Overall: Reconsider your need to travel
Latest update:We've reviewed our travel advice for Burkina Faso. Do not travel to the eastern regions of Burkina Faso due to high threat of terrorist attack and kidnapping.
We haven't changed our overall level of advice:
Reconsider your need to travel to Burkina Faso overall due to the high risk of terrorist attack and kidnapping.
Higher levels apply in some parts of the country.
Burkina Faso (PDF 233.38 KB)
Call 1010.
Call 1010 or go to the hospital.
Call 1010 or go to the nearest police station.
Reconsider your need to travel to Burkina Faso overall.
Reconsider your need to travel to Burkina Faso overall due to the high risk of terrorist attack and kidnapping. See Safety
Do not travel to all areas along the borders with Mali, Niger, Benin and Togo, and all areas of the northern, eastern and western regions.
Do not travel to the northern, eastern regions and western regions:
north of the line between Orodara- Salanso-Tougan-Ouhigouya-Djibo-Dori
north-eastern regions towards Ouagadougou (including parts of Toma, Yako, Kaya and Boulsa)
any border area with Mali in the south west (including towns of Sindou, Orodara, Salanso, and Nouna)
W National Park on Burkina Faso's south-eastern border with Niger and Benin
along Burkina Faso's eastern border with Niger
These areas have a high risk of banditry, terrorist attack and kidnapping. See Safety
Terrorist attacks and kidnapping are high risks in Burkina Faso. Many people have been killed or injured in terrorist attacks and kidnappings in recent years, including Australians. Follow advice from local authorities. Obey curfews. Get professional security advice.
Protests or other civil unrest may occur. These can turn violent.
Airports and land borders may close at short notice. You'll have limited access to consular help if this happens.
Avoid rallies, protests and large crowds. Monitor the media for news of unrest.
Petty crime and violent crime are common. Security risks increase at night. Avoid travelling alone or after dark.
The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa is now over, but more cases may occur.
Yellow fever, malaria and other insect-borne diseases are common. Make sure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent.
The rate of HIV/AIDS infection is high. Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure.
Medical facilities are poor and emergency services are very limited. If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll be evacuated. Get insurance to cover this.
It's illegal to take photos of military zones, assets or personnel.
Burkina Faso has conservative standards of dress and behaviour.
Same-sex relationships are legal, but locals are often intolerant of them.
If you decide to travel to Burkina Faso despite our advice, contact an embassy or consulate of Burkina Faso for details about visas. Conditions can change at short notice.
You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Burkina Faso. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.
It's illegal to export art without government approval. This can include old or traditional artist works and all old material of national cultural significance.
Road travel is dangerous. Don't drive at night. Don't use public transport due to the risk of crime.
The Consular Services Charter tells you what the Australian government can and can't do to help when you're overseas.
Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Burkina Faso. For consular help, contact the Canadian Embassy in Ouagadougou.
You can also get help from the Australian High Commission, Ghana.
There's a high risk of terrorist attacks and kidnapping.
Local extremist militant groups have attacked targets in Burkina Faso. The threat of kidnapping is highest in the north and east of the country.
Terrorists could launch an attack any time. Targets could include places with foreign interests or popular with foreigners, such as:
On 31 December 2018, the Burkina Faso Government declared a state of emergency. This applies to several provinces including northern and eastern Burkina Faso along the Mali, Niger, Togo and Benin borders. The emergency measure gives security forces powers to search homes and restrict movement.
Follow directions from local authorities and obey curfews.
In May 2018, terrorist organisations warned attacks would target Westerners and Western companies in the Sahel. Mining companies in Burkina Faso have been reviewing their security practices and procedures for possible terrorist incidents.
Militant local groups pose a serious kidnapping threat in the north, particularly extremists from Mali. AQIM has stated it aims to target foreigners for terrorist attacks and kidnapping. This group has claimed responsibility for several local attacks since 2006, and taken hostages from remote areas.
Other recent major terror attacks include:
On 6 November 2019, at least 39 people were killed in an attack on a mining convoy near Boungou in eastern Burkina Faso.
On 3 November 2019, the Deputy Mayor of Djibo in northern Burkina Faso was killed in a roadside ambush.
On 16 January 2019, a Canadian citizen was kidnapped from a mine site in Yagha Province, Sahel region and killed.
On 27 December 2018, terrorists killed 10 police officers in an attack in north-west Burkina Faso.
On 23 September 2018, terrorists kidnapped three Inata gold mine staff travelling between Inata and Tongomayel, near Djibo.
On 17 September 2018, terrorists kidnapped an Italian priest in Bomanga, Niger, around 15km from the Burkina Faso/Niger border.
In August 2018, there were 2 attacks on a Canadian-owned mining company's sites in eastern Burkina Faso.
In March 2018 and August 2017, attacks occurred in central Ouagadougou, killing and injuring several people.
In January 2016, an attack at the Splendid Hotel in central Ouagadougou killed at least 30 people, including several foreigners. Al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) claimed responsibility.
In January 2016, terrorists kidnapped two Australians near Djibo in northern Burkina Faso.
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
Australian officials visiting Burkina Faso adopt extra security measures in response to the changing security environment.
If you travel to Burkina Faso despite the risks:
get professional security advice
use effective personal security measures
report suspicious activity to the police
watch the media for threats
follow instructions from local authorities
Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places.
Avoid possible targets for terror attacks, or have an exit plan if you must go.
If there is an attack near you, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.
Burkina Faso's political situation has stabilised since presidential elections in late 2015. The elections followed an attempted military coup in September 2015.
To reduce your risk during periods of unrest:
avoid rallies, protests and crowds
monitor the media for possible unrest
avoid affected areas
follow advice from local authorities
If a protest happens near you, leave the area as soon as it's safe.
