours |
| Visa on Arrival | Immediate (with eVisa pre-approval) |
For a detailed breakdown, see our guide on Burkina Faso visa processing time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download the Burkina Faso visa application form as a PDF?
The eVisa application form is only available online through the visaburkina.bf portal – there is no PDF download option. However, paper application forms may be available at Burkina Faso embassies and consulates. Contact your nearest embassy to request a paper form.
What language is the Burkina Faso visa application form in?
The eVisa portal and embassy forms are primarily in French, as Burkina Faso is a francophone country. The eVisa portal may offer limited English interface elements, but field labels and instructions are often in French. If you don’t speak French, use your browser’s translation feature or ask embassy staff for assistance.
How long does it take to fill out the application form?
The eVisa application form takes approximately 15-30 minutes to complete if you have all your documents ready. The embassy paper form takes about the same amount of time. The visa on arrival form is shorter and takes 5-10 minutes to fill out.
Do Indian citizens need a different application form?
No – Indian citizens use the same Burkina Faso visa application form as all other nationalities. However, the required documents may differ slightly. For specific guidance, see our guide on [Burkina Faso visa for Indian citizens](/burkina-faso-visa-for-indians/).
Do US citizens need a different application form?
No – US citizens use the same form. The main difference is that US citizens may apply for a 5-year multiple-entry visa through the US Embassy. For details, see our guide on [Burkina Faso visa for US citizens](/burkina-faso-visa-for-us/).
What happens if I make a mistake on the form after submitting?
Once submitted, you generally cannot edit the eVisa application. If you notice an error, contact the eVisa support team immediately via the portal. For embassy applications, visit the embassy to request a correction. Minor errors may be overlooked, but name or passport number mistakes usually require a new application.
Is the visa on arrival form different from the eVisa form?
Yes, the visa on arrival form is shorter and asks only for basic information (name, passport number, purpose of visit, accommodation). The eVisa form is more detailed and requires document uploads. However, you need eVisa pre-approval to use the visa on arrival option.
Can someone else fill out the application form for me?
Yes, a travel agent, family member, or sponsor can fill out the form on your behalf. However, you must sign the declaration section (paper form) or confirm the application (eVisa). All information must be accurate and verifiable with your documents.
What if my accommodation details change after I submit the form?
Minor accommodation changes (different hotel in the same city) are generally acceptable at immigration. If your entire travel plan changes significantly, contact the eVisa support team or embassy to update your application before traveling.
Do I need to print the eVisa approval?
Yes. Even though the eVisa is electronic, you should print a copy of the approval PDF. Immigration officers at Ouagadougou Airport will ask to see it. Having a printed copy avoids delays if there are system issues at the airport.
