Types of Visas Available for Burkina Faso

There are different types of visas available for Burkina Faso-

• Burkina Faso Short-stay Visa :Burkina Faso offers short-stay visas for travelers who plan to visit the country temporarily. Apply for one if you're planning to visit Burkina Faso soon.
  
  
• Burkina Faso Transit Visa:If you have a stopover in Burkina Faso, you may need a Transit visa, which is valid for 3 days. South African nationals always require a visa, regardless of their stay duration. No transit visa is required if your stay is under 24 hours.
  
  
• Burkina Faso Long-stay Visa:If you plan to stay longer in Burkina Faso, you need a long-stay visa even if your country is visa-exempt. Apply for the visa in your home country before traveling to Burkina Faso.
  
  
• Burkina Faso Visa on Arrival:The Burkina Faso Visa on Arrival is valid for 3 months. It's available for Peruvian citizens with a valid Schengen visa, diplomatic/official/service/special passports, or Interpol passports on duty.
  
  
• Burkina Faso Group/Cooperation Visa:The Burkina Faso Group/Cooperation visa is for 2 or more people traveling for development projects. An invitation letter from the Burkinabè partner is required. The visa's validity and entries vary depending on the request.
  
  
• Burkina Faso Business Visa:The Burkina Faso Business visa allows you to stay for the duration of the visa and engage in business activities, such as attending meetings or conferences, conducting training or audits, installing equipment, or performing temporary services for a client or branch office.
  
  

Burkina Faso Visa Requirements: What You Need to Know

Here are the key requirements for obtaining a Burkina Faso visa:

• A completed visa application form
• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and blank visa pages
• Two passport-sized photos
• Proof of travel arrangements (flight itinerary, hotel reservation, etc.)
• Proof of financial means to cover your stay
• Visa fee payment
• Supporting documents such as invitation letters, business contracts, or travel itinerary depending on the type of visa applied for.

Validity of Burkina Faso Visas

The validity of a Burkina Faso visa varies depending on the type of visa issued and the discretion of the embassy or consulate. Short-stay tourist visas are usually valid for one to three months, while long-stay visas can be valid for up to one year or more. 

It's important to note that the validity of a visa does not determine the length of stay allowed in the country, as the immigration officer at the port of entry ultimately determines the length of stay permitted. Therefore, travelers should plan their trip carefully and ensure that their visa and travel plans are aligned.

Guide to the Burkina Faso Online Visa Application Form

To apply for a Burkina Faso visa, you can visit the embassy or consulate website to fill out the online application form. You'll need to provide personal information, passport details, and travel itinerary details, and may be required to upload supporting documents. Once you've completed the form and paid the application fee, your application will be processed, and you'll receive your visa via email if approved.

How to Apply for a Burkina Faso Visa: Online or Embassy/Consulate or Visa on Arrival

Foreigners can apply for a Burkina Faso visa through three methods: online, embassy/consulate, or visa on arrival. 

To apply online, visit the Burkina Faso embassy or consulate website and fill out the online application form, then pay the fee and wait for approval. 

For embassy/consulate applications, visit the nearest Burkina Faso embassy or consulate and submit your application, along with any supporting documents, in person. 

Lastly, visa on arrival is available for citizens of certain countries at the airport in Burkina Faso, but this method is not available for all countries, so be sure to check beforehand. It's important to check the specific requirements and guidelines for your country before applying.

Applying for a Burkina Faso eVisa Online

• Visit the eVisa application website
• Create an account on the website and log in
• Fill out the online visa application form with your personal and travel details
• Upload a scanned copy of your passport and a passport photo
• Pay the visa application fee using a valid debit or credit card
• Submit the application and wait for the eVisa to be processed
• Receive the eVisa via email and print a copy to bring with you when you travel to Burkina Faso

Applying for a Burkina Faso Visa at an Embassy or Consulate

Here's what you need to know about applying for a Burkina Faso visa at an embassy or consulate:

• Contact the embassy/consulate to find out the requirements for your type of visa and how to apply
• Complete the visa application form and gather all required documents
• Make an appointment to submit your application and pay the visa fee
• Attend the appointment with all required documents and payment
• Wait for the processing time to receive a decision on your visa application
• Collect your passport with the visa if approved
• Note that processing times and fees may vary depending on the embassy/consulate
   

Applying for a Burkina Faso Visa on Arrival

Here's what you need to know about applying for a Burkina Faso Visa on Arrival:

• Check if you are eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VOA)
• Have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity and blank visa pages
• Bring two passport-sized photos
• Proof of travel arrangements (flight itinerary, hotel reservation, etc.)
• Proof of financial means to cover your stay
• Visa fee payment in cash (usually only in XOF, the local currency)
• Fill out the visa application form provided at the port of entry
• Wait for the processing time to receive a decision on your visa application
• Note that not all entry points offer Visa on Arrival and processing times may vary depending on the port of entry.

