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2 ways to enter

Burkina Faso visas

Burkina Faso transit visa

Most nationalities can transfer through Burkina Faso airports without a transit visa for up to 24 hours if they hold a confirmed onward ticket. South African citizens need a visa in advance, and United States nationals are refused transit.

Ways to get a Burkina Faso transit visa

  1. Transit without a visa

    Transit without a visa

    Travellers with confirmed onward tickets qualify, except South African citizens and United States nationals.

    Stay
    Up to 24 hours.
  2. Visa before arrival for transit

    Visa needed

    South African citizens must obtain a visa before arrival, including when travelling only in transit.

    Passports that qualify (1)

Who needs it

South African citizens need a visa before arrival, including for transit.

Who doesn't

Other nationalities can transit through airports without a visa for up to 24 hours with confirmed onward tickets, except United States nationals, who are refused transit.

Changing planes

Can you stay airside?
Yes, without a visa if you stay in the transit area
Leaving the airport
Permission to leave the airport during visa-free transit is not stated.
Longest transit
24 hours
Transit without a visa
Hold a confirmed onward ticket and transit through an airport for no more than 24 hours. South African citizens must obtain a visa before arrival. United States nationals cannot transit.

What to bring

  • Confirmed onward ticket for transit without a visa.

Good to know

  • South African citizens must have a visa before arrival, including for transit.
  • United States nationals are refused transit, even if they remain on the aircraft and continue on the same flight.
  • Separate transit visa fees and application details are not stated.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for Burkina Faso?

South African citizens need a visa before arrival, including for transit. Other nationalities can transit through airports without a visa for up to 24 hours with confirmed onward tickets, except United States nationals, who are refused transit.

What are the ways to get a transit visa for Burkina Faso?

There are 2 options: Transit without a visa (transit without a visa); Visa before arrival for transit (a visa from an embassy).

How long can I stay on a Burkina Faso transit visa?

Up to 24 hours for eligible airport transit without a visa.

What documents do I need for a Burkina Faso transit visa?

Confirmed onward ticket for transit without a visa..

How long can I stay in transit in Burkina Faso?

Up to 24 hours, if you meet the conditions. Hold a confirmed onward ticket and transit through an airport for no more than 24 hours. South African citizens must obtain a visa before arrival. United States nationals cannot transit.

Can I stay inside the airport in Burkina Faso without a visa?

Yes, staying in the international transit area is allowed for most travellers. To leave the airport: Permission to leave the airport during visa-free transit is not stated.

What rules do I have to follow on a Burkina Faso transit visa?

South African citizens must have a visa before arrival, including for transit. United States nationals are refused transit, even if they remain on the aircraft and continue on the same flight.

Does my passport change whether I need a transit visa for Burkina Faso?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Burkina Faso visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a transit visa for Burkina Faso be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Burkina Faso transit visa rules?

On Burkina Faso's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

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