Dreaming of sun-drenched beaches, golden temples and lively street food in Thailand? If you’re traveling from Burkina Faso (or living there) and wondering how to apply for Thailand tourist visa online, this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through the details in plain language — what you need, what you can expect, and what to watch out for.
Do I need a visa to visit Thailand from Burkina Faso?
Do you, as a citizen of Burkina Faso (or living there), need a visa for Thailand? Yes, you generally do need a visa, because Burkina Faso is not included in Thailand’s visa-exemption list for ordinary tourist entry.
That means you cannot simply hop on a plane and get a visa-free stamp (unless you hold some special passport type). Instead, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa ahead of your trip. Some sites point to a “Thailand Tourist eVisa” option for Burkinabe citizens, but caution is needed because not all are online.
In practice: if you hold a Burkina Faso ordinary passport, plan on applying for a Thai tourist visa before your departure. Great — now let’s dig into how, and whether the online route is available.
Can I apply for a Thailand tourist visa online?
Possibly, yes — depending on your nationality, where you apply from, and whether the eVisa system is available for that country.
Thailand has an official e-Visa portal for certain nationalities. However, one big caveat: many sources list Burkina Faso among countries that must apply via embassy or consulate, not purely online. For example, one guide states “Burkinabe citizens must obtain a visa” and that a visa-free or e-visa exemption is not available.
Another document lists Burkina Faso in the list of “eligible” for e-Visa for certain categories (tourist/business) via a private service.
My takeaway: Many Burkinabe travellers will still apply via a Thai diplomatic mission (embassy/consulate) rather than a fully self-serve online process. If you want to use an “online” application, check with the closest Thai embassy (for example in Dakar, Senegal, or an accredited office) to confirm whether you can apply online from Burkina Faso.
If you can apply online (or via a trusted e-Visa service) the process becomes simpler: fill the form, upload documents, pay fees, receive visa electronically. Official Thai e-Visa sites say processing is 24-72 hours for eligible nationalities.
In short: Yes, there is an online option in many cases — but for Burkina Faso the “online” route may still need embassy involvement. Always verify locally.
Which nationalities are eligible for the Thailand e-Visa online?
Knowing if your country is eligible is crucial. The online Thai e-Visa portal lists that “Any citizen or national of one of the countries listed below” is eligible for the scheme.
Another source (Annex list) includes Burkina Faso in the list of countries eligible for e-Visa.
But eligibility doesn’t automatically mean “fully online from your country.” Some key points:
Online eligibility means you can apply digitally, upload documents and pay online.
For some nationalities, the application may still need to be submitted via an embassy or local visa center.
What’s the minimum passport validity required for the Thai tourist e-Visa?
This is an important practical detail — your passport must meet validity and blank-page requirements.
A valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your arrival in Thailand, and have at least one blank visa page.
A recent passport-sized photograph: The photograph should be taken against a white background, with your face visible.
Proof of onward travel: You will need to provide proof of onward travel, such as a flight booking, to show that you will be leaving Thailand within the validity period of your eVisa.
Payment of eVisa fee: You will need to pay the eVisa fee, which can be done using a credit or debit card.
A completed online application form: You will need to complete an online application form, which will require you to provide personal information, such as your name, address, and passport details, as well as information about your travel plans.
A valid email address: You will need to provide a valid email address as all the correspondences will be sent to the provided email address, including the eVisa itself.
It's important to double-check all the information provided and the expiration date of the passport to avoid any inconvenience during the travel. Also, the eVisa is only valid for entry through certain designated airports and land border crossings.
How long does the processing of Thailand tourist e-Visa take?
Processing times vary based on the nationality, completeness of documents and the local Thai embassy processes. Some general figures:
The Thailand eVisa Processing Times typically take “3-5 working days” in many cases.
Another guide quotes 3-10 working days depending on completeness of documents, apply at least one month before travel.
Best practice: For a tourist visa from Burkina Faso, aim to apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel date. That gives buffer time for any document issues, embassy processing, or added questions.
What if my Thailand tourist eVisa application is rejected?
Rejection can happen — here’s what you can do and what to expect:
If your application is rejected, you will receive communication (email or portal notification) indicating the refusal. You should check why — common reasons: incorrect passport validity, insufficient supporting documents (flight booking, hotel booking, bank statements), mismatch in name/passport number, or your nationality isn’t eligible for online e-Visa.
If you are refused via the online/e-Visa process: you can apply via traditional visa route (via Thai diplomatic mission) instead. That means submitting paper documents and attending interview or submission at embassy.
No fees are typically refunded once you pay for visa submission — check terms carefully. (Many e-Visa portals make this clear.)
If you are rejected but still really want to go, reapply with corrected documents well in advance of travel date. Avoid last-minute applications.
In short: treat rejection as a signal to check your documents and process, not as the end of the road. Plan ahead.
Can I extend my stay in Thailand with a tourist e-Visa?
Yes — often you can extend your stay, but with conditions. Here’s how it works for tourist e-Visas (and tourist visas in general) in Thailand:
For most tourist visas (including e-Visa tourist), you are allowed to enter and stay for a specified number of days (e.g., 60 days).
If you wish to stay longer, you may apply at a Thai Immigration Office (within Thailand) to extend your stay — for example an additional 30 days. The Thailand Visa Extension is not guaranteed; it’s at the discretion of immigration.
Note: Extensions may come with fees, and you’ll need to show you have lawful status, accommodation, and funds.
Also, a tourist e-Visa may have restrictions: e.g., single-entry vs multiple-entry. Ensure you check the type of visa you hold.
