Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Enhanced E-Visa System
Burkina Faso has streamlined its e-visa process for 2026, allowing faster approvals (often within 72 hours) for tourists from over 30 countries, with fees starting at €55. This digital option reduces the need for embassy visits and includes options for multiple-entry visas valid up to six months.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Burkina Faso, with a minimum of two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Always verify with your issuing country for any additional re-entry validity periods to avoid complications upon return.
Children and minors require their own passports, and photocopies of all travel documents are recommended for safekeeping during your journey.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of several West African nations like Senegal, Mali, and Ghana can enter visa-free for up to 90 days, promoting regional travel. However, most international visitors from Europe, North America, and Asia require a visa unless specified otherwise on official lists.
Always confirm your eligibility through the Burkina Faso embassy or official website, as policies can change based on diplomatic relations.
Visa Applications
Apply for a tourist visa (€55-110 depending on duration) through the e-visa portal or at a Burkina Faso embassy/consulate, providing proof of accommodation, return ticket, and sufficient funds (at least €50/day). Processing times vary from 3-15 days, so apply at least one month in advance for peace of mind.
Include a letter of invitation if visiting friends or family, and ensure all documents are translated into French if necessary.
Border Crossings
Airports like Ouagadougou International offer straightforward entry with visa-on-arrival options for eligible nationalities, but land borders with Mali, Ghana, or Côte d'Ivoire may involve longer waits and require pre-arranged visas. Expect customs checks for prohibited items like certain electronics or plant materials.
Cross-border buses are common, but verify current security advisories as some routes may have restrictions due to regional stability concerns.
Travel Insurance
Mandatory comprehensive travel insurance is required, covering medical evacuation (essential in remote areas), trip delays, and activities like safari tours in the national parks. Opt for policies that include coverage for tropical diseases and start from €10/day from international providers.
Ensure your policy covers the entire Sahel region, as medical facilities outside major cities are limited, and air evacuation can be costly.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 30 days can be requested at the Direction de la Surveillance du Territoire in Ouagadougou for a fee of around €30, providing justification like extended tourism or business needs. Applications must be submitted before your current visa expires to avoid overstay fines.
Supporting documents such as hotel bookings or flight changes are crucial, and approval is not guaranteed, so plan accordingly for longer stays.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Burkina Faso uses the West African CFA franc (XOF). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Ouagadougou by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for regional flights from Europe or West Africa hubs like Abidjan.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at maquis (local eateries) for affordable meals under 2,000 XOF, skipping touristy hotels to save up to 50% on food costs. Try traditional dishes like tô or brochettes from street vendors for authentic flavors at budget prices.
Local markets like those in Bobo-Dioulasso offer fresh fruits, grilled meats, and communal dining experiences that are both economical and immersive.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for shared bush taxis or SOTRA buses in cities for 500-1,000 XOF per ride, or negotiate multi-day deals for intercity travel to cut costs by 40%. Avoid private taxis unless necessary, as they can double expenses.
For longer routes like Ouagadougou to Banfora, group travel with locals via apps or stations ensures shared fares and safer journeys.
Free Attractions
Visit public markets, village festivals, and natural sites like the Sindou Peaks or Faso Fani handicraft markets, which are cost-free and offer authentic cultural immersion. Many community-led tours in rural areas are donation-based rather than fixed-price.
Explore Ouagadougou's grand mosques and street art scenes without guides, saving on entry fees while discovering hidden gems through local interactions.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in major hotels and Ouagadougou ATMs, but carry cash (XOF) for markets, rural areas, and small vendors where plastic isn't an option. Exchange euros or dollars at banks for better rates than informal changers.
Withdrawals incur fees (around 1,000 XOF), so plan larger amounts less frequently to minimize costs and use mobile money apps like Orange Money for convenience.
Site Passes
Purchase a national parks or cultural sites pass for around 10,000 XOF, granting access to multiple locations like W National Park or Laongo sculptures, ideal for eco-tourism itineraries. It often pays for itself after two or three visits, including transport discounts.
Combine with festival tickets during events like FESPACO for bundled savings on film screenings and artisan markets.
Smart Packing for Burkina Faso
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton layers for the hot climate, including long-sleeve shirts and pants for sun protection and cultural respect in mosques or villages. Include modest attire like scarves for women visiting religious sites and quick-dry fabrics for dusty travels.
