Burkina Faso does not offer a standard visa on arrival for most travellers. The government launched an electronic visa (eVisa) system on 17 August 2023 through the official portal at visaburkina.bf, and this has largely replaced the visa-on-arrival process that existed previously. If you are not visa-exempt (e.g., not an ECOWAS national), you must apply for your visa in advance through the eVisa portal or at a Burkinab embassy.
Is a Visa on Arrival Available in Burkina Faso?
No – Burkina Faso visa on arrival is no longer available as a standard option for most nationalities. The eVisa system at visaburkina.bf, launched in August 2023, replaced the previous visa-on-arrival process. Travellers who previously could obtain a visa at Ouagadougou International Airport or land border crossings must now apply online before departure.
There are narrow exceptions. Passengers with an Interpol passport travelling on duty can still obtain a visa on arrival, provided they have one passport photo and the BCN Interpol office in Burkina Faso is informed before arrival. Beyond this, visa-on-arrival issuance is limited to specific diplomatic or emergency circumstances assessed on a case-by-case basis by immigration authorities.
If you arrive at Ouagadougou Airport without a valid visa or eVisa pre-approval, airlines will typically deny boarding at your departure airport. Even if you reach Burkina Faso, immigration officers at the port of entry can refuse entry to travellers without a valid visa.
Which Countries Were Previously Eligible for Visa on Arrival?
Before the eVisa system replaced it, Burkina Faso offered visa-on-arrival facilities to citizens of a wide range of countries. The list included most EU member states (except Cyprus), several South American nations, and a number of African and Middle Eastern countries.
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| Europe | All EU member states (except Cyprus), Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom |
| Americas | Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Cuba, Paraguay, Venezuela |
| Africa | Chad, Comoros, DR Congo (Ouagadougou airport only), Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Kenya, Libya, Sao Tome and Principe, Somalia, Tunisia |
| Asia-Pacific | Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan |
These nationalities should now apply through the eVisa portal at applicant.visaburkina.bf rather than expecting a visa on arrival. The eVisa is faster, cheaper, and removes the uncertainty of being turned away at the border.
If your country is not on this list and you are not an ECOWAS national (who enjoy visa-free entry), you were likely required to apply at an embassy even before the eVisa system launched. See our guide on Burkina Faso visa-free countries for the full list of exempt nationalities.
What Was the Visa on Arrival Cost?
The previous Burkina Faso visa on arrival cost was 94,000 CFA francs (approximately 143 euros or $152 USD) for a single-entry visa valid for up to 3 months, and 122,000 CFA francs (approximately 186 euros or $197 USD) for a multiple-entry visa.
| Visa Type | Fee (FCFA) | Fee (EUR approx.) | Fee (USD approx.) | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry (up to 90 days) | 94,000 | ~143 | ~152 | Single |
| Multiple Entry (up to 90 days) | 122,000 | ~186 | ~197 | Multiple |
Payment was cash only – accepted in CFA francs or euros. Credit cards and debit cards were not accepted for visa-on-arrival payments at the airport.
By comparison, the eVisa is significantly cheaper. A 30-day single-entry tourist eVisa costs 33,000 FCFA (~$53 USD), and a 90-day multiple-entry tourist eVisa costs 55,000 FCFA (~$89 USD). The eVisa portal accepts Visa and Mastercard for online payment. For a full breakdown of all fees, see our Burkina Faso visa fee guide.
The eVisa: The Recommended Alternative to Visa on Arrival
The eVisa portal at visaburkina.bf is now the standard method for obtaining a Burkina Faso visa. The system is available 24/7, accepts applications from most nationalities worldwide, and delivers approved visas by email.
