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Burkina Faso Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Burkina Faso. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 2 Practice Enhanced Precautions

• Updated   Global Polio April 26, 2024 Some international destinations have circulating poliovirus. Before any international travel, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines. Destination List: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Guinea, Indonesia, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, including Zanzibar, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Updated   Global Measles April 26, 2024 Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. Destination List: Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste (East Timor), Togo, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia
• Dengue in Africa and the Middle East April 18, 2024 Dengue is a risk in many parts of Africa and the Middle East. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Travelers to Africa and the Middle East can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Destination List: Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ethiopia, Mali, Mauritius, Sudan

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Burkina Faso.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Burkina Faso.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to Burkina Faso take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Burkina Faso.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Meningitis (Meningococcal disease)

Recommended for travelers 2 months old or older traveling to  areas of Burkina Faso  that are part of the meningitis belt during the dry season.

Meningococcal disease - CDC Yellow Book

Meningitis Belt Map

In Burkina Faso poliovirus has been identified in the past year.

Travelers to Burkina Faso are at increased risk of exposure to poliovirus.

Vaccine recommendations : Adults traveling to Burkina Faso who received a complete polio vaccination series as children may receive a single lifetime booster dose of inactivated polio vaccine; travelers who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated should receive a complete polio vaccination series before travel. Children who are not fully vaccinated will be considered for an  accelerated vaccination schedule .

Polio - CDC Yellow Book

Polio: For Travelers

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Burkina Faso. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Burkina Faso, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Burkina Faso. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for all arriving travelers ≥9 months old

Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old.

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

• Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

• Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

African tick-bite fever.

• Avoid Bug Bites

African Tick-bite fever

Chikungunya

• Mosquito bite

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

• Tick bite 
• Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Lassa Fever

• Breathe in air or eat food contaminated with the urine or droppings of infected rats
• Touch the body fluids of a person infected with Lassa virus or objects contaminated with infected body fluids

Lassa fever

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Burkina Faso, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Burkina Faso. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Burkina Faso include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Burkina Faso. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Burkina Faso’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in Burkina Faso. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Burkina Faso may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Burkina Faso, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Burkina Faso for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

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Burkina Faso

Reciprocity Schedule

Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.

Explanation of Terms

Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.

Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).

Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.

Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.

Visa Classifications

Country specific footnotes.

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.

Visa Category Footnotes

The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:

• G-1 through G-4
• NATO 1 through NATO 6

An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident or national of a country without a treaty.  *When the spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status and are themselves a national of a country that does not have a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principal alien’s country of nationality should be used.  **Spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 visa principal applicant, where the spouse and children are also nationals of a country that has a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the spouse and children’s country of nationality should be used.  

*Example 1: John Doe is a national of Country A that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country B which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as John Doe, the principal visa holder. **Example 2:  Mike Doe is a national of Country Y that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country Z that also has a treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the reciprocity issued to nationals of Country Z.

The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.

Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.  

Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.

There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.

Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.

In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).

However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.

Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.

Canadian Nationals

Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.

Mexican Nationals

Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.

Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi, Libyan, Somalian, Sudanese, Syrian or Yemeni nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.

Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.

No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.

V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.

Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:

• T-2 (spouse)
• T-3 (child)
• T-4 (parent)

The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.

The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

General Documents

There is no general document information

Birth, Death, Burial Certificates

Birth certificates.

Fees:   US 50 cents/300 CFA stamp (timbre communal) is required for each original.

Document Name: Extrait d'Acte de Naissance

Issuing Authority: Service d’Etat Civil (Office of Vital Statistics)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Format varies from one office to another/issued on regular white A4 paper. Older formats exist and may vary. There is a paper stamp (timbre communal), similar to a US postage stamp, which is available locally. It is affixed most of the time at the bottom of the document.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Varies by office. Officer d’Etat Civil will be the most common title.

Registration Criteria: Birth must be registered with 90 days to be issued a regular birth certificate. After that deadline, a “jugement suppletif” is issued after a court hearing.

Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should contact the Service d’Etat Civil in the City Hall having jurisdiction over their place of birth.

Certified Copies Available: Photocopies légalisées are available at a Police Station or the Mayor’s Office and cost US 35 cents/200 CFA  (One timbre fiscal).  

Alternate Documents:  

• A “jugement suppletif” which is issued by the courts if a birth is not registered within 90 days
• Some older documents may be issued with the previous countries name of “Haute Volta”
• Bulletin de Naissance are older versions of Extrait d’Acte de Naissance. It is possible some town halls may still issue these
• Copie Integrale d’Acte de Naissance

Exceptions: None

Comments: None

Death Certificates

Fees: US 50 cents/300 CFA stamp (timbre communal) is required for each copy.

Issuing Authority:  Service d’Etat Civil (Office of Vital Statistics)

Special Seal(s)/Color/Format: Varies/ issued on regular A4 most of the time, may be issued on half of the page. There is a paper stamp (timbre communal), similar to a US postage stamp, which is available locally. It is affixed most of the time at the bottom of the document.

Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria

Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should contact the Service d’Etat Civil in the City Hall of the place of death.

Certified Copies Available:  Photocopies légalisées are available at the Police Station or Mayor’s Office and cost US 35 cents/200 CFA (One timbre fiscal).  

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions:  None

Marriage, Divorce Certificates

Marriage certificate.

Fees: 50 US cents/300 CFA stamp (timbre communal) is required for each copy.

Document Name: Extrait d'Acte de Mariage

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: White A4 paper. Other formats may exist, depending on the office issuing the document. There is a paper stamp, similar to a US postage stamp, which is available locally. It is affixed most of the time at the bottom of the document.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Varies – Depending on official who perform the civil ceremony. Could be the Mayor, a Deputy Mayor or one of the numerous advisors.

Registration Criteria: Marriage is registered on the day it takes place.

Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should contact the Service d’Etat Civil in the City Hall having jurisdiction over their place of marriage.

Certified Copies Available: Photocopies légalisées are available at the Police Station or Mayor’s Office and cost US 35 cents/200 CFA  (One timbre fiscal).  

Alternate Documents: Copie Integrale d’Acte de Mariage

Comments: While these documents are presumably available, applicants may be faced with long wait times, especially if the documents needed are from outlying districts.

Divorce Certificate

Fees: Cost varies depending on length of judgement.

Document Name: Jugement de Divorce

Issuing Authority: Court office having jurisdiction over their place of marriage.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Regular white A4 paper is used. Usually issued in 2 or 3 pages.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Judge for the decision and Greffier for the administrative parts.

Registration Criteria: Divorce is registered on the day the court issues the decree.

Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should contact the Court having jurisdiction over their place of marriage or any court place of their place of residence.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies of the judgement can be obtained from the issuing court; long wait times are common.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Adoption Certificates

Fees: The judgement of adoption is issued at the end of the process; to obtain a copy of the record, see below Court Records below, to obtain a birth certificate see above.

Issuing Government Authority: Court having jurisdiction over child/parents residence.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: White A4 paper printed front and back. Usually 3 to 4 pages long with  paper stamps (timbre communal), similar to a US postage stamp, attached to each page.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: A Judge and a Greffier (clerk).

Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria.

Procedure for Obtaining: Document is issued at the end of the adoption process. This finalizes the adoption process.

Other Documents Available:  There are no other documents available

Identity Card

Fees: US $5/2500 CFA

Issuing Government Authority: Office of National Identification (ONI)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: 2.5 inch x 1.5 inch card with digitized photograph and signature.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: ONI

Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants are required to submit their birth certificate and fill out a form.

Other Documents Available: There are no other documents available.

Police, Court, Prison Records

Police / prison records.

