There was no change to the advisory level. The “health” risk indicator was added. Advisory summary was updated.
Do Not Travel to Burkina Faso for any reason due to crime, kidnapping, terrorism, and health.
Advisory summary
Do not travel to Burkina Faso for any reason.
U.S. government employee travel restrictions
U.S. government employees working in Burkina Faso are not allowed to travel outside of Ouagadougou due to safety risks. Personnel are discouraged from nighttime travel to the Balkiui and Rayongo (also known as Dayongo) neighborhoods of Ouagadougou’s Arrondissement 11.
Americans in Burkina Faso are strongly advised to take the same precautions.
Crime
State of Emergency
The Government of Burkina Faso has declared a state of emergency in the following territories:
- The entire Sahel and East regions
- The provinces of Kossi and Sourou (Boucle de Mouhoun region)
- The province of Kenedougou (Hauts Bassins region)
- The province of Loroum (North region)
- The province of Koulpelogo (Center-East region)
Violent crime is common throughout Burkina Faso. Crimes include kidnapping, assault, armed robbery, home invasion, and carjacking especially during local holidays and seasonal events.
Roadblocks, including those set up by armed groups, occur throughout the country. In urban areas, police checkpoints may also be present, particularly at night. In addition, highways across the country are frequently the scene of attacks on government, civilian, and commercial targets.
Local authorities may not recognize travelers with dual nationality. Your U.S. nationality may not be recognized if you are also a national of Burkina Faso. Review our information on Dual Nationality.
Kidnapping
The threat of kidnapping of Westerners by criminal or terrorist groups remains high throughout the region in Burkina Faso. This includes Ouagadougou and especially in the Sahel and East Regions. Extortion and kidnapping for ransom are big sources of financing for terrorist and criminal groups.
Terrorism
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Burkina Faso. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Terrorist organizations continue to plan and conduct terrorist activities throughout Burkina Faso. Terrorists and armed groups target foreigners to kidnap for ransom.
Terrorists may attack without warning:
- Spots frequented by foreigners anywhere in the country
- Police stations
- Customs offices
- Areas at or near mining sites
- Military posts
- Night clubs
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Places of worship and religious sites
- International diplomatic missions
- Local security forces and civilians
Health
Medical services for routine and emergency procedures are limited. Health facilities are available in major cities. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.
- Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
- Patients must cover all costs for transferring to or between hospitals.
- Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.
- Hospital-based care is only available through government institutions.
- Review the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information.
For Americans in Burkina Faso:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
- Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas.
- Review our information on Crime Abroad, Americans Missing Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
- Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
- There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Burkina Faso. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s Country Reports on Terrorism to learn more.
- Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization. Consider consulting with a professional security organization.
- Review the OSAC Country Security Report (formerly known as the Overseas Security Advisory Council) for Burkina Faso.
- Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Prepare a will. Designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or prepare a power of attorney.
- Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care or custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
- Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones. This helps them manage your affairs if you cannot return to the United States.
- Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. This helps them monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. Specify how you’ll confirm you’re safe (text, calls, etc.), how often, and who you’ll contact first to share the information.
- Identify key sources of possible help for you and your family in case of emergency, such as the local U.S. embassy or consulate, FBI, the State Department, your employer (if traveling on business), and local friends or family in the high-risk area.
- Choose one family member to serve as the point of contact. If you are kidnapped or taken hostage, that person can communicate with kidnappers or hostage-takers, media, U.S. or foreign government agencies, and members of Congress.
- Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones. If you are taken hostage, your loved ones will know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to confirm that you are being held captive and alive.
- Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them for identification purposes.
- Use all available safety measures in your home or hotel, always including locking doors and windows, and setting the alarm.
- If asked to stop by police, stop only in well-lit areas or places where several officers are posted.
- Before you travel, delete any sensitive photos, comments, or content that might be seen as controversial or inappropriate in your destination. Do this for your social media accounts, cameras, laptops, phones, and other accounts and devices.
- Leave your expensive or sentimental belongings behind.
- Refer to our list of medical providers.
- Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage.
- Check with your doctor about required vaccines and shots for high-risk exposure before you go to Burkina Faso.
- We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
- Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Burkina Faso.
