Moving to Burkina Faso

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence permit process for Burkina Faso depends significantly on your nationality. Citizens of certain countries, particularly within the ECOWAS region, may enjoy visa-free entry or simplified procedures. For individuals from EU member states and other non-ECOWAS nations, a visa is generally required prior to arrival. The typical routes for obtaining a residence permit include employment (work permit), family reunification, study, or for those demonstrating sufficient independent means. It is crucial to verify the most current requirements, application procedures, and necessary documentation directly with the Embassy or Consulate of Burkina Faso in your country of origin, or with the relevant immigration authorities once you arrive. Requirements can change, so always consult official sources.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Burkina Faso often involves a combination of online searches, local real estate agents, and word-of-mouth referrals. For initial temporary accommodation, options range from hotels to serviced apartments, especially in larger cities like Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso. For long-term rentals, properties can range from modern apartments in gated communities to more traditional houses. The rental process typically involves signing a lease agreement, often for a minimum of one year. Landlords usually require a security deposit, which can be equivalent to one or more months' rent, in addition to the first month's rent upfront. It's advisable to thoroughly inspect the property before signing any agreement and to clarify what utilities (water, electricity) are included or separate. Engaging a reputable local agent can be beneficial for navigating the market and understanding local rental customs.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The overall cost of your relocation to Burkina Faso is influenced by several key factors. The volume and weight of your belongings are primary determinants; naturally, a larger shipment will cost more to transport. The distance of your move, originating from your current location to your destination in Burkina Faso, also plays a significant role. The season of your move can sometimes impact costs, with peak moving seasons potentially incurring higher rates. Accessibility at both your origin and destination, such as the need for shuttle services if large trucks cannot access your residence, can add to the expense. Finally, any extra services you opt for, such as professional packing, unpacking, storage, or specialized handling for delicate items, will contribute to the total cost. For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, a free quote is always recommended.

Timeline & Packing Tips

• 8 Weeks Out:
  • Declutter extensively. Decide what to sell, donate, or discard. This is the best time to reduce your shipping volume.
  • Start researching visa and residence permit requirements and gather necessary documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage licenses, educational degrees).
  • Obtain multiple quotes for your international move.
• 6 Weeks Out:
  • Confirm your moving company and finalize dates.
  • Begin packing non-essential items. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room.
  • Notify schools and employers of your departure.
  • Arrange for necessary vaccinations and acquire any required prescriptions.
• 4 Weeks Out:
  • Confirm utility disconnections (electricity, water, internet) for your current home.
  • Arrange for mail redirection.
  • Make travel arrangements to Burkina Faso.
  • Start packing more essential items, leaving only daily necessities.
• 2 Weeks Out:
  • Pack a "first-night" box with essentials for arrival (toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, important documents).
  • Confirm final details with your moving company.
  • Back up important computer files and store them securely.
• 1 Week Out:
  • Empty refrigerator and freezer.
  • Confirm all utilities are scheduled for disconnection.
  • Clean your current home.
  • Gather all important documents (passports, visas, insurance policies) to carry with you personally.
• Packing Tips:
  • Use sturdy boxes and quality packing materials.
  • Wrap fragile items individually with ample cushioning.
  • Avoid overpacking boxes to prevent them from becoming too heavy or breaking.
  • Label all boxes clearly and comprehensively.
  • Keep an inventory of all packed items for insurance and customs purposes.

We encourage you to request a free quote on relocation123.com to start planning your move to Burkina Faso today.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Burkina Faso: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to a new country can be an exciting adventure, and understanding the customs and import regulations for your personal belongings is a crucial step. This guide provides a clear overview of what you need to know when moving your household goods and vehicles to Burkina Faso.

If you're relocating as a new resident

When moving your household goods to Burkina Faso, all personal effects will be subject to a UEMOA tax of 1.3% of their CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value. It's essential that you are present in Burkina Faso when your shipment arrives to facilitate the clearance process.

What you'll need

• Information form
• Copy of your passport
• Detailed, dated, valued, and signed inventory of your belongings
• Signed copy of the Washington Convention form
• Letter confirming your employment in Burkina Faso
• Move certificate from your origin country's city hall
• Limitation of liability document
• BESC/ECTN (Bordereau Electronique de Suivi des Cargaisons / Electronic Cargo Tracking Note)
• Bill of Lading (BL) or Sea Waybill (SWB) with the BESC/ECTN details
• Sea freight invoice
• Packing List

Good to know

• Approximate customs clearance time for sea freight is 7-16 days from Terminal Ouagadougou to your residence.
• For air freight, clearance typically takes 7 days from Airport Ouagadougou to your residence.
• The first 10 days are free of charge for sea consignments, and 7 days for air consignments.
• After these free periods, demurrage fees for containers are CFA 75,000 per day, calculated from the 10th day. Terminal fees will also apply from the 10th day. These fees are your responsibility.
• For airfreight, fees after the free period are calculated according to weight.

Diplomatic moves

Diplomats moving to Burkina Faso are eligible for exemption from the UEMOA tax on personal effects. This requires a specific application process.

What you'll need

• All documents required for new residents
• Application for diplomatic exemption (to be submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs)

Good to know

• Diplomats must apply for diplomatic exemption at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Burkina Faso as soon as the shipment arrives.
• The client must sign the application form with details provided by the moving company and transfer it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) or to their employer for signature, then return it to the moving company.
• This process for obtaining the SOMMIER (customs document) can take anywhere from 1 to 30 days.
• Even for diplomats, demurrage and terminal fees will apply if the shipment is delayed beyond the free periods.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing a motor vehicle to Burkina Faso involves specific documentation and significant taxes and duties, which vary based on your residency status.

What you'll need

• All documents required for household goods
• Copy of vehicle documents (e.g., car title or registration document)
• Declaration of value of the vehicle
• Origin car report

Good to know

• For all expatriates (except diplomats), taxes and duties on imported vehicles amount to 48% of the CIF value.
• For returning Burkinabe diplomats, taxes and duties on imported vehicles are 2.3% of the CIF value for the first vehicle and 48% of the CIF value for the second vehicle.
• All vehicles must be presented to the CCVA (vehicle roadworthiness office) and the BVA (motor vehicle customs bureau) by you or an authorized representative.
• After customs clearance, vehicles will be released at the BVA park unless special arrangements are made for transportation to your residence.

Frequently asked questions

What is CIF value?
CIF stands for Cost, Insurance, and Freight. It is the total value of your inventory plus the cost of freight and insurance for your shipment.

Do I need to be in Burkina Faso for my shipment to clear customs?
Yes, you must be physically present in Burkina Faso when your goods arrive in the country.

How long does customs clearance usually take?
For sea freight, it typically takes 7-16 days. For air freight, it's usually around 7 days.

What happens if my shipment is delayed at the port or airport?
You will incur demurrage fees for containers (CFA 75,000 per day after 10 free days for sea freight) and terminal fees. For air freight, fees are calculated by weight after 7 free days.

Are diplomats exempt from all import fees?
Diplomats can apply for exemption from the 1.3% UEMOA tax on personal effects. However, they are still subject to demurrage and terminal fees if their shipment is delayed.

What are the taxes on imported vehicles for non-diplomats?
Expatriates (non-diplomats) will pay 48% of the CIF value in taxes and duties on imported vehicles.

For further assistance with your move to Burkina Faso, please contact relocation123.com.

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