How to Apply for an eVisa Instead
- Visit applicant.visaburkina.bf and create an account with a valid email address
- Select your visa type – tourist, business, or transit
- Enter your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport
- Upload your documents:
- Scanned colour copy of your passport bio page (valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date)
- Recent passport-size photograph (white background, taken within 6 months)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host invitation letter)
- Return flight ticket or travel itinerary
- Pay the fee online using a Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card
- Submit your application and note your reference number
- Receive your eVisa by email once approved – print it and carry it with your passport
Processing time for the eVisa is typically 5-10 business days for standard applications and 2-3 business days for express processing. Apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date to allow for any delays. For more details on processing timelines, see our Burkina Faso visa processing time guide.
eVisa vs Visa on Arrival: Comparison
| Feature | eVisa | Former Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | All eligible nationalities | Was limited to specific countries |
| Cost (single entry) | 33,000 FCFA (~$53) | 94,000 FCFA (~$152) |
| Cost (multiple entry) | 55,000 FCFA (~$89) | 122,000 FCFA (~$197) |
| Payment | Visa/Mastercard online | Cash only (FCFA or EUR) |
| Processing | 5-10 business days | Immediate (at airport) |
| Risk | Low (approved before travel) | High (denial at border) |
| Status | Active | Largely discontinued |
What Happens If You Arrive Without a Visa?
If you arrive at Ouagadougou International Airport or a land border crossing without a valid visa or eVisa pre-approval, you will be denied entry. Immigration officers do not issue visas on the spot for standard tourist or business travel.
At the Airport
Airlines flying to Burkina Faso check for valid visas before allowing passengers to board. If you cannot present a visa, eVisa approval, or proof of visa-free eligibility, the airline will deny you boarding at your departure airport. This is standard practice – airlines face fines for transporting passengers without valid entry documents.
At Land Border Crossings
If you reach a land border crossing without a visa, border officers will turn you away. Unlike some West African countries where informal arrangements exist, Burkina Faso’s land borders enforce the visa requirement strictly. Travellers crossing from Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Benin, or Togo must have a valid visa unless they are nationals of a visa-exempt country.
Exceptions
The only practical exception is for ECOWAS nationals (citizens of West African Economic and Monetary Union member states), who enjoy visa-free entry to Burkina Faso. If you hold a passport from an ECOWAS country, you do not need a visa at all – see our Burkina Faso visa-free countries guide for the complete list.
Visa on Arrival for Indian Citizens
Indian citizens were previously eligible for visa on arrival in Burkina Faso, but should now apply through the eVisa portal. The former visa-on-arrival cost for Indian passport holders was 94,000 FCFA (~$152 USD) for single entry or 122,000 FCFA (~$197 USD) for multiple entry, payable in cash only.
Indian citizens are not visa-exempt and must obtain a visa before travelling to Burkina Faso. The eVisa portal at applicant.visaburkina.bf accepts Indian passport holders for tourist, business, and transit visas. The eVisa costs 33,000-55,000 FCFA (~$53-$89 USD) depending on visa type – significantly cheaper than the former visa-on-arrival option.
Recommendation: Apply through the eVisa portal at least 2 weeks before your travel date. The visa on arrival should only be considered as a last resort if you cannot complete the eVisa process in time, and even then, there is no guarantee it will be available. For a complete guide to fees for Indian citizens, see our Burkina Faso visa fee for Indians page.
Visa on Arrival for UK Citizens
UK citizens cannot obtain a visa on arrival in Burkina Faso. British passport holders were previously on the eligible list for visa-on-arrival, but this option has been discontinued with the launch of the eVisa system.
UK citizens must apply for a Burkina Faso visa in advance through the eVisa portal at applicant.visaburkina.bf or at the Embassy of Burkina Faso in London. The eVisa is the faster and cheaper option, costing 33,000-55,000 FCFA (~$53-$89 USD) compared to the former visa-on-arrival fee of 94,000 FCFA.
Note: The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to Burkina Faso due to terrorism and security concerns. Travel insurance may be void if you travel against FCDO advice. For full UK-specific guidance, see our Burkina Faso visa for UK citizens page.
Visa on Arrival for US Citizens
US citizens were not eligible for visa on arrival in Burkina Faso even before the eVisa system launched. The United States was not on the list of countries whose citizens could obtain a visa at the airport or border crossing.
US passport holders must apply for a Burkina Faso visa through the eVisa portal at applicant.visaburkina.bf or at a Burkinab embassy. However, as of late 2025, the US Embassy in Ouagadougou has reported that visa services for US citizens may be suspended or limited. Check the current status before planning travel.
The US State Department classifies Burkina Faso as Level 4 – Do Not Travel due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. For US-specific visa information and the current situation, see our Burkina Faso visa for US citizens page.
