--- title: United States visa for citizens of Burkina Faso description: "Citizens of Burkina Faso need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 180 days. Fee: $185. Processing: 3–10 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/united-states/burkina-faso lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # United States visa for citizens of Burkina Faso 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.* Official application site: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/ ## 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 - **Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay)** (Identity): Must have at least two blank visa pages. - **DS-160 confirmation page** (Travel): Online nonimmigrant visa application form. - **Passport-style photo (5x5 cm, white background)** (Identity): Uploaded during DS-160 submission. - **Visa fee payment receipt** (Financial): Pay the MRV fee at designated bank or online. - **Appointment confirmation letter** (Travel): Printed from the appointment scheduling system. - **Bank statements (last 3-6 months)** (Financial): Show sufficient funds to cover travel expenses. - **Employment letter or proof of ties** (Employment): Letter from employer stating position, salary, and approved leave. - **Travel itinerary (if applicable)** (Travel, optional): Flight and hotel reservations (not required but helpful). - **Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends)** (Supporting, optional): From host in the US, including their status and address. - **Proof of accommodation** (Travel, optional): Hotel booking or host's address. - **Previous US visas (if any)** (Supporting, optional): Include expired passports with old visas. - **Marriage certificate (if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): To prove family ties. - **Birth certificate (for minors)** (Identity, optional): Required for minor applicants. - **Police clearance certificate (if requested)** (Supporting, 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. ## FAQs ### 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](https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/) ## More - [United States visa for every passport](/visa/united-states) - [Every destination for Burkina Faso passport holders](/visa/passport/burkina-faso)