Travelers planning a trip to Burkina Faso need to budget for the Burkina Faso eVisa fees, which vary based on the visa type, duration, and applicant nationality. This guide breaks down all costs associated with obtaining an eVisa for Burkina Faso.
Understanding the Burkina Faso eVisa Fee Structure
The Burkina Faso eVisa fees are determined by several factors, including the type of visa you apply for, the length of stay requested, and sometimes your nationality. Understanding these variables helps you budget accurately and avoid unexpected costs during the application process.
All visa fees for the Burkina Faso eVisa are paid in the local currency or in a standard international currency such as USD or EUR, depending on the portal you use. The conversion rate applied at the time of payment determines the exact amount charged to your card.
It is important to note that visa fees are non-refundable. If your application is approved or rejected, the fee you paid will not be returned. This policy applies to all Burkina Faso eVisa fees regardless of the outcome of your application.
Standard eVisa Fee Breakdown by Type
The most common Burkina Faso eVisa fees depend on the visa category chosen during the application process.
Short-Stay Tourist Visa (up to 30 days):
The standard tourist visa fee ranges from approximately 50 to 75 USD. This is the most popular visa type among leisure travelers who plan to visit Burkina Faso for sightseeing, cultural experiences, or visiting friends and family.
Long-Stay Tourist Visa (up to 90 days):
For travelers planning a longer visit, the long-stay tourist visa costs approximately 100 to 150 USD. This option is suitable for those who want to explore Burkina Faso more thoroughly, volunteer with local organizations, or spend extended time with family.
Business Visa:
The business visa fee typically ranges from 100 to 175 USD. Business travelers occasionally require multiple entries or longer validity periods, which may increase the overall Burkina Faso eVisa fees. An invitation letter from a Burkinabe company is required.
Transit Visa (up to 72 hours):
For travelers passing through Burkina Faso en route to another country, the transit visa costs approximately 40 to 60 USD. This is the most affordable visa option and is valid only for short stays not exceeding 72 hours.
Diplomatic and Official Visa:
Holders of diplomatic or official passports traveling on government business may be exempt from Burkina Faso eVisa fees. This exemption depends on bilateral agreements between Burkina Faso and the applicant’s home country.
Additional Costs Beyond the Base Fee
Beyond the mandatory Burkina Faso eVisa fees, travelers should budget for several additional expenses that may arise during the visa process.
Express Processing Fees:
If you need your eVisa urgently, some portals offer expedited processing for an additional 20 to 50 USD. Express processing typically reduces the waiting time to 1-3 business days instead of the standard 3-10 business days.
Service Charges:
Some third-party visa facilitation services add a service charge on top of the government visa fee. These charges can range from 10 to 30 USD depending on the service provider. Always verify whether the displayed fee includes or excludes service charges.
Document Preparation Costs:
Preparing the required documents may involve costs for passport photos (typically 10-15 USD for a set), document scanning, and potentially notarization of copies. These are not part of the official Burkina Faso eVisa fees but contribute to the overall cost.
Travel Insurance:
While not always mandated by the visa process, comprehensive travel insurance is recommended and may cost between 30 and 100 USD depending on the duration of your trip and the level of coverage chosen.
Fee Variations by Nationality
Burkina Faso eVisa fees may vary depending on the applicant’s nationality due to bilateral agreements and reciprocal arrangements between countries.
Standard Fee Countries:
Most nationalities pay the standard fee rates listed above. This covers travelers from countries in Europe, the Americas, East Asia, and the Middle East.
Reduced Fee Agreements:
Some countries have bilateral agreements with Burkina Faso that reduce or waive visa fees for their nationals. These agreements are typically based on reciprocal arrangements where citizens of Burkina Faso receive similar treatment in the partner country.
ECOWAS Member States:
Citizens of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) member countries generally enjoy free movement within the region and may not need a visa or pay any Burkina Faso eVisa fees for short stays. Valid passports and health certificates are still required.
Payment Process and Accepted Methods
The payment of Burkina Faso eVisa fees is handled entirely through the online portal during the application process.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Visa credit and debit cards
- MasterCard credit and debit cards
- Some portals accept American Express
- Bank transfers (on limited platforms)
Important Payment Tips:
Before paying the Burkina Faso eVisa fees, notify your bank that you will be making an international transaction. Banks sometimes block foreign payments as a security measure, which can cause the payment to fail. Ensure your card has sufficient available credit or balance to cover the fee plus any foreign transaction charges.
Currency Conversion:
If the fee is displayed in a currency different from your card’s billing currency, your bank will apply its exchange rate at the time of the transaction. This rate may differ slightly from the rate shown on the visa portal. Your bank may also add a currency conversion fee of 1-3%.
Receipt and Confirmation:
After successful payment of the Burkina Faso eVisa fees, you will receive a receipt via email. Save this receipt as proof of payment. The receipt will include the transaction amount, date, and application reference number.
Saving Money on Your eVisa Application
While the standard Burkina Faso eVisa fees are fixed by the government, there are ways to manage your overall application costs.
Apply Directly:
Using the official government eVisa portal rather than third-party services eliminates additional service charges. Third-party services can add 15-40% to the base fee.
Plan Ahead:
Standard processing is cheaper than express processing. By applying 4-6 weeks before your trip, you avoid the need for rush processing fees.
Single vs. Multiple Entry:
If your travel plans allow, a single entry visa is typically less expensive than a multiple entry visa. Plan your itinerary to determine whether you truly need multiple entries into Burkina Faso.
Group Applications:
Some portals offer slight discounts for group applications submitted simultaneously. If you are traveling with a group, check whether this option is available.
Refund Policy for Visa Fees
The Burkina Faso eVisa fees follow a strict no-refund policy that applicants should understand before submitting their application.
Application Rejected:
If your eVisa application is rejected by the immigration authorities, the fee you paid will not be refunded. The rejection decision is based on the applicant’s documentation and eligibility, and the processing fee covers the cost of reviewing the application.
Withdrawn Application:
If you decide to withdraw your application after payment, the Burkina Faso eVisa fees will generally not be returned. Once the application enters the processing queue, the fee is considered earned.
Duplicate Payment:
In the rare case that a duplicate payment is processed due to a technical error, contact the eVisa portal support team with your transaction details. Duplicate charges are typically refunded within 15-30 business days upon verification.
Technical Failures:
If a payment goes through but the application does not submit due to a technical issue, contact support immediately with your payment receipt. In most cases, the payment can be applied to a new application or refunded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: July 2026. Verify current fee amounts through the official eVisa portal, as fees are subject to change without notice.
