Orientation briefing in Burkina Faso

Many of Burkina Faso’s ethnic groups arrived in the region between the 12th and 15th centuries. The Gurma and Mossi peoples established several of the largest kingdoms in the area and used horse-mounted warriors in military campaigns. Of the various Mossi kingdoms, the most powerful were Ouagadougou and Yatenga. In the late 19th century, European states competed for control of the region. France eventually conquered the area and established it as a French protectorate.

The country achieved independence from France in 1960 and changed its name to Burkina Faso in 1984. Repeated military coups were common in the country’s first few decades. In 1987 Blaise COMPAORE deposed the president, established a government, and ruled for 27 years. In 2014, COMPAORE resigned after protests against his repeated efforts to amend the constitution's two-term presidential limit. An interim administration led a year-long transition, organizing presidential and legislative elections. In 2015, Roch Marc Christian KABORE was elected president, and he was reelected in 2020. In 2022, the military conducted two takeovers: In January, army colonel Paul Henri DAMIBA overthrew KABORE in a coup d'etat, and then in September, army captain Ibrahim TRAORE deposed DAMIBA and declared himself transition president. The transition government planned to hold elections by July 2024, but they may be delayed due to security concerns.

Terrorist groups -- including groups affiliated with Al-Qa’ida and the Islamic State -- began attacks in the country in 2016 and conducted attacks in the capital in 2016, 2017, and 2018. By early 2023, insecurity in Burkina Faso had displaced more than 2 million people and led to significant jumps in humanitarian needs and food insecurity. In addition to terrorism, the country faces a myriad of problems including high population growth, recurring drought, pervasive and perennial food insecurity, and limited natural resources. It is one of the world’s poorest countries.

The political situation also remains unstable following the military coup on 30 September 2022. Further coups are possible. If you choose to travel to Burkina Faso, you should remain vigilant and monitor local media.

The government has declared a state of emergency in the regions of:

• Centre-Est
• Est
• Centre Nord
• Nord
• Boucle du Mouhoun
• Sahel
• Hauts-Bassins
• Cascades

The measure gives security forces extra powers to conduct searches, restrict freedom of movement and detain persons of interest. Some civil rights may be suspended, including the right to protest and to hold large meetings. The military takeover in neighbouring Niger in 2023 may lead to unrest or protests in Ouagadougou.

Protests are common in Burkina Faso. Avoid political rallies, gatherings and demonstrations. Crowds can gather quickly and may become violent. Foreign, national and local government facilities have been targeted and damaged in previous demonstrations.

Monitor the local news to help you avoid such gatherings. If you become aware of a crowd gathering, leave the area immediately.

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.

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Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Burkina Faso

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Burkina Faso.  

Several terrorist groups operate in Burkina Faso, including Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) and Islamic State.

There is a high threat from terrorism throughout the country, including increasingly in the capital, Ouagadougou. Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreign nationals, such as:

• diplomatic premises
• conference centres
• tourist sites
• sporting and cultural events including music festivals
• shopping centres
• major roads and transport hubs
• religious sites and places of worship, particularly churches
• national parks and nature reserves
• foreign, national or local government buildings
• large crowds

There may be a heightened risk of attack during festivals, and religious and public holiday periods. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities.

There are frequent attacks across Burkina Faso, particularly close to the borders with Mali, Niger and Côte d’Ivoire and in the eastern region.

See also road safety

Examples of significant attacks include:

• in August 2024, at least 400 people were killed in a village attack in Barsalogho, Sanmatenga 
• in July 2024, the office of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) was attacked by gunfire in Djibo, Sahel 
• in February 2024, at least 15 people were killed in an attack on a church in Essakane, Oudalan 
• in February 2024, at least 12 people were killed in an attack on a mosque in Natiaboani, Gourma 
• in 2023, two foreign nationals were killed in an attack on a commercial truck convoy on the N3 (near Diori), Sahel  
• in 2023, around 20 people were killed in attacks on 6 villages in the southwest of Seytenga including Foufou, Mira and Lipsi

Terrorist kidnap 

There’s a very high threat of kidnapping by Al-Qaeda and regional Islamic State-affiliated groups in Burkina Faso. These include Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) and Islamic State Greater Sahara (ISGS ), who operate throughout Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.

A number of foreign nationals have been kidnapped and killed in Burkina Faso in recent years, especially in the northeast of the country.

British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.  

If you’re working or travelling in Burkina Faso, you should be aware of the risk of terrorist kidnapping. You should maintain a high level of vigilance at all times, including when travelling. You should be particularly vigilant when walking in crowded public places, including camps for displaced people, religious gatherings and insecure spaces like places of worship, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, night clubs, restaurants, nature reserves and national parks, and transport hubs. You should avoid regular patterns of travel and aim to only travel during daylight hours.

The long-standing policy of the British government is to not make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.

