Apply Burkina Faso eVisa from Bahrain

For residents of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the allure of West Africa offers a captivating change of pace from the Gulf. Burkina Faso, known as the "Land of Honest People," is a destination rich in culture, from the Sahelian landscapes to the vibrant arts scene of Ouagadougou. Whether you are traveling for business investment, cultural exploration, or visiting friends, the journey begins with the correct travel documentation.

Gone are the days of coordinating with distant diplomatic missions. The Electronic Visa (eVisa) system has streamlined the process, allowing Bahraini citizens to secure their entry permits entirely online. This guide provides detailed information about Burkina Faso eVisa from Bahrain, ensuring your trip is smooth from Manama to Ouagadougou.

Do Bahraini citizens need a visa for Burkina Faso?

Yes, citizens of Bahrain are required to hold a valid visa to enter Burkina Faso. Unlike some countries that may have visa-free agreements, Bahraini passport holders must obtain authorization before travel.

Are there other travel authorization options besides eVisa? 

While the eVisa is the most convenient method, the alternative is applying physically through a diplomatic mission. Since there is no Burkina Faso embassy directly in Manama, Bahraini residents typically have to contact the nearest embassy (often in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia or Doha, Qatar). This makes the eVisa the vastly superior and time-saving option.

Where can Bahraini citizens get a visa on arrival? 

Officially, a visa on arrival is not guaranteed for Bahraini citizens. While some sources suggest it may be possible for certain nationalities under specific conditions, it carries a high risk of denied entry or long delays at the airport. Immigration authorities strongly advise obtaining the eVisa before departure to ensure guaranteed entry.

What documents are needed for a Burkina Faso visa application for Bahraini citizens?

Bahraini applicants must prepare digital copies of the following Burkina Faso e-Visa Requirements. Ensure your scans are high-resolution (avoid using a phone camera in poor lighting).

• Valid Bahraini Passport: A color scan of the bio-data page. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended entry date.
• Passport Photo: A recent, white-background digital photo (taken within the last 6 months).
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: This is mandatory. You must upload the "Yellow Card" showing a valid vaccination.
• Proof of Profession: A document validating your occupation. In Bahrain, this could be an employment letter from your company, a CR (Commercial Registration) copy if you are a business owner, or a student ID.
• Proof of Accommodation: A hotel booking confirmation in Burkina Faso or a legalized "Certificat d’Hébergement" if staying with a host.
• Flight Itinerary: A return flight ticket showing travel from Bahrain (e.g., via Addis Ababa, Casablanca, or Paris) to Ouagadougou.

Can I apply for a Burkina Faso eVisa for my family?

Yes. The online system allows for family applications.

• Official Portal: You usually create one account and can submit new applications for each family member under that account.
• Visa Agents: Services like burkina-faso-evisa.com often have a "Group Application" feature where you can add multiple applicants (spouse, children) in one go, simplifying the payment and document management process.
• Note for Minors: Children need their own individual visa and must have their own passport and yellow fever card.

How long is the visa processing time for Burkina Faso?

For Bahraini applicants, the processing times depend on the urgency level selected:

• Standard Processing: 6 to 9 working days. Recommended for most travelers planning ahead.
• Rush Processing: 4 to 7 working days.
• Super Rush Processing: 3 to 5 working days.

Travel Tip: Apply at least 2 weeks before your flight to account for any weekends (Friday/Saturday in Bahrain vs. Saturday/Sunday in Burkina Faso).

How long is the Burkina Faso eVisa valid?

• Validity: The standard tourist and business eVisa is valid for 90 days (3 months) from the date of issue.
• Duration of Stay: You are typically permitted to stay for up to 90 days.
• Entry Types: You can choose between Single Entry (valid for one trip) or Multiple Entry (valid for multiple trips within the 90 days).

Can a Bahraini citizen extend their visa after arriving in Burkina Faso? Yes. If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, you must visit the Directorate of Migration in Ouagadougou before your current visa expires. You will need to apply for a specialized long-term visa or residency permit (Carte de Séjour). Overstaying without extension leads to heavy fines.

Health Requirements: Is Yellow Fever Mandatory?

Yes, absolutely. Burkina Faso is one of the few countries where the Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is a strict entry requirement for all travelers (usually over 9 months of age), regardless of where you are coming from.

• In Bahrain: You can obtain the vaccine at authorized health centers or travel clinics (e.g., Salmaniya Medical Complex or private hospitals). Ensure you get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel for the certificate to be valid.

Are visa agents reliable?

This is a common concern for travelers.

• Official Site: The government portal is safe but offers minimal support. If you make a typo or upload a blurry photo, your application is liable to be rejected, and government fees are often non-refundable.
• Visa Agents (e.g., burkina-faso-evisa.com): Reputable agents are highly reliable and often recommended for first-time travelers.
• Pros: They manually review your documents before submission to the government, fixing errors like incorrect photo dimensions or unclear scans. They offer 24/7 support (helpful given the time difference between Bahrain and Burkina Faso).
• Cons: They charge a service fee on top of the government visa cost.
• Verdict: If you want peace of mind and professional review, an agent is worth the extra cost.

What are common reasons for Burkina Faso visa rejection?

Bahraini applicants should avoid these common mistakes:

1. Blurry Documents: Uploading a passport scan where the text is fuzzy or cut off.
2. Invalid Yellow Fever Card: Uploading a receipt of payment instead of the actual WHO Yellow Card.
3. Profession Proof Mismatch: Stating "Engineer" on the form but uploading a document that says "Student."
4. Passport Validity: Applying with a passport that expires in less than 6 months.

Conclusion

Traveling from the Gulf to West Africa is an exciting journey. For Bahraini citizens, the Burkina Faso eVisa is the key to unlocking this adventure. By preparing your Yellow Fever certificate, ensuring your passport is valid, and choosing the right application channel—whether the official site or a trusted agent—you can look forward to a seamless arrival in the warmth of Burkina Faso.