Document checklist
Burkina Faso → Canada: Short-stay tourist
What you need before you submit, checked against official requirements, not guesswork.
Checked by our automated verification on 20 Oct 2026: every source on this page resolves and the data is structurally complete. This does not confirm a person re-read the source text for accuracy.
Required documents
15 itemsIdentity
Biometrics (fingerprints and photo)
RequiredMost applicants need to give fingerprints and a photo at a visa application centre as part of the process.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Visitor visa
Children under 14: no biometrics
A child under 14 doesn't need to give fingerprints and a photo. The age used is the child's age on the day the application is submitted.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: Who needs to give biometrics
Children under 18: their own passport
RequiredA child needs their own passport. A parent's passport can't be used, even if the child's details are included in it. Submit the documents for your child's situation with the visa application, and bring them each time you travel.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: Minor children travelling to Canada
Completed application
RequiredThe visitor visa (temporary resident visa) application, submitted online or on paper.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Visitor visa
If a child travels alone or with one parent: a copy of their birth certificate
A copy of the child's birth certificate, in addition to their own passport.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: Minor children travelling to Canada
Valid passport
RequiredA clear, colour copy of the passport you'll travel on, valid for your stay.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Visitor visa
Financial
Proof of funds
RequiredEvidence you can support yourself in Canada, typically at least 6 months of bank statements showing your balance.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Visitor visa
Purpose of travel
Letter of invitation
RequiredIf you're visiting family or friends, a letter from them confirming the visit and your relationship helps establish your purpose, check your personalized document checklist in the online portal for whether it's needed in your case.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Visitor visa
Accommodation
Proof of accommodation
RequiredWhere you'll be staying, hotel bookings or your host's details.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Visitor visa
Employment
Proof of employment, business, or study
RequiredEvidence of your job, business, or studies at home.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Visitor visa
Travel
Travel itinerary
RequiredYour planned entry and exit dates.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Visitor visa
Other
If a child travels alone, or with an adult who isn't their parent or guardian: a letter of authorization
RequiredA letter of authorization, in English or French if possible, signed by both parents or the legal guardian. For a child travelling alone it includes the parents' (or guardian's) address and phone number, and the name, address and phone number of the adult who will look after the child in Canada. For a child travelling with another adult it is written permission for that adult to supervise the child, with addresses and phone numbers where the parents can be reached. It doesn't need to be certified, and a photocopy of the parents' or guardians' signed passports or national ID cards should be attached. The child won't be admitted if the officer isn't convinced their parents or guardians have authorized the stay.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: Minor children travelling to Canada
If a child travels with a legal guardian or adoptive parents: guardianship or adoption papers
A copy of the guardianship papers or the adoption papers, whichever applies.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: Minor children travelling to Canada
If a child travels with only one parent: a letter from the other parent
A letter of authorization, in English or French if possible, signed by the parent who isn't travelling, with their address and phone number, and a photocopy of that parent's signed passport or national ID card. If the parents are separated or divorced and share custody, the travelling parent carries copies of the custody documents, and it is best to also have a letter from the other parent. If one parent has sole custody, the letter can come from that parent only, with a copy of the custody decree. If a parent has died, bring a copy of the death certificate.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: Minor children travelling to Canada
Proof of ties to your home country
RequiredEvidence you're expected back home, property, family, or a job.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Visitor visa
Why applications on this route get refused
Incomplete documentation
Not providing everything on your personalized document checklist is a common reason for refusal or delay.
How to avoid it: Check the document checklist generated in your application portal and confirm everything is included.
Weak or insufficient financial proof
Bank statements that don't clearly cover your planned stay raise doubts about your ability to support yourself.
How to avoid it: Provide at least 6 months of clear, recent statements with a stable balance.
Purpose of visit not clearly supported
An officer can refuse if your documents don't clearly and consistently support your stated reason for visiting.
How to avoid it: Make sure your invitation letter (if any), itinerary, and other documents tell one consistent story.
Weak proof of ties to your home country
If an officer isn't convinced you'll leave Canada when your visit ends, they can refuse on that basis.
How to avoid it: Include proof of stable employment, property, or family ties at home.
Sources
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Visitor visa · checked 9 Sept 2026
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Entry requirements by country · checked 9 Sept 2026
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: Minor children travelling to Canada · checked 4 Oct 2026
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: Who needs to give biometrics · checked 4 Oct 2026
Check your documents against this list before you pay the Canada application fee.
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