Apply Burkina Faso eVisa for Canada

For Canadians, Burkina Faso offers a unique glimpse into the heart of West Africa, from the bustling markets of Ouagadougou to the striking peaks of the Pics de Sindou. Whether you are a mining professional heading to a site or an intrepid traveler exploring the Sahel, getting your documentation right is the first step.

Navigating visa requirements can sometimes be daunting, but the digital age has simplified the process significantly. This guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining a Burkina Faso eVisa from Canada, ensuring your journey is smooth, compliant, and stress-free.

Do Canadians need a visa for Burkina Faso?

Yes. All Canadian citizens holding a standard passport require a valid visa to enter Burkina Faso.

This requirement applies regardless of the length of your stay or your purpose of travel (tourism, business, or transit). Without a valid visa, airlines will deny you boarding in Canada. While diplomatic passport holders may have specific exemptions, regular travelers must secure their visa in advance.

What documents are needed for a Burkina Faso tourist e-visa for Canadian citizens?

To successfully apply for your eVisa online, you will need digital copies of the following documents required for Burkina Faso tourist e-visa. Ensuring these scans are high-quality will prevent processing delays.

1. Valid Canadian Passport: A clear color scan of the bio-data page.
2. Passport-Style Photo: A recent digital photograph (taken within the last 6 months).
3. Yellow Fever Certificate: Proof of vaccination is mandatory for entry.
4. Proof of Accommodation: A hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from a host.
5. Return Flight Ticket: Evidence of your intent to leave Burkina Faso.
6. Proof of Profession: A document stating your occupation (e.g., business card, employee ID, or a letter from your employer).

What is the relationship between Burkina Faso and Canada?

Canada and Burkina Faso share a strong and historic relationship, established officially in 1962.

• Diplomatic Presence: Canada maintains an embassy in Ouagadougou, and Burkina Faso has an embassy in Ottawa.
• Economic Ties: The relationship is heavily anchored in the mining sector, with several Canadian companies operating major gold mines in the country.
• Development: Canada is a key partner in development aid, focusing on education and health initiatives.
• Travel Context: Due to these strong ties, business travel is frequent. However, the Government of Canada advises high caution in certain regions; always check the latest travel advisories from Global Affairs Canada before planning your itinerary.

Are there options besides e-visas for Canadians entering Burkina Faso?

Yes, Canadians technically have three options, though the eVisa is the most efficient:

1. eVisa (Recommended): The fastest and most secure method. You apply online and receive the document via email.
2. Embassy Visa: You can visit the Embassy of Burkina Faso in Ottawa. This requires physically mailing your passport or visiting in person, which can take weeks and is less convenient for those living outside the National Capital Region.
3. Visa on Arrival: Available at Ouagadougou Airport. We strongly discourage this option. It is often more expensive (approx. $190 USD+), requires long waits in immigration queues, and carries the risk of denial if you lack specific supporting documents upon landing.

How long can Canadians stay in Burkina Faso with a tourist e-visa?

The standard Tourist and Business eVisas for Canadians are typically valid for 90 days (3 months). Depending on your specific needs and the discretion of the issuing authority, you may be granted a:

• Single Entry: Valid for one entry within the 90-day period.
• Multiple Entry: Allows you to enter and exit multiple times within the 90 days (ideal for business travelers moving between West African countries).

What are the standard Burkina Faso e-visa photo requirements for Canadian citizens?

Your application photo must meet strict biometric standards. Photos that do not meet these criteria are a leading cause of rejection.

• Background: Must be plain white.
• Format: JPG or PNG file.
• Expression: Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and visible.
• Lighting: Even lighting with no shadows on the face or background.
• Glasses: It is best to remove them to avoid glare. Tinted glasses or sunglasses are strictly prohibited.

Can I apply for multiple Burkina Faso e-visas at once?

If you are traveling as a group or family, you generally cannot submit one "bulk" application. You must submit a separate application form for each traveler, including children. However, specialized visa agents often allow you to fill out one centralized form for a group, and they handle the individual submissions for you, saving you from repetitive data entry.

What's the typical processing time for a Burkina Faso e-visa?

For Canadian applicants, the processing speed depends on the service level you choose:

• Normal Processing: 6-9 Working Days. (Best for travelers planning weeks ahead).
• Rush Processing: 4-7 Working Days. (For those with a tighter schedule).
• Super Rush Processing: 3-5 Working Days. (For urgent business trips or last-minute plans).

Note: Timelines exclude weekends and public holidays in Burkina Faso.

Are there specific clothing recommendations for applying for a visa in Burkina Faso?

For your visa photo, adhere to these clothing guidelines:

• Contrast: Do not wear a white shirt, as it will blend into the white background. Choose a dark color (navy, black, grey) to create a clear contrast.
• Headwear: Hats, caps, and headbands are not allowed.
• Religious Attire: Head coverings for religious reasons are permitted, provided they do not cast shadows on the face and the face remains fully visible from the chin to the top of the forehead.
• Uniforms: Avoid wearing military or professional uniforms in the photo.

What are the requirements for children applying for a Burkina Faso e-visa?

Minors (under 18) require their own separate visa.

• Passport: The child must have their own valid passport.
• Vaccination: Children over 9 months old typically require the Yellow Fever vaccine.
• Consent Letter: If the child is traveling with only one parent, it is highly recommended to carry a notarized consent letter from the non-traveling parent to avoid issues at Canadian or Burkinabé border control.

What proof of accommodation is needed for a Burkina Faso e-visa?

You must prove you have a place to stay. Acceptable documents include:

• Hotel Reservation: A confirmation email from a hotel in Ouagadougou or another city, showing the applicant's name and dates of stay.
• Certificat d'Hébergement: If staying with friends or family, you need a specific lodging certificate legalized by the local police or town hall in Burkina Faso, signed by your host.

What are the benefits of using a visa agent?

While you can apply directly, using a trusted service like burkina-faso-evisa.com offers distinct advantages for Canadians:

• Error Prevention: Experts review your documents (especially the photo and passport scan) before submission to prevent costly rejections.
• Simplified Forms: The government portal can be complex and sometimes only in French. Agents provide simplified forms in English.
• Payment Flexibility: Easily pay with Canadian credit cards without worrying about international transaction blocks.
• Support: Access to 24/7 customer support to answer questions about your specific travel situation.

Ready to start your journey? 👉 Apply for your Burkina Faso eVisa here and travel with confidence!