Burkina Faso Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your Burkina Faso trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
Burkina Faso faces a serious and ongoing security crisis driven by jihadist insurgency across the Sahel region, particularly in northern, eastern, and western provinces. Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso have experienced terrorist attacks. Most Western governments advise against all non-essential travel and against all travel to most provinces outside the capital.
Burkina Faso, meaning 'Land of Honest People,' is a West African nation rich in cultural heritage and traditional arts. From the vibrant capital Ouagadougou to the historic city of Bobo-Dioulasso, visitors can experience authentic West African culture, stunning natural landscapes including waterfalls and wildlife reserves, and warm hospitality.
Current Advisory
Level 4 - Do Not Travel (US State Department); FCDO advises against all travel to most of Burkina Faso and against all but essential travel to Ouagadougou. Check your government's current advisory before booking. Situation changes rapidly.
Last updated: 2025-01
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
US State Department
Do not travel to Burkina Faso due to terrorism, crime, and coup. Burkina Faso is experiencing an active terrorism insurgency particularly in northern, eastern, and western regions.
UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office
FCDO advises against all travel to Burkina Faso except Ouagadougou where FCDO advises against all but essential travel. The security situation is volatile and can deteriorate quickly.
Official Advisory Sources
- 🇺🇸 US: travel.state.gov
- 🇬🇧 UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- 🇨🇦 Canada: travel.gc.ca
- 🇦🇺 Australia: smartraveller.gov.au
Safety Checklist & Emergency Card
Download our printable safety checklist and emergency contact card.
Common Scams to Avoid
Be aware of these common tourist scams.
Taxi overcharging
Unlicensed or informal taxis charge tourists significantly inflated fares, especially from the airport. Without meters, fares are negotiated and tourists are routinely quoted 3-5x the standard rate.
Friendship scam
Strangers approach tourists offering unsolicited friendship, language practice, or guidance, then steer them toward shops where commission is charged, or eventually request money.
ATM card skimming
Standalone ATMs outside banks have been reported to have card skimming devices installed. Card cloning is a documented risk.
Counterfeit currency
Counterfeit XOF banknotes occasionally circulate at informal money exchange points and busy markets.
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
Register with your embassy before travel
Avoid all travel outside major cities
Stay in secure accommodations with armed security
Avoid night travel and large gatherings
Keep emergency contacts readily available
Monitor local news and security updates daily
Travel with experienced local guides only
Maintain comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation coverage
Dress conservatively and respectfully, especially in Muslim areas and rural communities; women should carry a scarf to cover hair when visiting mosques
Only use official ATMs inside banks or secure hotel lobbies; card skimming is reported at standalone ATMs; carry sufficient local currency (XOF) for rural areas
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
Solo travel to Burkina Faso is high-risk given the current security situation. If travelling solo, stay strictly within Ouagadougou's safer districts (Ouaga 2000), maintain constant communication with your embassy, use only hotel-arranged transport, and have a 24-hour emergency contact outside the country. Solo travel outside the capital is strongly discouraged.
Female Travelers
Female travellers face additional considerations in Burkina Faso beyond general security concerns. Dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) and carry a headscarf for mosque visits and conservative areas. Harassment can occur but is generally verbal. Travel with companions when possible, particularly at night. Women should avoid being alone with unknown male drivers or guides. Female-friendly accommodation is available at major hotels in Ouaga 2000.
Families
Family travel is feasible with careful planning but requires significant preparation. Ensure all children have current vaccinations including yellow fever, are on malaria prophylaxis, and are briefed on security protocols. Book hotels with pools and generators. Avoid rural travel and stick to established urban attractions. Have comprehensive family medical evacuation insurance. The security situation makes Burkina Faso a challenging destination for families with young children.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex activity is not explicitly illegal in Burkina Faso but is heavily stigmatised and not socially accepted. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples risk arrest for public indecency. LGBTQ+ travellers should exercise extreme discretion. There are no openly gay venues or organisations. The situation is sensitive and travellers should research current conditions carefully before visiting.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during your trip.
Vaccinations
Required: Yellow fever (must show certificate at entry). Strongly recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Meningitis, Rabies (if animal contact likely), Routine vaccines (MMR, DPT, Polio). Malaria prophylaxis essential year-round. Consult travel clinic 6-8 weeks before departure.
Water Safety
Unsafe to drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water only (widely available in cities). Avoid ice in drinks unless confirmed from bottled water. Use bottled water for brushing teeth.
Food Safety
Street food at busy, high-turnover stalls is generally safe. Avoid raw vegetables unless washed in purified water. Stick to hotel restaurants or well-regarded maquis for higher food safety standards.
Medical Facilities
Basic hospitals in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso but facilities are significantly below Western standards. Polyclinique Internationale Ouagadougou (+226 25 36 44 44) is the best option for non-emergency treatment. Serious illness or injury requires medical evacuation — comprehensive evacuation insurance is essential.
Medication Tips
- Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus extra
- Keep medications in original containers with pharmacy labels
- Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medications
- Some medications may be restricted - research before traveling
- Pack basic medications: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines
Emergency Contacts
Important numbers to have on hand.
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Medical Emergency
Hospitals and clinics
Your Embassy
Consular assistance
Tourist Police
Tourist assistance
Before You Go
- Register with your embassy's travel notification program
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Note your hotel's address in local language
- Share your itinerary with family/friends
- Know your travel insurance emergency hotline
Travel Confidently in Burkina Faso
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide