British citizens need a visa to enter Burkina Faso, whether for tourism, business, or transit. The two main application routes are the online eVisa portal (visaburkina.bf) and the Burkinab embassy. This guide covers every visa type available to UK passport holders, the step-by-step application process from Britain, current fees, processing times, and the FCDO travel advisories you need to know before booking your trip.
Visa Types Available to UK Citizens
Burkina Faso offers several visa categories to British passport holders. The right choice depends on your purpose of travel and intended length of stay.
Tourist Visa (30 Days)
The standard tourist visa allows UK citizens to enter Burkina Faso for sightseeing, visiting friends and family, or other non-business activities. It is valid for a single entry and permits a stay of up to 30 days. You can apply for this visa entirely online through the eVisa portal without visiting an embassy.
Business Visa (30 Days)
If you are travelling to Burkina Faso for meetings, conferences, contract negotiations, or other business-related activities, you need a business visa. Like the tourist visa, it is typically valid for 30 days and a single entry. You may need to provide an invitation letter from a Burkinab company or organization.
Transit Visa
Travellers passing through Burkina Faso en route to another destination may require a transit visa. This is valid for a short period (usually up to 72 hours) and does not permit extended stays. If you are connecting through Ouagadougou International Airport and do not leave the transit area, you may not need one.
Long-Stay Visa
For stays exceeding 90 days – whether for employment, study, family reunification, or investment – UK citizens must apply for a long-stay visa (visa de long sejour). This category requires additional documentation tied to your specific purpose, such as an employment contract, university enrollment letter, or proof of family ties. Long-stay visa holders must also obtain a residence permit (carte de sejour) after arrival in Burkina Faso.
How to Apply Online via the eVisa Portal
The eVisa portal at visaburkina.bf is the fastest and most convenient way for UK citizens to apply for a Burkina Faso visa. The entire process is handled online, and you receive your approved visa by email.
Step-by-Step Process
- Create an account at applicant.visaburkina.bf using a valid email address
- Select your visa type – tourist, business, or transit
- Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport
- Upload required documents:
- Scanned colour copy of your passport bio page (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date)
- Recent passport-size photograph (white background, taken within the last 6 months)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host invitation letter)
- Return flight ticket or travel itinerary
- For business visas: invitation letter from the Burkinab host company
- Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard)
- Submit your application and note your reference number
- Wait for processing – you will receive email updates on your application status
- Download your eVisa once approved and print it to carry with your passport
Tips for a Smooth eVisa Application
- Apply at least 2 weeks before your intended travel date to allow for processing delays
- Ensure your passport scan is clear and all text is legible
- Use a photograph that meets ICAO biometric standards (no glasses, neutral expression)
- Double-check all personal information matches your passport exactly
- Save your reference number – you will need it to check your application status
How to Apply at the Embassy
If you prefer in-person processing, or if you need a visa category not available through the eVisa portal (such as certain long-stay visas), you can apply at a Burkinab embassy or consulate. For UK citizens, the nearest diplomatic mission is:
Embassy of Burkina Faso
London, United Kingdom
Contact the embassy directly to confirm current opening hours, appointment requirements, and accepted payment methods. Some embassies require you to submit applications in person, while others accept postal applications.
Embassy Application Steps
- Contact the embassy to confirm requirements and book an appointment if needed
- Gather all required documents (originals plus two sets of photocopies)
- Complete the visa application form (available from the embassy or downloadable online)
- Submit your application with documents and payment
- Collect your passport with the visa sticker once processing is complete
Visa Fees for British Citizens
Visa fees are set in West African CFA francs (FCFA). The GBP equivalents below are approximate and fluctuate with the exchange rate (the FCFA is pegged to the euro at 1 EUR = 655.957 FCFA).
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (FCFA) | Fee (GBP approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist | 30 days | 55,000 | ~63 |
| Business | 30 days | 75,000 | ~86 |
| Transit | 72 hours | 35,000 | ~40 |
| Long-Stay (Work) | 6 months | 110,000 | ~126 |
| Long-Stay (Work) | 12 months | 165,000 | ~189 |
| Long-Stay (Student) | 12 months | 88,000 | ~101 |
| Long-Stay (Family) | 12 months | 110,000 | ~126 |
Express processing is available for an additional surcharge (typically 50% of the base fee). Express processing does not guarantee approval – it only accelerates the review timeline.
Payment methods:
– eVisa portal: Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard)
– Embassy: Varies by mission – confirm with the London embassy (may accept cash, postal order, or bank transfer)
Processing Times
| Application Method | Standard Processing | Express Processing |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa portal | 5-10 business days | 2-3 business days |
| Embassy (in person) | 7-14 business days | 3-5 business days |
| Embassy (postal) | 10-21 business days | Not always available |
Processing times are estimates and may be longer during peak travel seasons (November-February) or public holidays. The eVisa portal is generally faster than embassy applications because there is no postal transit time.