Purse snatching, muggings and thefts from hotel rooms are common, especially in Bobo Dioulasso and Ouagadougou.
Muggings often happen in Ouagadougou around the:
United Nations traffic circle
Thefts are sometimes committed by one or two people on a motorbike.
Security risks increase at night.
Armed thieves operate across the country. They attack buses and other vehicles on roads connecting major cities within Burkina Faso and nearby countries.
Attacks can happen anywhere.
Armed thieves use roadblocks to stop vehicles, and may open fire.
Some thieves use spotters to identify victims at roadhouses and checkpoints.
Most attacks occur at night, but can happen during the day.
To reduce your risk of crime:
avoid travelling alone or after dark
pay close attention to your personal security, particularly in crowds
keep your car windows and doors locked, even when you're moving
drive in a convoy outside of urban areas
don't visit banks or use ATMs alone
only use ATMs in banks, hotels and other buildings with security
Preventing muggings and robberies
Commercial internet fraud is common in West African countries. Fake internet friendship, dating and marriage scams also operate from West Africa.
Internet scams may be in the form of romance, friendship, business or job offers. These scams usually start in internet dating sites or chat rooms.
People have lost money to internet scams.
If you travel to the scammer's country, you risk kidnapping, assault, robbery and even murder.
Criminals might:
ask for details of safe bank accounts overseas to transfer large amounts of money — they may offer you a donation or percentage
provide fake cashier cheques for urgent shipments of goods
ask for large fees for a fake government contract
make fake job offers
extort money from people they've invited to Africa for business
Scammers usually operate by either:
Asking their friend or prospective marriage partner to send them money to travel to Australia. After they get the money, they end the relationship. You most likely won't get your money back.
Luring people to travel to Africa. Once there, you may be kidnapped, assaulted, robbed or murdered.
To avoid scams:
be wary of messages you receive from people you don't know in Burkina Faso or other West African countries
make proper checks before you send money to anyone in Burkina Faso
If you're the victim of a scam, get legal advice.
Don't travel to Burkina Faso to get your money back.
Flooding may occur in the wet season from June to October. Floods can close roads.
If a natural disaster or severe weather occurs:
secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
watch local media and other sources
keep in touch with friends and family
Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries.
Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Burkina Faso. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
Ebola virus disease
The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa was the most serious in recorded history. The outbreak is now over, but more cases may occur.
Insect-borne diseases
Yellow fever is common in Burkina Faso. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.
Malaria and other insect-borne diseases are common.
wear long, loose, light-coloured clothes
The rate of HIV/AIDS infection is high. Take precautions if you engage in activities that may expose you to the virus.
bilharzia (shistosomiasis)
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
avoid ice cubes
avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
Medical facilities are poor and emergency services are very limited, particularly outside Ouagadougou.
Doctors and hospitals often need cash payment before they'll treat you.
If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be moved to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
It's also illegal to export art without approval from the Ministry of Culture. This can include:
old or traditional artisan works
all old material of national cultural significance
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas.
If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
Burkina Faso recognises dual nationality.
Take care not to offend. If in doubt, ask for local advice.
Advice for LGBTI people
If you decide to travel to Burkina Faso despite our advice, be aware that entry and exit conditions can change at short notice.
Contact an embassy or consulate of Burkina Faso for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
The local currency is the West African Franc (CFA Franc, or XOF).
Declare all foreign currency and CFA on arrival.
Access to money
It's hard to exchange Australian dollars in Burkina Faso.
You can exchange US dollars and euros at commercial banks and exchange bureaus in major centres.
Some large hotels and restaurants in Ouagadougu accept credit cards.
Few businesses outside of the capital accept credit cards. There are few ATMs outside major cities.
Plan ahead and have enough cash to meet your needs. Contact your bank to make sure you can use your cards.
To drive in Burkina Faso, you need both:
a valid Australian driver licence
Get your IDP before you leave Australia.
You're 5 times more likely to be killed in a road accident in Burkina Faso than in Australia.
Apart from the national highways, most roads are in poor condition and poorly lit.
Many vehicles are also in poor condition.
Driving outside Ouagadougou at night is dangerous. Vehicles don't always use or have headlights. Livestock can stray onto roads.
Armed thieves target vehicles across the country. See Safety
If you plan to drive:
check your insurance covers you for driving
learn about local traffic laws and practices
carry enough fuel and drinking water
To reduce your risks:
don't drive at night
keep car windows up and doors locked, even when moving
don't leave marked roads
If you travel outside Ouagadougou:
get local advice on road and security conditions
leave details of your travel plans with someone
travel in a convoy
carry a first aid kit and multiple ways to communicate
Make sure your travel insurance covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.
Always wear a helmet.
Use registered taxis and limousines. It's best to book them through your hotel.
Don't use public transport due to safety concerns and the risk of crime. Many public buses are poorly maintained, and serious accidents occur.
If you do use public transport despite our advice, protect your belongings, especially during overnight travel.
Check Burkina Faso's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Burkina Faso.
You can access consular help from the Canadian Embassy in Ouagadougou. It can issue provisional travel documents.
You can also get consular help from the Australian High Commission in Ghana.
Canadian Embassy, Ouagadougou
316 Professeur Joseph Kizerbo Ave
Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso
Phone: (+226 25) 49 08 00
Fax: (+226 25) 49 08 10
Email: ouaga@international.gc.ca
Website: canadainternational.gc.ca/burkinafaso
Australian High Commission, Accra
2, Second Rangoon Close
(cnr Josef Broz Tito Ave)
Cantonments
Email: Accrahc.Enquiries@dfat.gov.au
Website: ghana.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission, Ghana
Twitter: @AusAmbGHA
Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
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