Upper Volta was the former name of Burkina Faso, a landlocked West African country that was a French colony and then a self-governing state before gaining full independence in 1960. The name changed to Burkina Faso in 1984.
Burkina Faso, literally translates to the “Land of Upright People”. As soon as I started researching Burkina Faso, its deep cultural roots grabbed my attention. It is home to more than 60 ethnic groups.
In August 2023, Burkina Faso rolled out its eVisa system. Before the introduction of e-Visa system, the visa application process was significantly more cumbersome and largely paper-based. Now, every traveler (including Pakistani citizens) can apply with just a few clicks, while citizens of certain West African countries enjoy visa-free access thanks to regional agreements.You can now apply for your visa online through the official Burkina Faso eVisa portal: www.visaburkina.bf.
Below is a complete step-by-step guide.
Table of Contents
Who Needs a Visa?
All foreign nationals, except those from visa-exempt countries (primarily citizens of ECOWAS1 member states), must obtain a visa before entering Burkina Faso. The eVisa system is the most efficient way to apply.
Types of eVisas Available
Travelers can apply for different categories of visas depending on their purpose of visit:
- Tourist Visa – For leisure and travel.
- Business Visa – For professional or commercial activities.
- Study Visa – For educational purposes.
- Official Visa – For government or diplomatic missions.
Each visa type can be requested for single entry, multiple entry, or transit.
Duration of Stay
- The eVisa allows stays ranging from 30 days to 90 days, depending on the selected visa type.
- The validity and permitted duration are clearly mentioned on the approved eVisa.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Create an Account on the official portal.
- Fill Out the Online Form with your personal details, passport information, and purpose of visit.
- Upload Required Documents, typically:
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity from travel date).
- Recent passport-size photo.
- Proof of accommodation in Burkina Faso (hotel booking/invitation letter).
- Return flight ticket.
- Supporting documents (business invitation, enrollment letter, etc., depending on visa type).
- Pay the Visa Fee Online using international debit/credit card or other available payment methods.
- Submit Your Application and wait for confirmation.
- Receive eVisa by Email – Once approved, you will get a PDF copy of your visa.
Processing Time
- Applications are usually processed within 5 to 10 working days.
- It is recommended to apply at least 2 weeks before travel to avoid delays.
Visa Fees
The fee depends on the type and duration of visa requested. Below are the official rates in CFA francs, along with approximate conversions in USD (based on 1 USD ≈ 550 CFA). Please note that exchange rates vary, so the USD values are estimates only.
| Visa Type | Single Entry (CFA) | Approx. USD | Multiple Entry (CFA) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | 33,000 | ~60 USD | 55,000 | ~100 USD |
| Business Visa | 77,000 | ~140 USD | 93,500 | ~170 USD |
| Conference / Study / Training Visa | 55,000 | ~100 USD | 71,500 | ~130 USD |
| Cooperation Visa | 44,000 | ~80 USD | 79,500 | ~145 USD |
| Express Visa (emergency travel) | 104,500 | ~190 USD | – | – |
(All fees are payable directly through the official portal. USD amounts are indicative only and will depend on real-time exchange rates.)
Entry Points in Burkina Faso
Travelers with a valid eVisa can enter Burkina Faso through:
Airports:
- Ouagadougou International Airport
- Bobo-Dioulasso Airport
Land crossing points:
- Arbinda
- Botou
- Dakola
- Diin
- Faramana
- Galgouli
- Guelwongo
- Hamele
- Kantchari
- Kanyire
- Koloko
- Kosso-Tier
- Lan
- Madouba
- Nadiagou
- Senkanse
- Seytenga
- Titabe
- Yense
Not all border points accept eVisa entry—only the ones listed above are designated for eVisa holders. If you plan to enter Burkina Faso via land, ensure your route goes through one of these approved crossings to avoid entry issues.
Important Notes for Travelers
- Always carry a printed copy of your eVisa when traveling.
- Your passport must remain valid for at least 6 months from the entry date.
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry.
- Overstaying your visa may result in fines or penalties.
Contact Details
If you need help:
Email : contact@visaburkina.bf
Phone : (+226) 70 84 68 60 / (+226) 53 97 76 61
Office address: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Sis à l’avenue de l’indépendance
Final Thoughts
The Burkina Faso eVisa system has made traveling to West Africa much easier. By applying online, you can save time, avoid embassy visits, and ensure a smooth entry into the country.
Apply directly at the official portal: https://applicant.visaburkina.bf/#/
FAQs
It’s best to apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date to allow for processing and any unexpected delays.
Extensions are not guaranteed and must be requested at the Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DST) in Burkina Faso.
Yes, minors must have their own eVisa, even if traveling with parents or guardians.
You may reapply after correcting any errors or providing additional documents. Fees are generally non-refundable.
No, you must enter through designated entry points such as Ouagadougou International Airport, Bobo-Dioulasso Airport, or official land borders.
It’s not mandatory, but highly recommended to cover medical emergencies, theft, or unexpected changes.
Citizens of ECOWAS member states (like Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, etc.) can enter visa-free under regional agreements.