Document Name: Extrait du Casier Judiciaire

Issuing Authority: Palais de Justice and / or Appeals Court

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Generally a green copy – white copy issued to those born abroad.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Greffier en Chef

Procedure for Obtaining:

• Burkinabe born citizens – Apply to the Palais de Justice in the city having jurisdiction over their place of birth.
• All other applicants – Apply to the Appeal Court in Ouagadougou. All applicants must submit a written request. The request must contain a copy of the applicants’ birth certificate and a timbre fiscal (stamp).

Certified Copies Available: There are no certified copies.

Court Records

Fees: The fee depends on the size of the record.

Document Name: There is no specific document name

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format

Procedure for Obtaining: Written request from the appropriate court.

Comments: While court records are available, a long wait time is usually involved. Record keeping and filings are not generally computerized.

Military Records

Fees: There are no fees

Document Name:

• Military : Carte d’Identité Militaire (CIM)
• Gendarme: Carte d’Identité Professionnelle (CIP)

Issuing Authority:

• Military: Bureau Militaire (Military Bureau)
• Gendarme: Head of the Gendarmerie

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:

• Military: Wet seal at the back/folded document/brownish color.
• Gendarme: Dry Seal / white color/ 2 sides card for the gendarmes.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:

• Military: Head of the Unit in which the applicant served.

Registration Criteria:  

• Military: Any active military personnel are issued the card automatically as part of his identification documents.
• Gendarme: There is no registration criteria
• Military: There is no specific procedure.  The correct document issued to any individual who completed the basic military training, is enrolled, and active in the military.
• Gendarme: The applicant should contact the Head of the Gendarmerie with their request.

Certified Copies Available: There are no certified copies available.

Passports & Other Travel Documents

Types Available (Regular, Diplomatic, Official, etc.): Regular

Fees:   Passport - $90 US/50,000 CFA

Document Name: Passport

Issuing Government Authority: Office of Migration

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Passports are 32 pages, approximately 5 inches by 3.5 inches, with a green colored cover.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: National Police Director or his Deputy.

Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria

Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should apply with supporting documentation (photos, birth certificate, proof of Nationality (certificate issued in Court), and marriage certificate (if a woman wishes to include her husband’s name).

Comments:  Another travel document used in Burkina Faso, an ECOWAS travel document for travels to ECOWAS countries is available, but is not used for Immigrant Visa purposes.

Other Records

Education -  Although public education records are generally considered reliable, national standardized tests results are considered the most reliable records; private school documents are not always reliable.  Students must take a standardized test to obtain a diploma: primary (CEB), junior secondary (BEPC) and senior secondary (BACC).  Although the Ministry of Education records these results, verification must be made through the section of the Ministry responsible for each exam (Circonsciption de l’Enseignement de Base, Office Central des Examens et Councours du Secondaire and Office du BAC, respectively.)

• Visa Issuing Posts

Post Title: Embassy

Mailing Address:

01 B.P. 35 Ouagadougou 01 Burkina Faso

Street Address:

Secteur 53, Ouaga 2000 Avenue Sembene Ousmane, Rue 15.873  

Phone Number: Tel: (226) 25-49-53-00, Fax: (226) 25-49-56-28

Email: [email protected]

Visa Services: All visa catagories for Burkina Faso

Comments / Additional Information: None

Travelers to Burkina Faso can apply for their visa at the nearest Burkina Faso Foreign Mission abroad. The validity and cost are based on current reciprocity agreements. For travelers who arrive in Ouagadougou without a visa, they can request one on arrival at the airport. That visa is usually limited to one (1) entry, three (3) months and costs more than one that is issued in a Foreign Mission (depending on reciprocity again). Travelers requiring a multiple entries visa will need to pay a higher fee. Travelers need to submit 3 ID photographs and pay the fees. Passport with visa is ready for pick up 72 hours later.  Visa is issued by the Immigration Office in charge of passports.

Visa Services

All visa categories for all of Burkina Faso.

