What is the difference between a burqa and a niqab?

The niqab

A niqab is a piece of cloth tied over the face below the eyes, worn with a headscarf and usually a loose abaya or jilbab. Some styles add a thin layer that can be lowered over the eyes too. It's common in the Gulf, North Africa and among veiled women in the West. The Quran's instruction to draw outer garments over oneself is one of the verses scholars discuss in this context:

The burqa

The burqa (also called a chadri) is a single garment, often light blue, that goes over the head and falls to the knees or ankles. The face is fully covered, and the woman sees through a small grille or mesh panel. It's a regional dress, mainly from Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan, and it's rarely seen in Europe or America.

Is either one required?

Islam doesn't require a particular garment like the burqa. What scholars discuss is whether a woman must cover her face at all:

• The majority of Hanafi, Maliki and many Shafi'i scholars say the face may be shown, and covering it is a virtuous choice.
• The well-known Hanbali view and some Shafi'i scholars say covering the face is required.

Women in ihram for Hajj or Umrah are told not to wear a niqab (Sahih al-Bukhari 1838). For the details, see Is niqab required in Islam?

Why the names get mixed up

News reports in Europe often say "burqa ban" when the laws actually target any face covering, so they mostly affect niqab-wearers. Several European countries, including France and Belgium, ban covering the face in public. If you're asked about it, it helps to know the difference and to explain that most women who veil choose it for themselves. See Is hijab a sign of oppression?