Burkina Faso Visa RequirementsFor United States passport holders
US citizens require a visa to visit Burkina Faso. The US State Department has issued a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Burkina Faso due to widespread jihadist insurgency, terrorist attacks, and the abduction of foreigners.
United States passport holders require a visa to enter Burkina Faso.
A tourist visa must be obtained at the Burkina Faso Embassy in Washington D.C. before travel; visas on arrival and e-visas are not reliably available. Required: completed visa application form, valid US passport (6+ months validity), two passport photos, proof of travel, hotel confirmation, bank statement, and yellow fever vaccination certificate. The fee is approximately $100. Processing takes 5-10 business days. Note: given the Level 4 advisory, the US Embassy strongly advises against travel.
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
Entry Conditions
Valid passport with 6 months validity, yellow fever certificate, return ticket.
Required Documents
Valid US Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay with at least 2 blank pages for visa stamps
Completed Visa Application Form
Fill out the official visa application form from the embassy or consulate
Passport-size Photos
Two recent color photos (2x2 inches or 35x45mm) with white background, taken within last 6 months
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel reservations, rental agreement, or invitation letter with host address
Proof of Sufficient Funds
Recent bank statements (last 3 months), credit card statements, or sponsorship letter
Round-trip Flight Itinerary
Confirmed return or onward flight booking showing departure from the country
Employment or Business Letter
Letter from employer stating position, salary, and approved leave dates, or business registration documents
Travel Insurance Recommended
Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency evacuation
Cover Letter Recommended
Personal letter explaining purpose of visit, itinerary, and ties to home country
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Safety Rating
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Malaria prophylaxis, Meningitis, Rabies
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
Burkina Faso faces severe security challenges including terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, and civil unrest. Most governments advise against all travel. The northern and eastern regions are particularly dangerous with frequent attacks. Even Ouagadougou has experienced deadly attacks. If travel is absolutely essential, use extreme caution and professional security.
Money & Costs
Currency
CFA West African CFA Franc (XOF)
Daily Budget (USD)
Budget: $30 · Mid: $60 · Luxury: $120+
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service.
Practical Info
Power
Type C, E, 220V 50Hz
Driving
Right side
Emergency
17 (Police), 18 (Fire), 112 (Emergency)
Getting There
Main Airports
Bobo-Dioulasso (BOY) · Ouagadougou (OUA)
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
If traveling to Burkina Faso, the best time is from November to February during the cooler dry season. Temperatures are extreme from March to May (up to 45°C). The rainy season (June-October) brings humidity and difficult road conditions. However, due to ongoing security issues, most governments advise against all travel.
Cultural Notes
Burkina Faso means "Land of Upright/Honest People" in Mossi and Dioula. The country has a rich cultural heritage with FESPACO (Pan-African Film Festival) being one of Africa's most important cultural events. Traditional music and dance, including the masks of the Bobo people, are significant. Before the security crisis, the country was known for its warm hospitality.
Insider Tips
French is the official language. The West African CFA franc is the currency. Due to security concerns, normal tourism has largely ceased. If travel is essential, maintain a low profile, avoid travel outside cities, and have evacuation plans.
Current Travel Situation
United States to Burkina Faso: What You Need to Know
Burkina Faso has been engulfed in a severe Islamist insurgency since 2015, with affiliated groups of al-Qaeda (JNIM) and Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) conducting attacks across most of the country. By 2023-2024, the jihadists controlled significant portions of the countryside and were actively targeting foreigners, including aid workers, journalists, and humanitarian personnel. A military coup overthrew the elected government in January 2022 and a second coup followed in September 2022. The Ouagadougou government expelled French military forces in 2023 and invited Russian Wagner Group (now renamed Africa Corps) mercenaries. The security situation has severely limited US Embassy operations.
How to Get There
Ouagadougou (OUA) airport is served from Paris, Casablanca, Addis Ababa, and West African regional hubs. However, given the Level 4 advisory and the active insurgency, travel routes to Burkina Faso are hazardous regardless of the entry point used.
Money & Banking
Burkina Faso uses the West African CFA Franc (XOF), pegged to the Euro. Banking services are severely disrupted in areas outside Ouagadougou. The economy and financial infrastructure have been severely impacted by the security crisis.
Practical Tips
Travel to Burkina Faso is strongly discouraged. The US State Department has issued its highest warning (Level 4). If you are in Burkina Faso, the US Embassy advises departing immediately. Ouagadougou, once a lively, welcoming city with the famous Fespaco film festival and extraordinary mask traditions, has been severely impacted. Attractions like the Sindou Peaks, the ruined city of Loropeni (UNESCO), and the Sahel wildlife parks are essentially inaccessible given the security situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burkina Faso safe for tourists?
No. The US State Department has a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Burkina Faso due to widespread jihadist insurgency, terrorism, and abduction of foreigners. Large portions of the country are controlled by jihadist groups. Travel is strongly discouraged and the US Embassy has significantly reduced staffing. Americans in Burkina Faso should depart immediately if it is safe to do so.
What happened to Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso was engulfed by a jihadist insurgency starting around 2015 that spilled from Mali. The violence caused two military coups (2022) and the expulsion of French forces that were replaced by Russian Wagner Group mercenaries. By 2024, an estimated 2 million people were internally displaced and large portions of the north and east were under jihadist control.
What is Fespaco?
Fespaco (Festival Panafricain du Cinema et de la Television de Ouagadougou) was the largest African film festival in the world, held biennially in Ouagadougou since 1969. It celebrates African cinema with screenings, competitions, and cultural events drawing filmmakers from across the continent. The festival has continued despite the security crisis, though with reduced international participation.