Additional Information for Reciprocity

• Reciprocity: What's New
• Temporary Reciprocity Schedule
• Country Acronyms
• Terrorist Designation Lists
• State Sponsors of Terrorism
• Treaty Countries

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Brunei Darussalam

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Congo the Democratic Republic of the

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Côte d'Ivoire

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

Iran, Islamic Republic of

Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza

Korea, Democratic People's Republic of

Lao People's Democratic Republic

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Micronesia, Federated States of

Moldova, Republic of

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea

North Macedonia

Palestinian Authority

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Russian Federation

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten (Dutch part)

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Virgin Islands, British

Wallis and Futuna

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
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• Foreign travel advice

Burkina Faso

Warnings and insurance.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .  

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice.

FCDO advises against all travel to Burkina Faso, except to the capital, Ouagadougou.

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Ouagadougou, up to the toll booths on all roads out of the city.

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 .

Security situation in Burkina Faso 

The security situation in Burkina Faso has deteriorated significantly in recent years and remains volatile. 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.

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 and any specific travel advice that applies to you:

• women travellers
• disabled people
• LGBT+ people

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated. 

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Burkina Faso travel advice

Latest updates: Safety and security – updated information on the state of emergency

Last updated: May 8, 2024 15:15 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, burkina faso - avoid all travel.

Avoid all travel to Burkina Faso due to the threat of terrorism, the risk of kidnapping and the political instability. This advisory excludes the city of Ouagadougou where you should avoid non-essential travel.

Ouagadougou - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to the city of Ouagadougou due to the unstable security situation.

Back to top

Political situation

Two coups d’état occurred in Burkina Faso in 2022. The situation remains unstable and could deteriorate rapidly.

If you are in Burkina Faso:

• remain vigilant
• monitor local media to stay informed on the evolving situation
• follow the instructions of local authorities

There is a threat of terrorism. There have been multiple attacks in Ouagadougou and elsewhere in the country, including against foreign interests. 

The terrorist threat as well as the risk of banditry and kidnapping are especially high in Burkina Faso’s border regions.

Further attacks cannot be ruled out. Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• extraction sites
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when you are in public places. Be particularly vigilant during:

• sporting events
• religious holidays
• public celebrations
• major political events, such as elections

Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.

State of emergency

There is a state of emergency in 8 regions:

• Boucle du Mouhoun
• Center North
• Center-East
• Hauts-Bassins

Local authorities periodically declare a state of emergency in various regions due to terrorism threats.

When a state of emergency is in effect, security forces have increased rights to:

• impose curfews and restrict movement without notice
• conduct searches
• proceed with seizures
• detain persons of interest

Some civil rights may be suspended, including the right to protest and to hold large meetings.

If you are travelling in a region where a state of emergency is in effect:

• be aware that you may be subject to searches by security forces
• always cooperate with military and police officers
• carry valid ID at all times and be prepared for various checkpoints
• allow extra time to reach your destination
• monitor local news to stay informed on the current situation

Kidnappings occur regularly. The threat varies according to the regions, however it’s especially high in the border areas with Niger and Mali. Kidnappers have targeted foreigners.

If you plan to travel to Burkina Faso despite the risks:

• be vigilant at all times
• use varied and unpredictable routes and itineraries
• travel only in a convoy of at least two vehicles for long trips
• use an armed security escort
• if you are threatened, don’t resist

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place from time to time. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Incidents of illegal roadblocks and carjacking have occurred. Armed criminals don’t hesitate to shoot at vehicles to stop and rob their occupants. The following regions are particularly prone to such incidents:

• east-central
• north-central
• central plateau

However, such incidents can also happen in other areas, day or night, on both main and secondary roads.

• Exercise caution at all times
• If possible, travel in a convoy
• Avoid travelling during early morning hours and after sundown
• In the event that you are attacked, don’t resist and contact the local authorities as soon as possible (Gendarmerie – numéro vert 10 10)

Crime 

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs in major cities. In Ouagadougou, the areas around the United Nations roundabout and Central Market are often targeted by thieves. Petty crime occurs to a lesser degree elsewhere in the country.

• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Avoid showing signs of affluence and walking alone after dark
• Always carry a legally certified photocopy of your passport’s identification page

Road safety

Driving in Burkina Faso can be challenging. Roads are generally narrow, unpaved and poorly lit. Pedestrians, bicycles, carts, vehicles without headlights and potholes pose hazards to drivers. Many trucks transit the country at night. Travel after dark is not recommended.

Public transportation

Public transportation is not recommended.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Mobile networks

Local mobile networks can be unreliable.

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the authorities of Burkina Faso. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required Business visa: required Student visa: required

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Dengue: Advice for travellers - 6 May, 2024
• Polio: Advice for travellers - 6 May, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is a risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of yellow fever vaccination for travellers from all countries.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is recommended.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of their trip to arrange for vaccination.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites .

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

This destination is in the African Meningitis Belt, an area which has the highest rates of meningococcal disease in the world. Meningococcal disease is a serious and sometimes fatal infection. 

Travellers who are at higher risk should discuss vaccination with a health care provider. High-risk travellers include those living or working with the local population (e.g., health care workers) or those travelling to crowded areas or taking part in large gatherings.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.

Malaria is a risk to travellers to this destination.   Antimalarial medication is recommended for most travellers to this destination and should be taken as recommended. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times: 

• Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.
• Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows.
• Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.
• Wear permethrin-treated clothing. 

 If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Polio (poliomyelitis) is an infectious disease that can be prevented by vaccination. It is caused by poliovirus type 1, 2 or 3. Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus 2 (cVDPV2) is present in this country. Polio is spread from person to person and through contaminated food and water. Infection with the polio virus can cause paralysis and death in individuals of any age who are not immune.

Recommendations:

• Be sure that your polio vaccinations are up to date before travelling. Polio is part of the routine vaccine schedule for children in Canada.
• One booster dose of the polio vaccine is recommended as an adult .

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions .

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

• visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
• visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

There is a risk of schistosomiasis in this destination. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by tiny worms (blood flukes) which can be found in freshwater (lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands). The worms can break the skin, and their eggs can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, or urinary problems. Schistosomiasis mostly affects underdeveloped and r ural communities, particularly agricultural and fishing communities.

Most travellers are at low risk. Travellers should avoid contact with untreated freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and ponds (e.g., swimming, bathing, wading, ingesting). There is no vaccine or medication available to prevent infection.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Lassa fever is a risk in this country.

Lassa fever is caused by a virus carried by rodents. Humans get sick when they inhale or come into close contact with feces, saliva, or urine of infected rodents or the blood or bodily fluids of infected humans.

Lassa virus can be very serious. Avoid rodents and rodent-infested areas.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)   is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). 

High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities and supplies are very limited outside the capital. Clinics and doctors often request cash payment.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Photography

A valid permit is required for photography. These permits and the accompanying list of restrictions, such as military and government installations, are available from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Ouagadougou. 

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

In 2025, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around February 28.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when:

Dress and behaviour

Dress conservatively, behave discreetly, and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

You should carry an international driving permit

More about the International Driving Permit

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Burkina Faso.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Burkina Faso, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Burkina Faso.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Burkina Faso, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Burkinabe court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Burkina Faso to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

The currency in Burkina Faso is the CFA franc (CFAF).

Burkina Faso is a cash-based economy. ATMs that work with foreign cards to withdraw local currency are available in the large cities. Euros and U.S. dollars can also be accepted at certain establishments. Credit cards are accepted at few establishments in the capital.

The dry season extends from November to May.

The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from June to October. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

Harmattan winds bring sand and dust from the Sahara desert between December and February.

Keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• 17 for police
• 18 for firefighters

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Ouagadougou and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Business Customs

Business is conducted very formally in Burkina Faso.  Greetings and titles are part of the formalities.  No verbal transaction between two people takes place unless greetings have been exchanged, including the shaking of hands.  It is polite to greet an official or send correspondence using a title rather than a proper name.  Proper attire for men is suit and tie regardless of the weather.   Business cards are normally exchanged in initial meetings.  Establishing a personal relationship with business partners is a critical factor in the successful negotiation of major projects, government procurement, or in developing long-term business relationships. Most business transactions are still conducted face-to-face.  Meetings may involve a large number of people who speak formally and at length on a given subject.  Organizational hierarchies are widely respected and accomplishing a task or getting information quickly requires knowing the appropriate person to approach.

Travel Advisory

There is a travel warning currently in effect for travel to Burkina Faso, which is Level 4: Do Not Travel. .  Visitors can consult this warning at the State Department’s advisory website .  Visitors are also encouraged to enroll their trip with the Embassy using the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at travel.state.gov.

Visa Requirements

Visas and proof of yellow fever inoculations are required for entry.  A valid U.S. passport is required for a visa application, and the application process costs USD 140 for a standard five-year, multiple entry visa. U.S. companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States should be advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process.  Visa applicants should go to the following links: State Department Visa Website United States Visas.gov U.S. Embassy in Burkina Faso (Visas)

Burkina Faso is a member of the West African Monetary and Economic Union (WAEMU), which is also headquartered in Ouagadougou, and its currency is the Community of Francophone Africa (CFA) Franc.  The CFA Franc, backed by the French treasury, trades at a fixed rate with the Euro, and is fully convertible.

Telecommunications/Electric

Telephone and internet service providers are relatively reliable, but the cost of utilities is high and speeds can be slow.   Hotel Wi-Fi is not always available and may be spotty even at the most prominent business hotels.  A number of cyber cafes are located in Ouagadougou and increasingly in secondary cities.  Cellular service is widely used throughout the country, and prepaid cards can be bought at kiosks throughout the country.  International calls to most countries can be dialed directly.  The country code for Burkina Faso is +226.

Transportation

Ouagadougou’s international airport is served by several weekly domestic and international flights.  Public transportation, even in the capital, is unreliable since buses and taxis are in poor condition.  Rental cars and all-terrain vehicles are expensive but available, usually at hotels that cater to businesspeople and tourists.  Two passenger trains leave Ouagadougou each week for Cote d’Ivoire, and freight trains leave daily. Primary roads between main towns in Burkina Faso are paved.  Domestic air service and flights between Africa are relatively limited.  As of 2022, there were several airlines servicing the capital city, Ouagadougou, with approximately 50 commercial flights per week, including Air France, Ethiopian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Asky Airlines, Air Maroc, Air Algerie, Air Cote d’Ivoire, Air Burkina, among others

French is Burkina Faso’s official language.  Some well-traveled businesspersons and government officials are proficient in English, but most are not.  The local language, Moore, is widely spoken in Ouagadougou, with Dioula being widely spoken in Bobo-Dioulasso.

Local medical services are limited.  Unwashed fruits and vegetables and undercooked meats are not safe to eat.  Tap water is not potable.  Bottled mineral water is available at hotels, restaurants, and some retail shops.  Chloroquine-resistant malaria is prevalent in Burkina Faso, and malaria suppressants should be taken prior to arrival in country.  Vaccinations and precautions against other illnesses are recommended for travel in rural areas. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747), fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or internet at Travelers’ Health | CDC .

Local Time, Business Hours, and Holidays

Burkina Faso is on GMT.  Many local businesses and government offices close at 3:00 pm and most businesses are closed on Sunday.  The following local and international holidays are observed each year:

January 1: New Year’s Day

January 3:  Popular Uprising

March 8: International Women’s Day

April 18: (Variable): Easter Monday

May 1: International Labor Day

May 26: (Variable): Ascension Day

May 2 (Variable): Aid-El Fitr (Ramadan)

July 9: Eid-Al-Kabir (Tabaski)(variable)

August 5: Independence Day

August 15: Assumption

October 8 (TBD): Mouloud ((Variable):

November 1: All Saints’ Day

December 12: Proclamation of Independence/National Day

December 26: Christmas Day (observed Sunday, December 25)

Travel Related Web Resources

https://bf.usembassy.gov/visas/  

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CDC in Burkina Faso

At a glance.

