Apply Burkina Faso eVisa for China

For Chinese citizens, the call of West Africa is becoming increasingly strong. Burkina Faso, known as the "Land of Honest People," offers a travel experience unlike any other—from the mask festivals in Dédougou to the distinct Sudanese-Sahelian architecture of the Grand Mosque in Bobo-Dioulasso. Whether you are a business investor looking at the booming mining sector or an adventurous tourist seeking the authentic culture of the Sahel, your journey begins with the right paperwork.

Navigating visa regulations can often be the most stressful part of travel. Fortunately, the relationship between China and Burkina Faso has strengthened, and modern digital systems have made obtaining permission to enter easier. This guide provides a comprehensive look at how to apply for a Burkina Faso eVisa from China, answering all your pressing questions to ensure a smooth trip.

Can Chinese people apply for eVisa?

Yes. Chinese citizens are fully eligible to apply for the Burkina Faso eVisa (Electronic Visa).

In the past, obtaining a visa often meant a mandatory physical trip to the Embassy of Burkina Faso in Beijing, which could be inconvenient for those living in Shanghai, Guangzhou, or other provinces. Today, the government of Burkina Faso has streamlined this process. The eVisa serves as a digital pre-approval, allowing you to submit your application and documents online and receive your official travel authorization via email. It is valid for tourism, business, and family visits, making it the preferred choice for modern travelers.

What documents are needed for a Chinese citizen to get a Burkina Faso eVisa?

To successfully apply for the Burkina Faso Tourist e-Visa online, you must have digital copies of specific documents ready. The system is strict, so ensuring your scans are clear and high-quality is essential for a quick approval.

You will need to upload:

1. Valid Chinese Passport: A clear color scan of the bio-data page (the page with your photo and personal details).
2. Passport-Style Photograph: A recent digital photo taken against a white background.
3. Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: This is mandatory for all travelers entering Burkina Faso. You must upload the page of your "Yellow Book" (International Certificate of Vaccination) that shows the valid yellow fever shot.
4. Proof of Accommodation: A confirmation email from your hotel in Burkina Faso or a legalized invitation letter if you are staying with friends or business partners.
5. Return Flight Ticket: A copy of your flight itinerary showing that you intend to leave the country.
6. Proof of Profession: Depending on the visa type, you may need a business card, employee badge, or a letter from your company in China.

Are there travel restrictions for Chinese citizens entering Burkina Faso?

Generally, there are no specific bans on Chinese citizens; however, there are important health and safety advisories to heed:

• Health Restrictions: The Yellow Fever vaccination is non-negotiable. Without the yellow card, you will likely be denied entry or forced to pay for a vaccination at the airport (which is not recommended). Malaria is also prevalent, so carrying prophylaxis is highly advised.
• Security Restrictions: While major cities like Ouagadougou are generally accessible, some northern and eastern border regions have security restrictions due to regional instability. Always check the latest travel advisories from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs before planning your route outside the capital.

How long is the visa approval process for Chinese citizens?

The processing time for your eVisa depends entirely on the urgency level you select during your application. For Chinese applicants, the standard tiers are:

• Normal Processing: 6-9 Working Days. This is the most economical option and is perfect if you are planning your trip a few weeks in advance.
• Rush Processing: 4-7 Working Days. A great middle-ground if you want to secure your visa quickly but aren't flying immediately.
• Super Rush Processing: 3-5 Working Days. Designed for urgent business meetings or last-minute travel plans.

Note: "Working days" typically excludes weekends and public holidays in Burkina Faso.

What are the requirements for a Chinese passport to be valid for Burkina Faso?

Your passport is your primary travel document. For the eVisa application to be accepted, your Chinese passport must meet two critical criteria:

1. Validity: It must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Burkina Faso. If your passport expires in 4 months, you must renew it in China before applying.
2. Blank Pages: It must have at least two blank visa pages to accommodate the entry and exit stamps you will receive at the border.

What should be included in a flight reservation for a Burkina Faso eVisa application?

