Burkina Faso

🇧🇫

Phone Code

+226

Capital

Ouagadougou

Population

22.7 Million

Native Name

Burkina Faso

Region

Africa

Western Africa

Timezone

Greenwich Mean Time

UTC±00

Burkina Faso is a landlocked West African country known for its diverse culture, traditional music, and FESPACO (Africa's largest film festival). Ouagadougou, the capital, is a cultural hub. The country features Sahel landscapes, wildlife reserves, and vibrant markets. However, Burkina Faso currently faces significant security challenges with terrorism and political instability. Most Western governments advise against all travel to Burkina Faso due to the high risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime. Check current travel advisories before considering any travel to this destination.

Visa Requirements for Burkina Faso

IMPORTANT: Most governments advise against all travel to Burkina Faso due to terrorism, kidnapping risk, and violent crime. If you must travel despite warnings, visas are required for most foreign nationals except ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) citizens who can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Visas must typically be obtained in advance through Burkina Faso embassies or consulates. Requirements include completed application forms, passport photographs, yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory), proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, and visa fees. Some embassies may require invitation letters. Given the security situation, consular services may be limited and travel is strongly discouraged.

Common Visa Types

ECOWAS Entry (Regional Nationals)

90 days visa-free; must present valid national ID or passport; ECOWAS protocol allows regional travel without visas.

For citizens of Economic Community of West African States member countries for free movement within the region.

Tourist Visa

Typically 1-3 months; apply through Burkina Faso embassy; yellow fever certificate mandatory; requires invitation or hotel booking; strongly discouraged.

For foreign nationals visiting Burkina Faso for tourism purposes despite current security warnings.

Business Visa

Based on invitation; requires letter from Burkinabé organization or government; yellow fever certificate mandatory; security protocols essential.

For business travelers, NGO workers, or diplomatic missions requiring entry for official purposes.

Critical Security and Travel Information

SECURITY WARNING: Most Western governments advise against ALL travel to Burkina Faso due to terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict. Situation extremely dangerous.

Terrorism risk: High threat of terrorist attacks throughout the country, particularly in northern and eastern regions. Attacks can be indiscriminate.

Kidnapping risk: Foreigners are targets for kidnapping by terrorist groups. Several foreigners kidnapped and killed in recent years.