My recommendation: If you plan staying longer than the validity of the visa (e.g., more than 60 days), decide before you go. Maybe opt for a longer-stay visa or plan for extension. Once in Thailand, go to the local immigration office early on — don’t overstay.
Can I get a Thailand visa on arrival?
For tourists from some countries, yes — but for Burkina Faso, no, you cannot rely on the “Visa on Arrival” (VOA) scheme.
Here’s what to know:
Thailand’s Visa-on-Arrival scheme is only valid for certain nationalities (those from specified countries) for stays typically up to 15 or 30 days.
For Burkinabe citizens, the visa-free/VOA exemption does not apply. You must apply for a visa in advance.
Relying on VOAs when not eligible can result in denied boarding or entry, which is risky.
So: if you hold a Burkina Faso passport, don’t assume you can just arrive and get a VOA — plan ahead.
Can I use my Thailand tourist e-Visa for business purposes?
No, you should not use a tourist e-Visa for business purposes. Use the correct visa category.
It’s important to distinguish tourist visa vs business visa. A tourist visa is meant for leisure, sightseeing, visiting friends/family — not for conducting business (e.g., working, doing business deals, attending business meetings that generate income).
Using a tourist visa for regular business may violate Thai immigration rules and create complications. So:
If your purpose is purely tourism, sightseeing, relaxation — a tourist visa is appropriate.
If your purpose involves business meetings, contract negotiations, paid work, setting up business, you should apply for a business visa or other relevant visa category.
Using the wrong visa type may lead to refusal or being asked to change visa status, fines, or deportation.
Where can I check the status of my Thailand e-Visa application?
Once you apply, tracking your application status is key. Here’s how to do that:
If you apply via the official Thai e-Visa portal, you will usually get login credentials (account) where you can check status (submitted, processing, approved, rejected) and download your e-Visa once approved.
You will also receive email notifications. Keep the email that acknowledges receipt of application and the email with approval.
If you apply via a visa-agency service, they often provide status tracking and will notify you. However, make sure the service is legitimate and not adding extra hidden fees.
For the traditional embassy/consulate paper application route, you may need to contact the embassy’s visa section (phone/email) and quote your reference number.
Always print a copy of your approved e-Visa (PDF) and keep a digital copy on your smartphone — you will need to present it at immigration.
Travel Tips
Here are some practical travel tips to make your Thailand trip smooth and enjoyable:
1. Book your flights and accommodation early. immigration officers may ask for proof of onward/return flight and hotel bookings. Having these ready helps at the border.
2. Show you have sufficient funds. Thailand immigration sometimes checks for proof that you can support yourself. Budget per person as a guideline.
3. Health and travel insurance. Even though not always strictly checked, having travel insurance gives peace of mind — for accidents, illness, or unexpected trip changes.
4. Keep copies of your documents. Passport bio-page, visa approval, hotel booking, tickets — keep digital copies and some printed ones.
5. Respect visa-conditions. Leave before your stay permits expire. Avoid doing paid work if you entered on a tourist visa. Overstaying can carry fines and affect future travel.
6. Use reputable transfer/transport services. Thailand is safe for tourists but always stay alert, especially at night, in crowded markets or when dealing with tuk-tuks; agree on prices in advance.
7. Check local visa/immigration rules. Policies change — for example, Thailand introduced a new digital arrival card (TDAC) effective 1 May 2025 for all arrivals.
8. Currency and budget planning. Thailand uses the Thai Baht (THB). Check exchange rates in advance, and have a little cash on you. Some smaller vendors do not accept cards.
9. Respect local customs. Thailand has many temples (worship sites) where modest dress is appreciated. Learning a few Thai greetings (e.g., “Sawadee ka/krub”) goes a long way.
10. Plan for weather and seasons. Depending on when you travel, expect heat and humidity in many parts of Thailand, and plan accordingly.
Thailand e-Visa FAQs
Q: How long can I stay on a Thailand tourist e-Visa?
A: For many tourist visas, you may be granted stay up to 60 days for a single-entry tourist visa (check your visa type). The official portal mentions “single‐entry tourist eVisa: maximum stay per entry 60 days”.
Q: Can I enter Thailand by land or sea with the e-Visa?
A: Generally yes, if your e-Visa allows entry via land or sea. But some entry points may restrict electronic visas to airports. Always confirm permitted ports of entry.
Q: What documents do I need to apply online?
A: Commonly required: valid passport copy, recent photograph, travel itinerary (arrival/departure), confirmed accommodation booking, proof of funds/bank statement, sometimes employment/study proof.
Q: What happens if my passport expires while I’m in Thailand?
A: That’s risky. You should travel with a passport valid well beyond your stay. If your passport expires during stay, you may be required to renew via your home country embassy, pay fines, or depart earlier.
Q: Can I apply for the visa while already in Thailand?
A: No — you usually must apply before you travel. A tourist visa applied for while in Thailand may not be accepted unless you exit and re-enter under the correct visa category.
Q: Are there hidden fees?
A: Be careful. Use the official Thai government portal or the accredited visa service recommended by your nearest Thai embassy. Some “agents” add markup/hidden fees. Always ask for breakdown of fees.
Q: What if my travel dates change after getting visa?
A: Minor changes (within validity) are usually fine, but if you shift dates significantly you may need to notify the embassy or reapply. Always verify instructions from the issuing office.
Q: Will immigration ask for my hotel booking and return ticket?
A: Yes — immigration officers may ask to verify your onward/return ticket and lodging, so carry printouts and digital copies.
Q: Do children require separate visas?
A: Yes — each applicant (including minors) must complete their own application. Some documents differ (e.g., birth certificate).
