Burkina Faso

Visas

Everyone except Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) nationals needs a visa. You can buy a tourist visa at Ouagadougou’s airport, Aéroport International d’Ouagadougou, for US$18 (paid in local currency; there’s an exchange booth at the airport). Travellers also report that visas are issued at Burkina Faso’s land borders for the same price, although they’re invariably issued on the spot.

Burkina Faso embassies usually require at least two photos, may ask for proof of yellow fever vaccination and charge US$45 to US$75. In countries where there is no Burkina Faso embassy, French embassies sometimes issue 10-day visas on their behalf.

Visas for onward travel

Benin, Niger and Togo do not have embassies in Burkina Faso. If you just want to slip over the border to Benin, you can get a 48-hour visa at the border post for US$18.

Visas for the following neighbouring countries can be obtained in Burkina Faso.

Côte d’Ivoire Single-entry, 30-day visa (US$18) requires two photos.

Ghana One-month visa (US$27) is issued within 24 hours and requires four photos.

Mali One-month visa (US$36) is issued within the hour.