Burkina Faso visa requirements for Sierra Leoneans

Travel and visa requirements

Burkinabe Visa is not required for Sierra Leoneans

Stay Duration: 90 days

Entry Requirements

  • Sierra Leoneans intending to visit Burkina Faso can be granted a 3-month visa-free entry.
  • An original passport with at least six months validity, having at least 2 blank pages and a national ID is required.
  • Proof of accommodation or confirmed hotel reservation is to be provided.
  • A visitor is expected to have an onward or return ticket.
  • Intending visitors are also required to present proof of means of subsistence. Example: cash, credit cards or traveller's cheque.
  • Sierra Leoneans should possess valid health certificates and proof of yellow fever vaccination.
  • Dogs and cats must be accompanied by veterinary certificates.
  • These certificates should show proof of rabies vaccination given not less than 3 weeks and not more than 6 months prior to arrival and statement that no case of rabies has occurred in Sierra Leone for 60 days prior to arrival.
  • There are no restrictions placed on local currency (CFA Franc-XOF) and foreign currencies, if declared upon arrival.
  • The import of certain endangered species of plant, live animals and their products is prohibited/ restricted. 
  • Penalties for using, possessing or trafficking illegal drugs in Burkina Faso is severe.
  • Restrictions are placed on the quantity of alcohol and tobacco visitors can bring into the country.
  • A maximum amount of 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco is allowed.
  • The estimated flight time from Sierra Leone to Burkina Faso is 2 hours.
  • The power plugs and sockets are types C and E with the standard voltage and frequency being  220 V and 50 Hz respectively.
  • Burkina Faso possesses a tropical climate which alternates between a short rainy season and a long dry season. 
  • Due to its location in the hinterland and within the confines of the Sahara, the country’s climate is prone to strong seasonal and annual variation. 
  • Islam is the predominant religion in Burkina Faso, however, freedom of religion is generally accepted.
  • There is no time difference between Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso.
  • Burkina Faso is a multilingual country with French being the official language.
  • The Burkinabe are very polite people and would extend a hand for a handshake when they meet visitors.
  • The national dish in Burkina Faso is Rizau Gras. The English translation is Fat Rice and it is basically meat and rice with a stew mix of chillies and tomatoes.
  • Legs are a very sexual part of the body in the country, so female and male visitors are advised to wear long trousers at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions


How many languages are spoken in Burkina Faso?

Burkina Faso is  multilingual country with an estimated number of 70 languages spoken.


What was Burkina Faso previously called?

The country was previously called Upper Volta. The name was changed to Burkina Faso in 1984.


How easy is it to go around the country?

The most common and easy way to get around the country is by taxis. Taxis are inexpensive but prices should be negotiated before  boarding.