Neutral colors help blend in rural areas, and pack extras for laundry challenges outside cities; avoid flashy items to respect local customs.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type C/E for 220V), solar charger or power bank for remote areas with unreliable electricity, and a durable smartphone with offline maps like Maps.me for navigation. Download French language apps and music for long bus rides.
A compact camera or GoPro is ideal for capturing markets and landscapes, but secure devices against dust and theft with protective cases.
Health & Safety
Carry proof of yellow fever vaccination (mandatory), a comprehensive first-aid kit with anti-malarials, rehydration salts, and antidiarrheals, plus any personal prescriptions. Include high-SPF sunscreen, hat, and lip balm for intense sun exposure in the Sahel.
Mosquito net or repellent (DEET-based) is crucial year-round, and a water purification system like tablets or a filter bottle prevents gastrointestinal issues from tap water.
Travel Gear
Pack a lightweight daypack for market explorations, reusable water bottle with filter, headlamp for power outages, and a sarong for versatile use as towel or shade. Keep cash in a money belt and photocopies of passport/visa in a waterproof pouch.
Durable luggage with locks is essential for bush taxi travel, and include a small lock for securing belongings in shared accommodations.
Footwear Strategy
Choose closed-toe sandals or lightweight hiking shoes for dusty trails in parks like Kaboré Tanga and comfortable walking shoes for urban wandering in Ouagadougou. Waterproof options are useful during rainy season, and flip-flops suffice for hotel showers but not outdoor activities.
Pack extra socks for sand and sweat, and consider local bogolan cloth shoes for cultural flair if shopping on arrival.
Personal Care
Include travel-sized biodegradable soap, shampoo, and wet wipes for water-scarce areas, plus antifungal powder for humid conditions and a compact fan for hot nights. Don't forget electrolyte packets for hydration during heatwaves and a sewing kit for clothing repairs.
Local pharmacies stock basics, but pack sufficient quantities for rural itineraries where access might be limited.
When to Visit Burkina Faso
Cool Dry Season (December-February)
Perfect for festivals like the FESPACO film event in Ouagadougou, with comfortable temperatures of 20-30°C, low humidity, and clear skies ideal for photography and outdoor markets. Fewer rains mean better road access to remote villages and national parks.
This period coincides with peak tourism for cultural immersion, but book accommodations early as hotels fill up during major events.
Hot Dry Season (March-May)
High season for wildlife viewing in reserves like Arly National Park, with scorching days up to 40°C but cooler evenings; the harmattan winds bring dusty but dry conditions suitable for desert-like explorations. Ideal for those tolerant of heat seeking authentic Sahel experiences.
Vegetation is sparse, making animal spotting easier, though hydration and early morning activities are key to managing the intense sun.
Rainy Season Onset (June-August)
Lush landscapes emerge with temperatures of 25-35°C and afternoon showers that cool the air, great for birdwatching and visiting waterfalls near Banfora. Fewer crowds mean more intimate village stays, but expect some road flooding in rural areas.
Cultural festivals like mask dances are vibrant, and prices drop 20-30% on lodging, offering value for eco-adventurers.
Transition & Wet Season (September-November)
Budget-friendly with moderating rains tapering off, temperatures 25-32°C, and greener scenery perfect for hiking in the Lobi region or exploring Bobo-Dioulasso's architecture. Harvest time brings lively markets and fresh produce tastings.
Avoid if prone to malaria, as mosquitoes peak, but it's excellent for photography of post-rain vibrancy and off-peak savings on tours.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF). Fixed to euro; exchange at banks or ATMs. Cards limited outside cities; carry cash for rural areas.
- Language: French is official; local languages like Moore and Dioula common. English spoken in tourist spots and by younger generations.
- Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), UTC+0 year-round
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Type C/E plugs (European two-pin); power outages frequent, so bring backups
- Emergency Number: 112 for police, medical, or fire; 18 for ambulance in major cities
- Tipping: Not customary but appreciated; 5-10% at restaurants or 500 XOF for guides/porters
- Water: Tap water unsafe; drink bottled or purified. Avoid ice in rural areas
- Pharmacies: Available in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso; look for "Pharmacie" signs. Stock antimalarials and basics