The Burkina Faso visa fee ranges from 22,000 FCFA (approx. $35) for a transit visa to 122,000 FCFA (approx. $197) for a multiple-entry visa on arrival. Fees vary by visa type, number of entries, and whether you apply through the eVisa portal, an embassy, or at the border. This guide breaks down every cost – by nationality and visa category – so you can budget accurately before applying.
Burkina Faso Visa Fee Summary Table
The Burkina Faso visa fee depends on three factors: visa type, number of entries, and application channel. The table below summarizes the standard government fees in West African CFA francs (FCFA) and US dollar equivalents.
| Visa Type | Entry Type | Fee (FCFA) | Approx. Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | Single Entry | 33,000 FCFA | $53 |
| Tourist Visa | Multiple Entry | 55,000 FCFA | $89 |
| Business Visa | Single Entry | 77,000 FCFA | $124 |
| Business Visa | Multiple Entry | 93,500 FCFA | $151 |
| Express Visa | Single Entry | 104,500 FCFA | $169 |
| Transit Visa | Single Entry | 22,000 FCFA | $35 |
| eVisa (Online) | Single Entry | ~$143 | $143 |
| Visa on Arrival | Single Entry | 94,000 FCFA | $152 |
| Visa on Arrival | Multiple Entry | 122,000 FCFA | $197 |
| US Embassy (5-year) | Multiple Entry | $140 | $140 |
Note: The CFA franc is pegged to the euro at a fixed rate of 1 EUR = 655.957 FCFA. Dollar equivalents fluctuate with the EUR/USD exchange rate. All fees listed are government consular charges – third-party processing services may add service fees on top.
Short-Stay Visa Fees (Tourist, Business, Conference, Studies)
A short-stay Burkina Faso visa for tourism costs 33,000 FCFA for single entry and 55,000 FCFA for multiple entry. Business and conference visas carry higher fees due to the extended permissions they grant.
Tourist Visa Fees
The tourist visa is the most common type for leisure travelers visiting Burkina Faso. The Directorate General of Emigration and Immigration sets the following fee structure:
- Single-entry tourist visa (30 days): 33,000 FCFA (~$53)
- Multiple-entry tourist visa (90 days): 55,000 FCFA (~$89)
The single-entry tourist visa allows one entry into Burkina Faso for a stay of up to 30 days. The multiple-entry version grants several entries over a 90-day validity period, making it suitable for travelers who plan to cross into neighboring countries and return.
Business Visa Fees
Business travelers attending meetings, conferences, or conducting commercial activities in Burkina Faso pay a higher fee than tourists:
- Single-entry business visa (30 days): 77,000 FCFA (~$124)
- Multiple-entry business visa (90 days): 93,500 FCFA (~$151)
The business visa requires an invitation letter from a Burkinabe company or organization. Conference attendees may also need a letter from the event organizer confirming registration.
Student / Studies Visa Fees
Students enrolling in educational institutions in Burkina Faso apply for a studies visa, which follows the long-stay visa fee structure. The standard student visa fee is typically aligned with the long-stay visa rate, starting at approximately 100,000 FCFA (~$161). Additional documentation – such as an enrollment letter or scholarship confirmation – is required.
Express Visa Fee
The express Burkina Faso visa costs 104,500 FCFA (~$169) and reduces processing time to 24-48 hours. This expedited service is available for travelers who need their visa urgently and cannot wait the standard 3-7 business day processing window.
The express visa fee is a flat rate regardless of whether the application is for tourism or business purposes. The express processing option is available at embassies and consulates – it is generally not available through the eVisa online portal, where standard processing times apply.
Key details about the express visa:
- Fee: 104,500 FCFA (~$169)
- Processing time: 24 to 48 hours (compared to 3-7 business days standard)
- Availability: Embassy and consulate applications only
- Requirements: Same documents as standard visa, plus express processing request
- Payment: Must be paid at the time of application submission
If you need a visa even faster and are eligible for the eVisa, the online portal typically processes applications within 3 business days, which may be fast enough without paying the express premium.