Documents You Still Need at Arrival
Even with an approved eVisa, you must present certain documents when you arrive in Burkina Faso. Immigration officers check these at Ouagadougou International Airport and at land border crossings.
Required at the port of entry:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry and at least 2 blank pages
- Printed eVisa approval (digital copies on your phone may not be accepted)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate – mandatory for all travellers, checked frequently at immigration
- Proof of accommodation – hotel booking or host invitation letter
- Return or onward ticket – immigration officers may ask to see proof of onward travel
- Proof of sufficient funds – bank statements or cash equivalent to at least 50,000 CFA francs per day of stay is recommended
Yellow fever vaccination is the most commonly enforced requirement. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel. The certificate is valid for life. Travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission will be checked at immigration, and those without a valid certificate may be vaccinated on the spot or denied entry.
For a complete list of entry requirements, see our Burkina Faso visa requirements guide.
FAQs About Burkina Faso Visa on Arrival
Does Burkina Faso have a visa on arrival?
Burkina Faso does not offer a standard visa on arrival for most nationalities. The eVisa system, launched on 17 August 2023, replaced the previous visa-on-arrival process. Travellers must apply for a visa in advance through the eVisa portal at visaburkina.bf or at a Burkinab embassy. The only exception is for Interpol passport holders travelling on duty.
Can I get a visa on arrival at Ouagadougou Airport?
No. Ouagadougou International Airport does not issue visas on arrival for standard tourist or business travel. You must have a valid visa or eVisa pre-approval before boarding your flight. Airlines will deny boarding if you cannot present valid visa documentation.
How much did the Burkina Faso visa on arrival cost?
The previous visa-on-arrival fee was 94,000 CFA francs (~143 euros / ~$152 USD) for single entry and 122,000 CFA francs (~186 euros / ~$197 USD) for multiple entry. Payment was cash only in CFA francs or euros. The eVisa is significantly cheaper at 33,000-55,000 FCFA (~$53-$89 USD).
What is the cheapest way to get a Burkina Faso visa?
The cheapest option is the eVisa portal, where a 30-day single-entry tourist visa costs 33,000 FCFA (~$53 USD). Embassy applications may have similar or slightly lower fees depending on the mission. The former visa on arrival at 94,000 FCFA was the most expensive option and is no longer available.
Can Indian citizens get a visa on arrival in Burkina Faso?
Indian citizens were previously eligible for visa on arrival but should now apply through the eVisa portal at applicant.visaburkina.bf. The eVisa costs 33,000-55,000 FCFA (~$53-$89 USD) compared to the former visa-on-arrival fee of 94,000 FCFA (~$152 USD). Apply at least 2 weeks before travel.
Can UK citizens get a visa on arrival in Burkina Faso?
No. UK citizens must apply for a visa in advance through the eVisa portal or at the Embassy of Burkina Faso in London. The eVisa is the recommended option, costing 33,000-55,000 FCFA (~$53-$89 USD). The FCDO advises against all travel to Burkina Faso.
Can US citizens get a visa on arrival in Burkina Faso?
No. US citizens were never eligible for visa on arrival in Burkina Faso. US passport holders must apply through the eVisa portal or at a Burkinab embassy. The US State Department classifies Burkina Faso as Level 4 – Do Not Travel.
Do ECOWAS nationals need a visa for Burkina Faso?
No. Citizens of ECOWAS member states enjoy visa-free entry to Burkina Faso and do not need a visa, eVisa, or visa on arrival. They can enter with a valid ECOWAS passport or national identity card. This includes nationals of Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Togo, Benin, and other member states.
Is the eVisa the same as a visa on arrival?
No. The eVisa is a pre-approval obtained online before travel. You apply through visaburkina.bf, receive approval by email, and present the printed eVisa at immigration upon arrival. A visa on arrival was obtained at the airport after landing. The eVisa is cheaper, more reliable, and available to more nationalities.
What happens if I arrive in Burkina Faso without a visa?
You will be denied entry. Airlines check for valid visas before boarding, so you are unlikely to reach Burkina Faso without one. If you somehow arrive at a border crossing without a visa, immigration officers will turn you away unless you qualify for visa-free entry as an ECOWAS national.