Important: Do not book non-refundable flights or accommodation until your visa is approved. Processing delays can occur, and visa approval is never guaranteed.
Required Documents Checklist
All UK citizens applying for a Burkina Faso visa need the following core documents. Additional documents may be required depending on the visa type.
Core Documents (All Visa Types)
- Valid UK passport with at least 6 months remaining validity from your planned entry date and at least 2 blank pages
- Passport-size photograph – recent (taken within 6 months), colour, white background, 35mm x 45mm
- Completed visa application form (available on the eVisa portal or from the embassy)
- Proof of accommodation – hotel reservation, rental agreement, or invitation letter from a host in Burkina Faso
- Return flight ticket or travel itinerary showing entry and exit dates
- Proof of sufficient funds – bank statement from the last 3 months showing adequate finances for your stay
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate – mandatory for all travellers entering Burkina Faso
Additional Documents by Visa Type
Business visa:
– Invitation letter from the Burkinab company or organization
– Letter from your UK employer confirming the purpose of travel
Long-stay (Work):
– Employment contract or letter of appointment
– Work permit (autorisation de travail) issued by the Burkinab Ministry of Employment
– Proof of qualifications (diplomas, professional certificates)
– Criminal background check (DBS check, apostilled)
– Medical certificate from an approved physician
Long-stay (Student):
– Official enrollment letter from a recognized Burkinab educational institution
– Proof of financial means covering tuition and living expenses
– Academic transcripts from previous institutions
– Criminal background check (for applicants over 18)
Long-stay (Family):
– Marriage certificate or proof of family relationship (apostilled and translated into French if necessary)
– Copy of the sponsoring family member’s residence permit or Burkinab national ID
– Proof of the sponsor’s accommodation and financial capacity
UK Travel Advisory and Security
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to Burkina Faso. The country is classified as Level 4 – Do Not Travel due to the threat of terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict, particularly in the Sahel, Est, Centre-Nord, and Est regions.
What the FCDO Advisory Means for UK Travellers
- The British Embassy in Ouagadougou has limited capacity to assist UK nationals in an emergency
- Travel insurance may be void if you travel against FCDO advice
- Commercial flights to Ouagadougou may be limited or suspended at short notice
- There is a heightened risk of terrorism targeting public places, government buildings, and transport infrastructure
- Kidnapping of foreign nationals is a real and ongoing threat in certain regions
If You Still Choose to Travel
- Register with the British Embassy in Ouagadougou upon arrival
- Carry copies of your passport and visa separately from the originals
- Maintain a high level of situational awareness at all times
- Avoid travelling after dark and stay away from large gatherings
- Monitor FCDO travel advice regularly for updates
- Ensure your travel insurance covers the specific risks in Burkina Faso
- Keep emergency contact numbers readily available (British Embassy, local police, your travel insurance provider)
Do UK citizens need a visa for Burkina Faso?
Yes. All British passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to Burkina Faso. There is no visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival option for UK citizens. You can apply online through the eVisa portal (visaburkina.bf) or at the Burkinab embassy in London.
How long does it take to get a Burkina Faso visa from the UK?
Standard eVisa processing takes 5-10 business days. Express processing (available for an additional fee) takes 2-3 business days. Embassy applications take 7-14 business days for in-person submissions and 10-21 business days for postal applications. Apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date.
How much does a Burkina Faso visa cost for UK citizens?
A 30-day tourist visa costs approximately 55,000 FCFA (~63 GBP). A business visa costs approximately 75,000 FCFA (~86 GBP). Long-stay visa fees range from 88,000 FCFA (~101 GBP) for students to 165,000 FCFA (~189 GBP) for 12-month work visas. Express processing adds a 50% surcharge.
Can I apply for a Burkina Faso visa online from the UK?
Yes. The eVisa portal at visaburkina.bf accepts applications from UK citizens for tourist, business, and transit visas. The process is entirely online: create an account, upload your documents, pay by card, and receive your approved visa by email. Print the eVisa and carry it with your passport when you travel.
What passport validity do I need for Burkina Faso?
Your UK passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date into Burkina Faso and must have at least 2 blank pages for visa stamps. If your passport does not meet these requirements, you must renew it before applying for a visa.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination to enter Burkina Faso?
Yes. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all travellers entering Burkina Faso, regardless of nationality or visa type. You must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis) at immigration. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel. The certificate is valid for life.
Is it safe to travel to Burkina Faso from the UK?
The FCDO advises against all travel to Burkina Faso due to terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict. If you choose to travel despite this advisory, register with the British Embassy in Ouagadougou, maintain a high level of awareness, and avoid all non-essential travel outside Ouagadougou. Travel insurance may be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Burkina Faso as a UK citizen?
No. UK citizens cannot obtain a visa on arrival in Burkina Faso. You must secure your visa in advance either through the eVisa portal or at a Burkinab embassy before you travel. Airlines may deny boarding if you do not have a valid visa.