Transit Visa Fee
The Burkina Faso transit visa costs 22,000 FCFA (~$35) and is valid for 72 hours. This is the cheapest visa option, designed for travelers passing through Burkina Faso on their way to another destination.
The transit visa allows a single entry and permits a maximum stay of 72 hours (3 days). It is required if you need to leave the international transit area at Ouagadougou International Airport or if you are crossing Burkina Faso by land en route to a neighboring country.
- Fee: 22,000 FCFA (~$35)
- Validity: 72 hours
- Entries: Single entry only
- Purpose: Transit through Burkina Faso to a third country
- Required proof: Onward travel ticket or visa for the destination country
Travelers who are simply connecting through Ouagadougou airport without leaving the international transit zone do not need a transit visa.
eVisa Fee (Online Application)
The Burkina Faso eVisa costs approximately $143 for a single-entry tourist visa and is paid online by credit or debit card. The eVisa is the most convenient option for eligible nationalities, as the entire application – including payment – is completed through the official online portal.
The eVisa fee includes the consular visa fee plus a service charge for the online processing platform. The total breakdown is:
- Government consular fee: ~$80-$100 (depending on visa type)
- Online service fee: ~$43-$63
- Total eVisa cost: ~$143 for a standard tourist eVisa
eVisa Payment Methods
The eVisa portal accepts:
- Credit cards: Visa, Mastercard
- Debit cards: Any card with online payment capability
- Mobile money: Available for some regional applicants
Payment is processed in US dollars or euros. Your bank may apply a foreign currency conversion fee if your account is in a different currency.
eVisa Processing Times
- Standard processing: 3 to 7 business days
- No express option: The eVisa portal does not offer an expedited processing tier
- Validity: The approved eVisa is typically valid for 30 days from the date of issuance
For the step-by-step application process, see our Burkina Faso eVisa application guide.
Long-Stay Visa Fees
A long-stay Burkina Faso visa for work, study, or family reunification costs 100,000-200,000 FCFA (~$161-$323) depending on the purpose and duration. Long-stay visas must be obtained through a Burkina Faso embassy – they are not available through the eVisa portal.
Long-stay visas cover stays exceeding 90 days and are issued for specific purposes:
| Purpose | Approximate Fee (FCFA) | Approximate Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Work / Employment | 150,000 – 200,000 FCFA | $242 – $323 |
| Study / Education | 100,000 – 150,000 FCFA | $161 – $242 |
| Family Reunification | 100,000 – 150,000 FCFA | $161 – $242 |
| Missionary / NGO | 100,000 – 150,000 FCFA | $161 – $242 |
Additional requirements for long-stay visas include:
- Employment contract or enrollment letter (depending on purpose)
- Medical certificate
- Proof of accommodation in Burkina Faso
- Criminal background check from your home country
- Consular appointment – applications must be submitted in person at most embassies
Long-stay visa processing takes 15 to 30 business days, significantly longer than short-stay visas. Plan your application well in advance of your intended travel date.
Embassy Service Fees (US Citizens: 5-Year Multiple Entry at $140)
US citizens can obtain a 5-year multiple-entry visa from the Burkina Faso Embassy in Washington, D.C. for $140. This is one of the most cost-effective options for frequent travelers to Burkina Faso, as it eliminates the need to reapply for each trip.
The embassy service experience differs from the eVisa portal in several important ways:
US Embassy Visa Fees
- 5-year multiple-entry visa: $140 (money order or cashier’s check only)
- Processing time: 7 to 15 business days by mail; same-day or next-day for in-person applicants
- Accepted payment: Money order or cashier’s check payable to “Embassy of Burkina Faso”
- Personal checks and cash are not accepted
How to Apply at the Embassy
- Complete the application form – Available on the embassy website or in person
- Gather documents: Valid passport (6+ months validity), 2 passport photos, copy of flight itinerary, proof of yellow fever vaccination
- Submit by mail or in person – The embassy is located at 2340 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
- Pay the fee – $140 money order or cashier’s check
- Wait for processing – Allow 7-15 business days for mail applications
Embassy Fees by Country
Embassy fees vary by country and location. Contact the nearest Burkina Faso diplomatic mission for current pricing:
- United States (Washington, D.C.): $140 (5-year multiple entry)
- France (Paris): ~€50-€80 (short-stay)
- United Kingdom (London): ~£50-£80 (short-stay)
- Canada (Ottawa): ~CAD $80-$120 (short-stay)
Additional Costs Beyond the Visa Fee
The visa fee is not the only expense – budget for passport photos, a yellow fever certificate, document translations, and travel insurance. These ancillary costs can add $50-$150 to your total visa budget.
