Burkina Faso generally requires all travelers to present a valid passport for entry. ID cards are not accepted for entry unless you are a citizen of an Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member country, who may be allowed entry with a valid ID card.
Travelers from most countries must present a valid passport to enter Burkina Faso. Visa requirements depend on nationality:
Citizens of the following countries can enter Burkina Faso without a visa for stays of up to 90 days:
Certain nationalities are eligible for a visa on arrival or may apply for an eVisa online for short stays related to tourism or business.
Travelers from non-visa-exempt countries must apply for a visa at a Burkina Faso embassy or consulate before traveling.
Note: Always verify entry requirements with official government sources or your local embassy, as visa regulations can change.
Burkina Faso has toll roads on certain major highways, particularly those connecting major cities like Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso. Toll fees are typically low, and the funds are used for road maintenance.
Burkina Faso has a tropical climate, characterized by hot temperatures year-round, with a dry season and a wet season.
The wet season brings rainfall, especially in the southern regions, with occasional thunderstorms. Temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F).
The dry season is hot and dusty, with very little rainfall. Temperatures can reach over 40°C (104°F) in the hottest months (March to May). The Harmattan winds, carrying dust from the Sahara, occur during this season.
The official currency of Burkina Faso is the West African CFA franc (XOF), symbolized as CFA.
The CFA franc is used by several West African countries. Banknotes are available in denominations of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 CFA francs. Coins are available in smaller denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 250 francs.
Currency exchange services are available at airports, banks, and exchange offices in major cities. ATMs are common in urban areas and allow for easy withdrawal of CFA francs.
Credit and debit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops in urban areas, though cash is often preferred. It's advisable to carry cash when traveling to smaller towns or rural areas.