West Africa · US passport
Do American citizens need a visa for Burkina Faso?
Travel advice. Many governments advise against all or all but essential travel. Check your foreign ministry's travel advice before you plan anything.
Entry rules change often. We checked these on 27 October 2026 against the sources below. Confirm with the embassy before you book.
American citizens currently cannot get a tourist visa for Burkina Faso: entry or visa issuance has been suspended.
Burkina Faso refuses entry to US citizens. Entry restrictions on US citizens announced in December 2025 as a reciprocal measure. Check the US State Department page before planning travel.
At a glance
- Visa required
- Currently not issued
- Type
- Not available
- Fee
- —
- Stay
- Set at entry
- Yellow fever
- Certificate required
- Arrive at
- OUA
If you planned to visit Burkina Faso
- Do not book non-refundable travel while the suspension is in place.
- Check your government's travel advice and the embassy of the destination for updates.
- If you hold a second nationality, check the rules for that passport.
Health requirements
Yellow fever. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all arriving travellers (usually from 9 months or 1 year of age).
Malaria. Malaria is present across most of the country. Ask a travel clinic about antimalarial tablets.
Book a travel clinic visit 6 to 8 weeks before departure. Some vaccines, including yellow fever, must be given at least 10 days before you arrive.
Travel advice for American travellers
Your own government publishes safety advice and emergency contacts for Burkina Faso. Check it before you book and register your trip if your country offers that service: US State Department travel advisories.
More entry rules for your passport: all 54 countries, visa-free countries, eVisa countries and visa on arrival countries.
On arrival in Burkina Faso
- Capital
- Ouagadougou
- Currency
- West African CFA franc (XOF)
- Languages
- French, Mooré, Dioula
- Plugs
- Type C, E
- Best time
- November to February
- Airports
- Ouagadougou (OUA)
Frequently asked questions
Do American citizens need a visa for Burkina Faso?
American citizens currently cannot get a tourist visa for Burkina Faso: entry or visa issuance has been suspended.
How long can American citizens stay in Burkina Faso?
The permitted stay is set when your visa is issued. Check the date on it and do not overstay.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Burkina Faso?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all arriving travellers (usually from 9 months or 1 year of age).
How much does the Burkina Faso visa cost for American passport holders?
Visas are not currently being issued to this nationality.
Which airports do flights to Burkina Faso arrive at?
Most international flights land at Ouagadougou (OUA).
Sources
- Al Jazeera: Mali, Burkina Faso ban US citizens (Dec 2025)
- US State Department travel advisories
- Wikipedia: Visa requirements for United States citizens
- WHO: Yellow fever vaccination requirements, country list
- Wikipedia: Visa requirements for German citizens (EU reference)
- Wikipedia: Visa requirements for British citizens
Spotted a rule that has changed? Email hello@bemba.com with a link to the source.