Quick Guide to Burkina Faso Before You Go: Visas, Safety Tips, Seasons, Budget & Etiquette
Pre-departure checklist for this lesser-known West African landlocked country: how to apply for an e-visa, whether you have your yellow fever certificate, which areas are strictly off-limits, how much to budget per day in West African CFA francs, and how to arrange accommodation and cash.
Visas & Entry
Most foreign visitors need to apply for a Burkinabé visa in advance. A single- or multiple-entry visa can be obtained online via the official e-visa platform. Typically, you’ll need a scanned copy of the first page of your passport, a passport photo, and a travel itinerary. Processing usually takes around 3–5 business days. Upon arrival, you must present proof of yellow fever vaccination (the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, or “yellow card”). Border control may ask about your accommodation and return travel plans. Due to the local security situation, be sure to check the latest travel advisories from your country’s foreign ministry and embassy or consulate in Burkina Faso before departure. Avoid traveling to the northern, northeastern, and eastern border areas mentioned in these advisories.
Best Time to Visit
- Cool Season (November–February): Daytime temperatures range from 28–32°C, dropping to around 15°C at night. It’s dry and the rainy season has ended—this is the only recommended travel period. The FESPACO Film Festival (held in late February in odd-numbered years) also takes place during this time.
- Hot Season (March–May): Temperatures often exceed 40°C and are accompanied by dust storms. Travel is not recommended.
- Rainy Season (June–October): Roads in the southwest can become muddy and mosquitoes more prevalent. If you must travel, bring rain gear and take malaria protection measures.
Budget Reference (Per Person, Excluding International Flights)
| Category | Daily Cost (West African CFA francs) | Description |
|---|
| Budget | 15,000–25,000 (approx. 23–38 euros) | City guesthouses, street food, and taxis |
| Comfortable | 35,000–60,000 (approx. 53–92 euros) | International hotels, private car hire, and interpreter services |
| Special Trips | 70,000+ | Safari in protected areas, personal security, and private guides |
Etiquette & Taboos
- Greetings are very important. Starting a handshake with a French greeting such as Bonjour or Comment ça va will help build rapport quickly.
- Use your right hand to give or receive items and food—the left hand is considered unclean in local culture.
- Remove your shoes when entering a mosque. Women should bring skirts that cover the knees and a shawl to cover the shoulders.
- Photography of military, police, airports, and government buildings is strictly prohibited. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people or at markets.
- During Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking in public during daytime in front of Muslims.
Emergency & Contact Info
- Before departure, register your trip with your country’s foreign ministry or travel advisory service, and save the contact numbers for the nearest embassy or consulate in Burkina Faso, as well as local emergency numbers: Police (17), Gendarmerie (16), and Fire (18).
- Choose centrally located international hotels in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso that have guards and perimeter walls. Once checked in, confirm at least two escape and assembly routes.
- Carry a basic first aid kit, a copy of your yellow fever vaccination certificate, a photocopy of your passport, and a 3-day supply of medications in your luggage to prepare for checkpoints and emergencies.