Immigration authorities want to ensure you do not intend to overstay your visa. Therefore, your flight reservation document must clearly show:

• Your Full Name: Matching your passport.
• Arrival Date: When you land in Ouagadougou (OUA).
• Departure Date: A confirmed flight out of Burkina Faso within the validity period of your visa (e.g., within 90 days).
• Flight Numbers: Airline details (e.g., Air France, Ethiopian Airlines).
• Tip: You do not necessarily need to pay for the full ticket before the visa is approved; a confirmed itinerary or reservation from a travel agent is often sufficient.

What are some Burkina Faso travel tips for first-time visitors?

Visiting West Africa is an adventure. Here are tips specifically for Chinese travelers:

• Cash is King: Credit cards (UnionPay/Visa) are rarely accepted outside of major 5-star hotels. Carry Euros (EUR) or US Dollars (USD) to exchange for West African CFA Francs (XOF) upon arrival.
• Language: The official language is French. Installing a translation app on your phone or learning basic French greetings (Bonjour, Merci) will go a long way.
• Climate: The best time to visit is the cool, dry season from October to December. March to May is extremely hot.
• Connectivity: Purchase a local SIM card (Telecel, Orange, or Moov) at the airport for affordable internet access, as roaming charges for Chinese carriers can be high.

What photos are needed for a Burkina Faso eVisa, and what are their specifications?

The photo you upload is one of the most common reasons for rejection. Ensure your digital file meets these specs:

• Background: Must be solid white. Photos with blue or grey backgrounds (common in some ID photos) will be rejected.
• Expression: Neutral facial expression, mouth closed, eyes open.
• Glasses: It is best to remove them to avoid flash glare.
• Attire: Wear dark-colored clothing to contrast with the white background.
• Format: JPG or PNG, high resolution (not blurry).

What are the conditions for a visa on arrival in Burkina Faso?

While a Visa on Arrival is technically available for Chinese citizens at Ouagadougou Airport, we strongly advise against relying on it.

• The Risk: If you arrive without a visa and are missing a single supporting document (like a printed hotel confirmation), immigration officers have the right to deny you entry and send you back on the next flight.
• The Cost: On-arrival fees can be unpredictable and are often higher (approx. $190 USD or more) than the eVisa fee.
• The Wait: After a long long-haul flight from China, standing in a slow queue for visa processing is exhausting.
• Recommendation: Secure your eVisa online before you fly for peace of mind.

How can Chinese citizens apply for a Burkina Faso e-visa?

The application process is fully digital and can be completed from your home or office in China:

1. Complete the Form: Enter your personal data exactly as it appears on your passport.
2. Upload Files: Attach the scans of your passport, photo, and yellow fever card.
3. Payment: Pay the visa fee securely online using a credit or debit card.
4. Download: Once approved (within the selected processing time), the eVisa will be sent to your email. You must print it out and carry it with your passport.

What documents do Chinese citizens need to enter Burkina Faso?

Upon landing at the airport, keep these documents in your hand luggage for the immigration check:

1. Your valid Chinese Passport.
2. The printed eVisa approval letter.
3. Your original Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (Yellow Book).
4. Your return flight ticket and proof of accommodation (just in case they ask).

Are there limits on how long Chinese citizens can stay in Burkina Faso with an e-visa?

Yes. The standard Tourist and Business eVisas are typically valid for 90 Days (3 months).

• Validity Rule: You must enter the country within the validity window printed on the visa.
• Overstaying: Do not stay longer than 90 days. Overstaying is a serious offense that can lead to heavy fines and detention at the airport when you try to leave. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at the immigration office in Ouagadougou before your visa expires.

What are some situations where a travel agent might apply for a visa?

While the process is online, many Chinese travelers prefer using a professional visa agent service like burkina-faso-evisa.com. This is beneficial if:

• Language Barrier: You are uncomfortable with application forms in English or French. Agents provide support.
• Document Review: You are unsure if your photo or passport scan is good enough. Agents review every file to prevent rejection.
• Group Travel: You are a tour leader or traveling with family and want to manage multiple applications in one dashboard.
• Payment Issues: You want to ensure your payment goes through smoothly without international banking blocks.

Ready to explore West Africa? Don't let paperwork delay your adventure. 👉 Apply for your Burkina Faso eVisa here and start your journey with confidence!