Apply Burkina Faso Visa from Andorra

Burkina Faso, known as the "Land of Honest People," is a cultural jewel in West Africa. For citizens of Andorra, traveling to this vibrant nation has become significantly easier with the digital revolution of the visa system. Whether you are traveling for the cinematic allure of FESPACO in Ouagadougou or to explore the architectural wonders of Tiébélé, securing the right documentation is your first step.

This guide provides a detailed walkthrough for Andorran applicants, addressing every critical question regarding the Burkina Faso eVisa from Andorra.

What types of activities is an eVisa for Burkina Faso valid for?

Before starting your application, it is crucial to understand what the electronic visa permits you to do. The Burkina Faso eVisa is designed to cover a broad spectrum of short-term visits.

• Tourism and Leisure: This includes holidays, sightseeing, and cultural tours. If you are visiting to experience the Banfora Cascades or the Sindou Peaks, the Tourism eVisa is your correct category.
• Family Visits: If you are an Andorran citizen visiting relatives residing in Burkina Faso, specific provisions exist for family reunification visits.
• Business and Professional Events: The eVisa covers attendance at business meetings, trade fairs, corporate negotiations, and international conferences.
• Transit: For travelers passing through Burkina Faso to reach a third destination (like Ghana, Togo, or Ivory Coast) via land or air, a transit eVisa is available for stays of up to 5 days.
• Specific Sectors: There are specialized categories for professionals in mining, quarrying, logistics, and transport, reflecting the country's economic landscape.

What documents are needed for a Burkina Faso eVisa from Andorra?

To ensure a successful Burkina Faso Tourist eVisa application, Andorran citizens must prepare digital copies of several mandatory documents. The system is entirely online, so high-quality scans are essential.

1. Valid Passport Bio Page: A clear color scan of the information page of your Andorran passport.
2. Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: This is a mandatory health requirement. You must upload the page of your "Yellow Card" (WHO International Certificate of Vaccination) that shows the vaccination date and batch number.
3. Proof of Profession: A document confirming your current occupation. This can be an employee ID, a letter from your employer, a student card, or a business registration if you are self-employed.
4. Proof of Accommodation: A hotel booking confirmation or a legalized "Certificate d’Hébergement" (Accommodation Certificate) if staying with a local host.
5. Return Flight Ticket: A confirmed itinerary showing your entry and exit from the country.

What passport requirements are needed for a Burkina Faso eVisa?

Your Andorran passport is the primary document for this process, and strict validity rules apply.

• Validity: The passport must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond your intended date of entry into Burkina Faso. If your passport expires in fewer than six months, you must renew it before applying.
• Condition: The passport scan must be legible, with no glare covering the text or photo. The physical passport must not be significantly damaged.
• Blank Pages: Although the visa is electronic, immigration officers at Ouagadougou Airport will still stamp your passport upon arrival and departure. It is recommended to have at least two blank pages available.

What proof of travel arrangements are accepted for a Burkina Faso eVisa?

Immigration authorities need to verify that your visit is temporary.

• Flight Itinerary: A copy of your round-trip flight ticket is the standard proof. This document must clearly show your name, flight numbers, and dates of arrival and departure.
• Overland Travel: If you are entering by land from a neighboring country, you may need to provide a detailed travel plan or car registration documents, though the online system is primarily designed for air travel data.
• Consistency: Ensure the dates on your flight itinerary match the entry and exit dates you enter in the application form perfectly.

Are there specific photo requirements for the Burkina Faso e-visa application?

Yes, the photo you upload must meet specific biometric standards similar to those for a physical passport. Failing to meet these can lead to immediate rejection.

• Background: The background must be plain white or light-colored. Busy backgrounds or scenery are not accepted.
• Facial Features: Your face must be fully visible. Keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed and eyes open.
• Lighting: Ensure even lighting to avoid shadows on your face or behind your head.
• Accessories: Do not wear sunglasses or tinted glasses. Regular prescription glasses should be removed to prevent glare/flash reflection. Headwear is only permitted for religious reasons, provided it does not obscure the face.
• Format: The file should be a high-resolution JPEG or PNG, typically under 2MB in size.

How can I apply for a visa for Burkina Faso?

The application process is entirely digital and can be completed from Andorra without visiting an embassy.

1. Complete the Form: Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport. Select your visa type (e.g., Tourism, Business).
2. Upload Documents: Upload the scans of your passport, photo, yellow fever card, and other supporting documents.
3. Payment: Pay the non-refundable visa fee using a credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard).
4. Download: Once approved, download the eVisa PDF from your email.

What are the typical processing times for a Burkina Faso eVisa?

Planning ahead is vital. The processing time depends on the service level you select during the application:

• Normal Processing: Takes approximately 6 to 9 working days. This is the most cost-effective option and recommended if you are applying weeks in advance.
• Rush Processing: Takes approximately 4 to 7 working days.
• Super Rush Processing: Takes approximately 3 to 5 working days. This is intended for urgent travel but comes with a higher fee.

Note: "Working days" exclude weekends and Burkinabè public holidays.

How long is the e-visa valid for, and what are the entry requirements?

• Validity Period: Most standard Tourist and Business eVisas are valid for 90 days (3 months) from the date of issue or the specified start date. This is the window in which you must use the visa.
• Duration of Stay: The visa typically allows for a stay of up to 90 days, though specific limits may be set by the border officer.
• Entry Requirements: Upon arrival at Ouagadougou Airport (OUA), you must present:

1. Your physical Andorran passport.
2. A printed copy of your approved eVisa.
3. Your original Yellow Fever Vaccination booklet.
4. Proof of sufficient funds (optional but recommended).

Can Andorran citizens work in Burkina Faso with this eVisa?

No. The standard eVisa (Tourist or Business) acts as an entry permit but is not a work permit.

• Allowed: You can attend business meetings, conferences, sign contracts, and conduct oversight or investment activities.
• Prohibited: You cannot take up long-term paid employment, be on a local payroll, or reside permanently.
• Work Permit Path: If you intend to work long-term, you must enter on a Business Visa and then apply for a Work Permit and Resident Card (Carte de Séjour) through the Ministry of Labor and Ministry of Security in Ouagadougou.

What are common reasons for a Burkina Faso eVisa application to be rejected?

To avoid losing your application fee, beware of these common pitfalls:

1. Blurry Uploads: If the text on your passport or proof of profession is illegible, the officer will reject the application.
2. Missing Yellow Fever Proof: Uploading a generic vaccine card cover instead of the specific page with the Yellow Fever batch number.
3. Typos: Discrepancies between the name/passport number on the form and the actual passport.
4. Incorrect Visa Type: Applying for a "Transit" visa when you plan to stay for 7 days (Transit is max 5 days).
5. Insufficient Validity: Applying with a passport that expires in less than 6 months.

How do visa agents differ from official government visa application sites?

When searching online, you will encounter the official government portal and private visa agencies.

• Official Government Site:
• Pros: Lowest cost (you pay only the government fee). Direct submission to immigration authorities.
• Cons: No document review (if you make a mistake, you are rejected). Limited customer support.
• Visa Agents:
• Pros: Expert review of your documents before submission (fixing photo sizes, checking scans). 24/7 customer support. Higher approval success rate for complex cases.
• Cons: Higher cost (Government Fee + Service Fee).

Conclusion: For Andorran citizens, the Burkina Faso eVisa is a gateway to an unforgettable West African experience. By gathering the correct documents—especially the Proof of Profession and Yellow Fever Card—and following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth journey from the Pyrenees to the Sahel.