Processing Time for a Burkina Faso Visa

The processing time for a Burkina Faso visa may vary depending on the type of visa and the embassy or consulate where you apply. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to process a visa application.

 If applying for a visa on arrival, the processing time may be shorter but can still vary depending on the port of entry. It is recommended to apply for a visa well in advance of your travel dates to allow sufficient processing time.

Urgent Burkina Faso Visa Applications

If you require an urgent Burkina Faso visa application, you may be able to expedite the processing time. Contact the embassy or consulate where you plan to apply and explain your situation. They may offer an expedited processing option for an additional fee. 

However, keep in mind that even with expedited processing, there is no guarantee that your visa application will be approved. It is important to have all the necessary documents and meet the eligibility requirements for the type of visa you are applying for. Plan ahead and allow sufficient time for processing to avoid any last-minute issues.

Expired Burkina Faso Visa: What to Do

To travel to Burkina Faso, it is necessary to have a valid visa, and an expired visa cannot be used. To apply for a new visa, you need to go to the Burkina Faso embassy or consulate in your country of residence, ensuring that you have all required documents and meet eligibility requirements. It is advisable to apply well in advance to allow for processing time.

Countries Eligible for Burkina Faso eVisas

The list of countries that are eligible for the Burkina Faso eVisa is subject to change and will be updated by the government as necessary. It is recommended that travelers check the eVisa website for the most up-to-date information on eligible countries before applying. The eVisa system offers a convenient and efficient way for eligible travelers to apply for and obtain a visa to enter Burkina Faso, saving time and hassle compared to traditional visa application methods.

Cost of a Burkina Faso Visa

The Burkina Faso government has developed a fee tool that allows applicants to check the visa fee details based on the type of visa, processing time, and their country of origin. By using the fee tool, applicants can easily determine the cost of their visa application and budget accordingly. 

This tool is especially useful for those who wish to apply for a Burkina Faso visa online, as they can quickly calculate the fees and pay them online through a secure payment portal.

Burkina Faso eVisa vs. Sticker Visa: Which One Do You Need?

• Burkina Faso offers two types of visas: eVisa and sticker visa.
• eVisa is an electronic visa that can be applied for and obtained online, whereas a sticker visa is a physical visa that needs to be obtained from the embassy or consulate of Burkina Faso in the applicant's country.
• eVisa is available for tourists, business, and transit purposes and is valid for up to 90 days, while a sticker visa can be obtained for longer periods and can be used for various purposes, including work and study.
• eVisa is a more convenient and cost-effective option for travelers, as it can be applied for from anywhere with an internet connection and requires less documentation, whereas a sticker visa requires a visit to the embassy or consulate and more extensive documentation.
• Applicants for eVisa must have a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and a credit/debit card to pay the visa fee, while applicants for a sticker visa must have a passport, a completed visa application form, a passport-sized photograph, and other supporting documents depending on the purpose of travel.
• It is important to carefully consider the purpose and length of stay before deciding which type of visa to apply for and to ensure that all necessary requirements are met to avoid delays or rejections.

Burkina Faso Work Visa: What You Need to Know

To apply for a Burkina Faso work visa, you will need a valid passport, a work permit issued by the Burkina Faso Ministry of Labour and Social Security, a letter from your employer in Burkina Faso, and a recent passport photo. The visa application can be completed online or at a Burkina Faso embassy or consulate. 

Processing times can vary, but it's recommended to apply well in advance of your intended travel date. Once approved, the work visa will allow you to legally work in Burkina Faso for the specified duration of your stay.
 

Why Should You Visit Burkina Faso?

• Burkina Faso offers a unique cultural experience with diverse ethnic groups, traditions, and festivals such as the FESPACO film festival and the Moro Naba Ceremony.
• It has several natural attractions, including the Banfora Cascades, the Sahel Reserve, and the Arli National Park, which offer opportunities for wildlife watching and outdoor activities such as hiking and bird watching.
• The country has a rich history, with several museums, such as the National Museum of Music and the Lobi Museum, showcasing the cultural and historical heritage of Burkina Faso.
• The capital city, Ouagadougou, is a vibrant hub of music, arts, and crafts, with several markets and shopping centers offering traditional and modern goods.
• Burkina Faso is an affordable destination, with low-cost accommodation, food, and transport options, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
• The hospitality and warmth of the Burkinabe people make it a welcoming destination for visitors, with several cultural events and festivals held throughout the year.