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Visitor & short-stay visas

Burkinabè Visa-free entry for ECOWAS / African nationals

Visa-free short stays for West African and certain African nationals, subject to change following Burkina Faso's AES membership.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

ECOWAS visa-free entry is stated on the official stay-conditions page, but Burkina Faso's withdrawal from ECOWAS and AES arrangements may change the exempt list and conditions. Confirm the current exempt nationalities before publishing.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Burkina Faso government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Visa exemption (ECOWAS / African free movement)
Route type
Visitor / visa-free entry
Typical stay
Up to 90 days for eligible nationals
Document required
Valid passport or recognised community travel / consular identity document
Maximum stay (ECOWAS)
Up to 90 days visa-free
Stays beyond 90 days require a long-stay visa or residence permit
Cost (ECOWAS)
Free - no entry visa required
Cost (other African nationals)
Visa fee waived
Council of Ministers decree makes visas fee-free for African nationals
Required document (ECOWAS)
Valid consular identity card or ECOWAS travel document
Residence
ECOWAS nationals are exempt from the residence-permit requirement

Who it is for

  • Nationals of eligible West African / African states
  • Short visits within the visa-free period

What to know

  • Stays over 90 days still require a long-stay visa or residence permit
  • Free-movement rules are affected by the ECOWAS/AES transition — verify current status

Requirements

  • ECOWAS (CEDEAO) nationals: a valid national passport or ECOWAS travel document, or a valid consular identity card
  • No entry visa is required for ECOWAS citizens for short stays
  • Nationals of other African countries: a visa is still required, but it is issued free of charge

How to apply

  • ECOWAS citizens: travel on a valid ECOWAS travel document or passport; no advance visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days
  • Carry a valid consular identity card, which ECOWAS residents must hold in place of a residence permit
  • If staying beyond the permitted short-stay period, apply for a long-stay visa or residence permit through the Migration Division
  • Nationals of other African states: apply for a visa online, at an embassy, or at the border, with no visa fee charged

Frequently asked questions

  • No. ECOWAS citizens have visa-free entry under the free-movement protocol. Nationals of other African countries still need a visa, but a Council of Ministers decree means the visa is issued free of charge. The security ministry has confirmed this is a fee waiver, not a visa exemption.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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