Passport Photos
- Requirement: 2 recent passport-sized photos (35mm x 45mm)
- Cost: $10-$15 for a set of photos at most photo shops or pharmacies
- Specification: White background, no glasses, neutral expression
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
- Requirement: Mandatory for all travelers entering Burkina Faso
- Cost: $15-$50 at a travel health clinic (varies by location)
- Processing: Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel for the certificate to be valid
- Note: The International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) is checked at the port of entry
Document Translations
- Requirement: Documents not in French must be translated by a certified translator
- Cost: $20-$50 per page depending on the language pair
- Applies to: Invitation letters, employment contracts, enrollment letters (if originally in English or another non-French language)
Travel Insurance
- Recommendation: Strongly recommended, though not always mandatory
- Cost: $30-$80 for a basic policy covering 30 days
- Coverage: Medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellation
Fee Payment Methods: Online vs In-Person
You can pay the Burkina Faso visa fee online through the eVisa portal with a credit card, or in-person at an embassy with a money order. The payment method depends entirely on your application channel.
Online Payment (eVisa Portal)
- Methods: Visa, Mastercard, mobile money (select regions)
- Currency: USD or EUR
- Processing: Instant payment confirmation
- Receipt: Sent to your registered email address
- Refund policy: Fees are generally non-refundable, even if the visa is denied
Embassy Payment (In-Person or by Mail)
- Methods: Money order, cashier’s check (varies by embassy)
- Currency: Local currency or USD (check with specific embassy)
- Processing: Payment verified at time of submission
- Receipt: Issued upon submission or included with returned passport
- Note: Most embassies do not accept cash or personal checks
Visa on Arrival Payment
- Methods: Cash only (FCFA or EUR)
- Currency: West African CFA franc preferred; euros accepted at some airports
- ATMs: Available at Ouagadougou International Airport, but not always reliable
- Tip: Bring exact change in FCFA to avoid delays at the immigration counter
How Fees Compare: eVisa vs Embassy vs Visa on Arrival
The eVisa costs approximately $143, an embassy visa ranges from $53-$140, and a visa on arrival costs 94,000-122,000 FCFA ($152-$197). Each application channel has distinct advantages in cost, convenience, and processing time.
| Factor | eVisa (Online) | Embassy | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Fee (Single) | ~$143 | ~$53 (33,000 FCFA) | 94,000 FCFA (~$152) |
| Processing Time | 3-7 days | 7-15 days | Immediate |
| Payment | Credit/debit card | Money order | Cash (FCFA) |
| Convenience | Apply from home | Requires embassy visit | Pay at airport |
| Express Option | Not available | Yes ($169) | N/A |
| Multiple Entry | Available | Available | Available |
| Risk | Low (pre-approved) | Low (pre-approved) | Higher (denial at border) |
Which Option Saves the Most Money?
- Cheapest for tourists: Embassy single-entry visa at 33,000 FCFA (~$53) – but requires a physical embassy visit or mail-in application
- Most convenient: eVisa at ~$143 – apply from anywhere, no embassy visit needed
- Fastest at the border: Visa on arrival at 94,000 FCFA (~$152) – but costs more and carries a risk of denial
- Best value for frequent travelers: US Embassy 5-year visa at $140 – eliminates repeat applications
The embassy option is the cheapest per-trip cost, but the eVisa saves time and travel expenses if no embassy is nearby. The visa on arrival is the most expensive and least predictable option – use it only if you could not apply in advance.
For details on the visa on arrival process, see our Burkina Faso visa on arrival guide.
Fees for Specific Nationalities
Burkina Faso visa fees are generally uniform across nationalities, but US citizens benefit from a special 5-year multiple-entry arrangement. ECOWAS citizens are exempt from visa fees entirely.
