Burkina Faso has tightened its entry requirements for American citizens, requiring them to apply for visas either online through the country's e-Visa portal or in person at the Burkina Faso Embassy in Washington, D.C., prior to travel.
The policy shift, announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, eliminates the option for visas on arrival at Ouagadougou's international airport, aiming to enhance security screening and streamline immigration processes amid ongoing regional instability.
The new directive, effective immediately, was communicated through official channels to the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou and posted on the Embassy of Burkina Faso's website in Washington.
"To ensure the safety and orderly management of our borders, all U.S. nationals must secure their visas in advance via the electronic system or at our diplomatic mission in the United States," a ministry spokesperson stated.
This applies to all visa categories, including tourism, business, and transit, with processing times estimated at 3–5 business days for e-Visas and up to two weeks for embassy applications.
Previously, U.S. citizens could obtain visas upon arrival at the airport for a fee of approximately $100, a convenience that supported short-term visits.
However, the Burkina Faso government cited rising security concerns, including jihadist threats in the Sahel region and a surge in unauthorized entries—as justification for the change.
The country, under military rule since a 2022 coup, has faced intensified insurgencies, prompting stricter controls on foreign visitors.
The U.S. State Department has maintained a Level 3 "Reconsider Travel" advisory for Burkina Faso due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping risks, urging Americans to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before any trip.
The e-Visa application is accessible via the official portal at applicant.visaburkina.bf, where applicants must submit a valid passport scan, a passport-style photo, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, and financial means.
Fees range from $50 for a single-entry tourist visa (valid for up to 30 days) to $110 for multiple-entry business visas (up to 90 days).
For those preferring the traditional route, the Embassy at 2340 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C., accepts applications by mail or in person, requiring similar documents plus a self-addressed return envelope.
VisaHQ and other third-party services can assist with expedited processing, though they charge additional fees.
As of August 2025, American citizens must also ensure their passports remain valid for at least six months beyond their planned departure from Burkina Faso.
The update has prompted the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou to issue a warden message advising dual nationals and frequent travelers to comply promptly.
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