Burkina Faso passport → United States

United States visa for citizens of Burkina Faso

Embassy / VFSB1/B2 Visitor Visa (Tourist/Business)

Citizens of Burkina Faso need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · B1/B2 Visitor Visa (Tourist/Business)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 180 days
Visa validity	3650 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	3–10 days
Government fee	$185
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Required
Onward or return ticket	Not required
Proof of funds	Bank statements showing sufficient funds for the trip

How to apply

1
Complete DS-160 Form Online
Fill out the online nonimmigrant visa application form at ceac.state.gov/genniv/ and print the confirmation page.
2
Pay Visa Application Fee
Pay the non-refundable MRV fee (currently $185) at a designated bank or via the online payment system.
3
Schedule Interview Appointment
Log in to the US Visa Information Service website for Burkina Faso to book an interview at the US Embassy in Ouagadougou.
4
Attend Visa Interview
Arrive at the embassy on the scheduled date with all required documents. Biometrics (fingerprints) will be taken during the interview.
5
Wait for Processing
After the interview, your application will be processed. This typically takes 3-10 business days.
6
Collect Passport
If approved, your passport with visa will be returned via courier or available for pickup at the designated location.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
Must have at least two blank visa pages.
Passport-style photo (5x5 cm, white background)
Uploaded during DS-160 submission.
Birth certificate (for minors)
Optional
Required for minor applicants.

Travel

DS-160 confirmation page
Online nonimmigrant visa application form.
Appointment confirmation letter
Printed from the appointment scheduling system.
Travel itinerary (if applicable)
Optional
Flight and hotel reservations (not required but helpful).
Proof of accommodation
Optional
Hotel booking or host's address.

Financial

Visa fee payment receipt
Pay the MRV fee at designated bank or online.
Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
Show sufficient funds to cover travel expenses.

Employment

Employment letter or proof of ties
Letter from employer stating position, salary, and approved leave.

Supporting

Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends)
Optional
From host in the US, including their status and address.
Previous US visas (if any)
Optional
Include expired passports with old visas.
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Optional
To prove family ties.
Police clearance certificate (if requested)
Optional
May be requested for certain applicants.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Sufficient to cover trip costs (no fixed amount)

Bank statements
Pay slips
Tax returns
Sponsor letter if applicable

Must demonstrate ability to fund the trip without working in the US.

Good to know

Visa approval does not guarantee entry; final decision is made by CBP officer at the US port of entry.
Appointment wait times can be long; apply well in advance.
All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient ties to home country (e.g., lack of employment, family, property)

Provide strong evidence of employment, family, and assets in Burkina Faso.

Incomplete or inconsistent application

Double-check all information on DS-160 and bring all required documents.

Previous visa violations or overstays

Be honest about past travel history; provide explanation if needed.

Inadequate financial proof

Submit bank statements showing sufficient funds for the entire trip.

FAQ

Do citizens of Burkina Faso need a visa for the United States?

Citizens of Burkina Faso need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: B1/B2 Visitor Visa (Tourist/Business).

How long can citizens of Burkina Faso stay in the United States?

Up to 180 days.

How much does the United States visa cost for citizens of Burkina Faso?

Government fee: $185.

How long does United States visa processing take?

Typically 3–10 days.

What documents do citizens of Burkina Faso need for the United States?

Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay); DS-160 confirmation page; Passport-style photo (5x5 cm, white background); Visa fee payment receipt; Appointment confirmation letter; Bank statements (last 3-6 months); and 8 more.

How long must my passport be valid for the United States?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/

Sources

ceac.state.gov

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