US Citizens
- eVisa: ~$143 (single entry, online)
- Embassy (Washington, D.C.): $140 for a 5-year multiple-entry visa
- Visa on arrival: 94,000 FCFA (~$152) single / 122,000 FCFA (~$197) multiple
- Best option: The 5-year embassy visa offers the best value for repeat visits
Indian Citizens
- eVisa: ~$143 (if eligible)
- Embassy: Fees vary – contact the Burkina Faso Embassy in New Delhi
- Additional requirement: Indian citizens may need to apply through a third-country embassy if no Burkina Faso mission exists in their country
- Processing: 10-15 business days typical for Indian applicants
For Indian-specific guidance, see our Burkina Faso visa for Indian citizens guide.
ECOWAS Citizens
- Fee: Free – visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days
- Eligible countries: Benin, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo
- Requirement: Valid ECOWAS passport or national ID card
EU / UK / Canadian / Australian Citizens
- eVisa: ~$143 (standard single entry)
- Embassy: €50-€80 (short-stay, varies by embassy)
- Standard processing: 3-7 business days (eVisa) or 7-15 business days (embassy)
FAQs About Burkina Faso Visa Fees
How much does a Burkina Faso visa cost?
A standard Burkina Faso tourist visa costs 33,000 FCFA (~$53) for a single entry through an embassy, or approximately $143 through the eVisa online portal. Business visas cost 77,000 FCFA (~$124) for single entry. The cheapest option is the transit visa at 22,000 FCFA (~$35).
Is the Burkina Faso eVisa more expensive than applying at an embassy?
Yes, the eVisa is typically more expensive than an embassy application. The eVisa costs approximately $143 including service fees, while an embassy tourist visa costs 33,000 FCFA (~$53). However, the eVisa saves time and travel costs if no embassy is located nearby.
How much is the Burkina Faso visa on arrival?
The visa on arrival costs 94,000 FCFA (~$152) for a single-entry visa and 122,000 FCFA (~$197) for a multiple-entry visa. Payment is accepted in cash only – FCFA or euros. This is the most expensive option and should be used only if you could not apply in advance.
Do US citizens pay more for a Burkina Faso visa?
US citizens pay $140 for a 5-year multiple-entry visa through the Embassy of Burkina Faso in Washington, D.C. This is actually one of the best-value options for frequent travelers. US citizens can also apply for an eVisa at approximately $143 or obtain a visa on arrival for 94,000 FCFA.
Can I pay the Burkina Faso visa fee with a credit card?
Yes, if you apply through the eVisa online portal, you can pay with a Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card. Embassy applications typically require a money order or cashier’s check. Visa on arrival requires cash in FCFA or euros.
Is the Burkina Faso visa fee refundable if my application is denied?
No, the Burkina Faso visa fee is generally non-refundable, even if the application is denied. This applies to both eVisa and embassy applications. Ensure your application is complete and all documents are in order before submitting to avoid losing the fee.
How much is the express Burkina Faso visa?
The express visa costs 104,500 FCFA (~$169) and reduces processing time to 24-48 hours. The express option is available only at embassies and consulates – it is not offered through the eVisa online portal.
Do I need to pay for a yellow fever certificate to get a Burkina Faso visa?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry into Burkina Faso, but it is not part of the visa fee. The vaccination costs $15-$50 at a travel health clinic and must be obtained at least 10 days before travel. You will present the yellow card at the port of entry.
Are there any hidden fees when applying for a Burkina Faso visa?
Beyond the visa fee itself, budget for passport photos ($10-$15), yellow fever vaccination ($15-$50), document translations if needed ($20-$50 per page), and travel insurance ($30-$80). The eVisa portal also includes a service fee in its total price. No other government surcharges apply.
How do Burkina Faso visa fees compare to neighboring countries?
Burkina Faso visa fees are comparable to other West African countries. Ghana charges $60-$150 for a tourist visa, Senegal is visa-free for many nationalities, and Mali charges approximately $50-$100. Burkina Faso’s eVisa at ~$143 is on the higher end of regional pricing but includes online processing convenience.