Political situation

The political situation also remains unstable following the military coup on 30 September 2022. Further coups are possible. If you choose to travel to Burkina Faso, you should remain vigilant and monitor local media.

The government has declared a state of emergency in the regions of:

• Centre-Est
• Est
• Centre Nord
• Nord
• Boucle du Mouhoun
• Sahel
• Hauts-Bassins
• Cascades

The measure gives security forces extra powers to conduct searches, restrict freedom of movement and detain persons of interest. Some civil rights may be suspended, including the right to protest and to hold large meetings. The military takeover in neighbouring Niger in 2023 may lead to unrest or protests in Ouagadougou.

Protests are common in Burkina Faso. Avoid political rallies, gatherings and demonstrations. Crowds can gather quickly and may become violent. Foreign, national and local government facilities have been targeted and damaged in previous demonstrations.

Monitor the local news to help you avoid such gatherings. If you become aware of a crowd gathering, leave the area immediately.

Crime

Vehicle crime

There is an increasing number of vehicle hold-ups on roads outside Ouagadougou. Drivers that refuse to stop when flagged down have been shot at.

Armed groups have also stopped drivers to rob passengers and their vehicles. Criminals have stopped public buses to assault and rob passengers, particularly at night.

Street crime

Street crime is a serious risk for foreign visitors. Most incidents are opportunist snatches of purses, wallets, jewellery and other valuables. Thieves are particularly active near the UN Circle and the former Central Market in Ouagadougou, and are often armed. Do not carry valuables in public places or walk alone at night.

Criminal kidnapping 

Kidnapping by criminal groups is widespread across Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. There is a possibility that criminal groups could sell people they kidnap as hostages to terrorist organisations.

British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release. You should avoid regular patterns of travel and aim to only travel during daylight hours.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Always carry your passport or residence permit.

Ramadan

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not:

• eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car
• play loud music or dance
• swear in public

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

The death penalty was reinstated in Burkina Faso in October 2026 for certain offences, including: 

• acts of terrorism  

• espionage  

• treason  

• parricide  

• importing expired or banned products that cause death

Do not get involved in drugs of any kind. If you’re convicted of possessing or distributing any illegal drug, you can expect heavy fines and long jail sentences. Local prison conditions are harsh.

Using cameras and filmmaking

Do not take pictures of military or other government installations.  

LGBT+ travellers

Same sex sexual activity and the ‘promotion’ of same-sex relationships is a criminal offence in Burkina Faso. If convicted, such charges could lead to prison sentences of up to 5 years.

There is little to no public acceptance of LGBT+ people or identities in Burkina Faso. There is an increased risk of harassment or violence against anyone thought to be part of the LGBT+ community, or perceived to be supporting their rights.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Souvenirs

There are strict customs regulations about taking cultural objects like masks, religious materials and antiquities out of Burkina Faso. If you’re unsure about buying any souvenirs you find for sale, contact the Ministry of Culture.

Money

A few of the larger hotels and restaurants in Ouagadougou accept credit cards. You’re unlikely to be able to use them anywhere outside the capital. There are a few ATMs in Ouagadougou, but they only accept Visa cards.

The best option is to bring US dollars in cash to exchange.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you’re planning to drive in Burkina Faso, see information on driving abroad.

Get security advice about travelling by road in Burkina Faso.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Burkina Faso. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP).

Road safety

Roads, even if they are paved, are in a poor state of repair. Road conditions off the main roads are often difficult, especially in the rainy season from June to October. Vehicles are often in poor condition.

Avoid travelling at night, even if using a local driver. Roads have very limited lighting, and vehicles often have no headlights. Livestock, pedestrians and motorbikes on the roads are additional hazards.

Attacks on major roads and transport routes by terrorists are increasing, including through the use of landmines and other explosive devices. This is particularly the case in areas where terrorist groups are operational and near border areas.

There is danger of armed attacks on all roads, including:

• from Ouagadougou to Bobo-Dioulasso
• from Bobo-Dioulasso to Côte d’Ivoire
• from Fada to Benin and Togo
• to Benin, Bogandée and Gayeri
• to Niger

There is limited access to phone networks, so consider taking a satellite phone in case you break down or have another emergency. Always carry drinking water with you.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

The rainy season normally runs from June to October. Torrential rains can cause floods and landslides. Monitor local weather reports and expect difficulties when travelling to affected areas during this season.

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 18 from Ouagadougou and ask for an ambulance.

Outside Ouagadougou, call the universal emergency number 112.

If you get no response, you will need to get local advice about the closest hospital and how to get to it.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:  

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Burkina Faso
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Burkina Faso including:

• yellow fever
• Zika virus
• dengue and malaria

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Burkina Faso

Medical facilities in Burkina Faso are very limited. For serious medical treatment, evacuation to Europe is necessary. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and medical evacuation.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Burkina Faso where some staff will speak English.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.