Burkina Faso Travel Risk Level

Do not travel to Burkina Faso for any reason due to crime , kidnapping , terrorism , and health . 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 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 . 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) 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. Departmen

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against travel FCDO advises against all travel to Burkina Faso. This is due to the threat of terrorist attacks and terrorist kidnap, and the unstable political situation in the country. Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel . Limited consular support There is no British Embassy in Burkina Faso and all consular support is provided from the British Embassy in Accra, Ghana. They cannot provide in-person assistance. If there is serious violence, unrest or a deterioration in the security situation, it could be difficult to leave safely. Do not rely on the British government to evacuate you as they may not be able to do so. Have your own plans on how you would leave the country, make sure you keep all travel documentation up to date and monitor the local situation. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel despite FCDO advice, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice . Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO : travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram