Ouagadougou Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Holders of biometric passports from ECOWAS states and a handful of other African countries may enter Ouagadougou without prior clearance.
Passport must be valid six months beyond arrival. Extensions possible at the immigration office near Place des Cineastes.
Travellers from countries not eligible for visa-free entry must secure an eVisa online before boarding their flight to Ouagadougou.
Cost: Single-entry costs roughly the same as a mid-range Ouagadougou restaurant dinner; multiple-entry about twice that.
Print the PDF approval. Mobile screenshots are sometimes refused at the airline counter.
Passport holders whose countries lack eVisa agreements must apply at a Burkina Faso embassy or consulate for a sticker visa.
Embassy list is short outside Africa. Many travellers route through Paris or Brussels.
Arrival Process
After the aircraft door opens you'll walk across the tarmac. Night arrivals reveal a sky pricked with red runway lights, dawn ones glow bronze over low terminals.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Burkina Faso allows modest duty-free imports. Exceeding limits means paying duty in CFA francs at a side counter smelling of old ink.
Prohibited Items
- Narcotics, zero tolerance, severe penalties
- Counterfeit currency, instant confiscation and arrest
- Explosives and weapons, permits virtually impossible for tourists
Restricted Items
- Ivory, leopard skins, CITES paperwork mandatory
- Medicines containing codeine, doctor's letter and small quantities only
Health Requirements
Proof of yellow-fever vaccination is the non-negotiable ticket into Ouagadougou. Other shots and malaria tablets are wise but not demanded at the airport.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow fever (all travellers ≥9 months)
Recommended Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Meningitis ACWY
- Hepatitis B
- Rabies (for long stays)
- Routine MMR, DPT, polio updates
Health Insurance
No compulsory cover. Yet hospitals expect cash payment; a policy that includes evacuation to Dakar or Paris is strongly recommended.
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Get a Quote from World NomadsRead our complete Ouagadougou Travel Insurance Guide →
Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Carry the child's birth certificate. If only one parent is present, a notarised authorisation letter from the absent parent prevents lengthy questions at immigration.
Dogs and cats need a rabies certificate older than 30 days but less than 12 months, plus a veterinary health certificate issued within five days of arrival; 48-hour advance notice to Ouagadougou vet station is prudent.
Apply for a 'résident temporaire' card at the immigration office in Ouagadougou's Zone du Bois before your visa expires. Bring photos, fee and landlord attestation.
Know What to Pack
Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear, with shopping links for every item.
View Ouagadougou Packing List →Ready to plan your trip to Ouagadougou?
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