Turkey e Visa for Burkina Faso Citizens

Turkey (Türkiye) sits at the crossroads of East and West, offering a mesmerizing blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. For citizens of Burkina Faso, visiting this incredible destination is a dream for many. Whether you are planning a business trip to Istanbul or a vacation in Cappadocia, the first step is securing the right travel documents.

If you hold a Burkina Faso passport, you might be wondering about the visa requirements. Can you apply online? What documents do you need? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Turkey e-Visa for Burkina Faso citizens, ensuring your journey starts smoothly.

Do Burkina Faso Citizens Need a Visa for Turkey?

Yes, citizens of Burkina Faso are required to have a visa to enter Turkey. You are not visa-exempt. However, the good news is that the Turkish government offers a simplified electronic visa (e-Visa) system for qualifying travelers. This means you can avoid long queues at the embassy if you meet specific criteria. If you do not meet these criteria, you will need to apply for a traditional sticker visa at the nearest Turkish diplomatic mission.

What Type of Passport Do I Need for the Application?

The requirements differ significantly based on the type of passport you hold:

• Ordinary Passports: If you hold a standard (ordinary) passport, you need an e-Visa. However, you must also hold a valid supporting document (Visa/Residence permit from Schengen, USA, UK, or Ireland).
• Official/Diplomatic Passports: Holders of diplomatic and official passports from Burkina Faso are often exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 90 days. Always check with the embassy to confirm the current status of your specific official passport category.

Note: Your passport must be valid for at least 60 days beyond your intended stay. For a standard 30-day visa, this means your passport must be valid for at least 90 days from the date you enter Turkey.

Critical Eligibility: The "Supporting Document" Rule

This is the most important section for Burkina Faso citizens. To be eligible for the online e-Visa, you must meet a specific conditional requirement:

• You must hold a valid visa or residence permit from one of the following:
• Schengen Area countries
• United States (USA)
• United Kingdom (UK)
• Ireland

Important: E-visas from these countries are generally not accepted as supporting documents. You typically need a physical sticker visa or a residence card. If you do not have this supporting document, you are not eligible for the Turkey e-Visa and must apply directly at a Turkish Embassy.

Documents Required for Turkey e-Visa Application

Before you start your application, gather the following documents Requirements for Turkey Visa to ensure a hassle-free process:

• Valid Passport: Your Burkina Faso passport must be valid for at least 60 days beyond your intended stay in Turkey.
• Supporting Document: As mentioned above, a valid visa or residence permit from the US, UK, Ireland, or a Schengen country.

Turkey eVisa Processing Time for Burkina Faso Citizens

One of the biggest advantages of the e-Visa is speed.

• Standard Processing: Typically takes 1 to 3 business days. This is perfect if you are planning ahead.
• Urgent Processing: If you are in a hurry, many visa agents offer "Rush" services that can process your application in 6 to 12 hours.
• Super Rush: For emergency travel, some services can secure your visa in as little as 1 hour.

Note: Official processing times can vary, so it is always safer to apply at least 48 hours before your flight.

Can I Work in Turkey with an e-Visa?

No, absolutely not. The Turkey e-Visa is issued strictly for Tourism or Business (meetings, conferences, trade fairs) purposes.

• You are not allowed to seek employment, work for a Turkish company, or apply for jobs while on this visa.
• If you wish to work in Turkey, you must apply for a specific Work Visa through the Turkish Embassy in Burkina Faso before your trip. Working illegally can lead to deportation and a permanent ban from re-entering the country.

How long is the Turkey E-visa valid for?

It is crucial to understand the difference between validity and duration of stay:

• Validity of Visa: Your e-Visa is generally valid for 180 days (6 months) from the date of issue. You can enter Turkey at any time during this window.
• Duration of Stay: For Burkina Faso citizens, the e-Visa is usually a Single Entry visa that allows you to stay for up to 30 days.
• Overstaying: Never overstay your 30-day limit, as this can lead to fines and bans from re-entering Turkey.

Why Choose an Authorized Visa Agent?

While you can apply directly, many travelers from Burkina Faso prefer using an authorized agent for peace of mind:

• Expert Review: Agents manually check your application to ensure you meet the "conditional" requirements, preventing immediate rejection.
• Language Support: Get help in French or your preferred language if the English forms are confusing.
• Flexible Payment: Agents often accept a wider range of payment methods than the government portal.
• Recovery: If you lose your email, agents can easily resend your visa file.

What are the Immigration Rules at the Airport?

When you arrive at a Turkish airport (like Istanbul IST or Sabiha Gökçen SAW), you will pass through immigration control. To ensure a smooth entry, follow these rules:

• Print Your Documents: Do not rely solely on your phone. Immigration officers often ask for a printed paper copy of your e-Visa.
• Show Proof of Funds: You may be asked to prove you can support yourself financially. The general rule is $50 USD per day of your stay.
• Proof of Accommodation: Have your hotel booking confirmation ready to show.
• Return Ticket: You must have a confirmed return flight ticket or an onward ticket to a third destination.
• Customs Declaration: Be aware that taking more than 25,000 TRY or 10,000 EUR (or equivalent) in cash out of the country requires declaration.

What Plug Type Does Turkey Use? 

Turkey uses Type F power plugs (standard European 2-pin round plugs). The standard voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.

• Tip: If your devices from Burkina Faso use Type C or E plugs (common in West Africa), they will usually fit into Turkey's Type F sockets. However, bringing a universal travel adapter is always recommended to be safe.

Which Ride Apps Should I Use? 

Avoid hailing taxis off the street if possible to ensure safety and fair pricing. Instead, download these apps before you arrive:

• BiTaksi: The most popular local taxi app. It works just like major ride-sharing apps but connects you to licensed yellow taxis.
• Uber: Uber works in Istanbul and major cities, but it typically dispatches regular yellow or turquoise taxis rather than private cars.

Ready to start your journey? Ensure you have your supporting documents ready and apply for your Turkey e-Visa today to experience the magic of Istanbul and beyond!