Traveling to Burkina Faso: entry and safety rules, list of documents and useful tips
Burkina Faso is a small country steeped in the traditions and culture of African tribes. Find out about the current entry rules for foreigners, the list of documents and unusual local laws
Burkina Faso is a landlocked West African country surrounded by deserts. In translation, Burkina Faso means "land of honest people". The level of infrastructure development in the country is low, and there are almost no equipped tourist attractions. However, the wild nature and abundant animal life attract brave travelers to Burkina Faso.
Burkina Faso is the best place where a tourist can immerse himself in the culture of West Africa. You can explore it in the two largest cities of the country: the capital with the fabulous name of Ouagadougou and the second city of the state, Bobo-Dioulasso. Ouagadougou is famous for its community of artists and musicians, and the capital's architecture deserves attention.
An amazing diversity of nature is preserved in the four national parks of Burkina Faso. Arlie Park is the most popular, home to elephants, hippopotamuses, monkeys and various types of exotic birds.
Details on the rules of entry to Burkina Faso are given below.
List of documents and rules for entering Burkina Faso
Visa-free regime
Citizens of 19 countries can visit Burkina Faso without a visa - these are neighboring African countries and the UAE and Singapore. For entry, it is enough to have a valid passport, yellow fever vaccination certificate and health insurance.
Visa at the airport
Citizens of 51 countries can get a visa at the Burkina Faso airport or at the border: Australia, Argentina, Canada, Brazil, the USA, Canada and most European countries. The term of stay based on the permit is up to 1 month. The cost of a visa is from 94,000 CFA francs (143.30 euros).
List of documents for obtaining a visa at the airport:
- A passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
- Two photos.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Visa
Citizens of the rest of the world must obtain a tourist visa to travel to Burkina Faso. This permit is required for travelers who are traveling for tourism, to visit family or friends, to attend sporting events, etc.
The average stay on the basis of a visa is up to 90 days.
You can apply for a Burkina Faso visa at the country's visa centers, embassies or consulates, depending on the applicant's country of residence. If they are not available in your country, you should contact the nearest embassy or consulate at your place of residence. Visa processing usually takes one to three working days.
List of documents for visa application:
- valid passport;
- two visa forms;
- two passport photos;
- yellow fever vaccination certificate;
- return tickets and route confirmation.
Traveling with minors
A child must have a completed visa application form and a certified copy of the birth certificate to travel. If the child is traveling with only one parent, a consent letter from the other parent is required for the trip.
Transit through Burkina Faso
Citizens of South Africa need a visa to enter Burkina Faso for any time, including transit. Citizens of other countries with confirmed onward tickets can travel through Burkina Faso airports without a transit visa (up to 24 hours).
Quarantine restrictions due to the COVID-19 epidemic
Quarantine restrictions due to the COVID-19 epidemic have been lifted.
Security in Burkina Faso
In Burkina Faso, the political situation is unstable, so tourists should be careful and avoid large political rallies and gatherings, places of demonstrations and protests.
There is also a threat of terrorism in the country. Attacks may target places where foreigners stay, such as hotels and restaurants in the capital.
Petty and violent crimes are common. Security risks increase at night. Avoid traveling alone or after dark.
Local laws
- It is forbidden to take pictures of military objects in the country.
- Exporting artwork without government permission is illegal.
- Burkina Faso has conservative standards of dress and behavior.
Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:
Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Burkina Faso;
Travel and medical insurance for foreigners in Burkina Faso;
Travel insurance for international students in Burkina Faso.
Recommended articles
1 min
TravelsThe world's longest bus tour will be launched in Europe: when it starts and the cost of travel
The world's longest bus tour, which will last almost two months, will start in August. Find out more about the cost of the tour and what is included in the program
29 mar. 2023
More details4 min
EmploymentBusiness abroad: advantages and problems of starting a business by Ukrainians in different countries
Ukrainian entrepreneurs more and more often think about starting a business abroad. Read in this article which country it is profitable for Ukrainians to open their own business and what problems can be encountered
30 mar. 2023
More details1 min
TravelsTraveling to Venezuela: entry rules, list of required documents and useful information for tourists
Every year, Venezuela attracts more and more tourists. This country is known for its unique natural resources and minerals. Find out more about the current entry and security rules, as well as the necessary documents for traveling
31 mar. 2023
More details1 min
ExpatsDigital Schengen visa: when will it appear and how will it work?
The EU countries have agreed on a proposal to digitalize the Schengen visa issuance procedure. Here are the advantages of the online visa application system and how it will work
01 kwi. 2023
More detailsAll materials and articles are owned by VisitWorld.Today and are protected by international intellectual property regulations. When using materials, approval from VisitWorld.Today is required.