Burkina Faso Visa RequirementsFor United Kingdom passport holders
UK passport holders require a visa to visit Burkina Faso. However, the UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Burkina Faso due to a high threat from terrorism and kidnapping. British nationals should not travel to this country.
United Kingdom passport holders require a visa to enter Burkina Faso.
If travel were to become necessary despite the FCDO's advice against all travel, a visa would need to be obtained in advance from the Burkina Faso Embassy. The process involves submitting an application with passport photos, proof of travel purpose, and payment. However, given current conditions, visa application circumstances may be limited. Do not travel to Burkina Faso.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
United Kingdom to Burkina Faso: What You Need to Know
Burkina Faso has experienced significant political instability following military coups in 2022. Terrorist groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL (Daesh) are active across large parts of the country, and there have been multiple deadly attacks including on civilians and foreigners. The FCDO advises against all travel to the entire country. If you are already in Burkina Faso, you are strongly advised to leave by commercial means while available.
Practical Tips
Consular support for British nationals in Burkina Faso is extremely limited. The British Embassy in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, has limited capacity to provide emergency consular assistance in Burkina Faso. Register your travel with the FCDO if travel is unavoidable. The country uses the CFA franc (XOF). French is the official language. Ouagadougou is the capital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe for UK passport holders to travel to Burkina Faso?
No. The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to Burkina Faso due to a severe and ongoing threat from terrorism. Jihadist groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and ISIL are active across large parts of the country. British nationals should not travel to Burkina Faso.
Do UK nationals need a visa for Burkina Faso?
Yes. UK passport holders require a visa in advance for Burkina Faso. However, given that the FCDO advises against all travel to the country, obtaining a visa for a tourist visit is strongly discouraged.
What consular support is available to UK nationals in Burkina Faso?
There is no resident British Embassy in Burkina Faso. Consular services are provided by the British Embassy in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The FCDO's ability to provide consular assistance in Burkina Faso is extremely limited. Do not rely on consular support if you travel despite the official advice against it.
Has the security situation in Burkina Faso improved recently?
No. The security situation in Burkina Faso has remained very serious since military coups in January and September 2022. Large parts of the north, east, and Sahel region are controlled or threatened by terrorist groups. The FCDO has maintained advice against all travel to the entire country. Monitor gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/burkina-faso for the latest updates.