CDC established an office in Burkina Faso in 2016. Priority activities include surveillance system strengthening, enhancing laboratory systems, workforce development, strengthening public health emergencies management, and supporting the National Public Health Institute (NPHI).

CDC first began collaborating with the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Burkina Faso in 1991. The initial technical support for polio eradication expanded to include other vaccine preventable diseases such as measles and meningitis. CDC established an office in Burkina Faso in 2016. CDC Burkina Faso works closely with the MOH and partner organizations to build core public health capacities in:

• Disease surveillance
• Laboratory systems

Workforce development

• Emergency management

Global health security

Strategic focus.

CDC's global health security work focuses on strengthening the country's public health systems across the following core areas:

Surveillance systems

CDC supports the implementation of surveillance of priority diseases in more than 14 sentinel sites across the country. CDC also supports data management, trainings, monitoring, laboratory capacity strengthening, and specimen transport.

Laboratory systems strengthening

The continued presence of high priority diseases highlights the urgent need to strengthen laboratory surveillance to detect them accurately and rapidly. CDC's support for building laboratory capacity in Burkina Faso ensures rapid detection of and response to disease.

CDC supports workforce development through the following training programs:

Global Laboratory Leadership Program (GLLP)

This program works to foster and mentor current and emerging leaders to build, strengthen, and sustain national laboratory systems. The program emphasizes a One Health approach. Leaders are trained to determine appropriate laboratory diagnostics and build strong collaborative networks with relevant sectors at every level of the health system. GLLP's first cohort was composed of 18 participants and nine mentors from the human, animal, food, and environmental laboratory sectors.

Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP)

CDC established the program in 2010 with the collaboration from the African Field Epidemiology Network. FETP consists of three levels of training: frontline, intermediate, and advanced tiers. The program has generated support in surveillance data analyses, surveillance system evaluations, and studies of public health issues. FETP graduates have supported outbreak investigations and responses for measles, meningitis, polio, yellow fever, rabies, dengue, cholera, hepatitis E, and COVID-19.

Public Health Emergency Management Fellowship (PHEMF)

A three-month training program that aims to strengthen public health emergency management capacity.

Emergency response

CDC helps develop emergency management systems to train MOH staff and leadership for improved responses to disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies. In 2018, CDC supported the establishment of the Public Health Emergency Operations Center, known as the Centre des Opérations de Réponse aux Urgences Sanitaires.

National Public Health Institute (NPHI)

In 2018, Burkina Faso established an NPHI, L’Institut National de Santé Publique (INSP). With CDC's technical and financial support, the INSP has engaged in strategic planning, reinforced public health surveillance, and promoted the use of evidence to inform decisions. CDC support has also helped to:

• Build staff capacity.
• Enhance logistics.
• Strengthen public health communications.

Key achievements

• CDC supports antimicrobial (AMR) detection and surveillance capacities at the national AMR reference laboratory and in 22 sentinel sites throughout the country.
• Over 360 fellows have graduated from FETP since the program established in 2010.
• These staff serve as incident managers to manage public health emergencies in the country and contribute to basic and intermediate PHEM trainings.
• CDC supported investigations of dengue and chikungunya outbreaks in 2023, 2021, and 2017.
• CDC collaborated with MOH's Direction Générale de la Santé Publique and INSP to establish a national public health bulletin. The PHB serves as the primary communication channel for disseminating timely, reliable, authoritative, accurate, objective, and useful information to improve the public's health.

Immunization

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine efforts‎.

CDC supported COVID-19 immunization through different activities. This included training, vaccine delivery to priority populations, data quality improvement, management and utilization, and strategic planning.

Since 2017, Burkina Faso tracks five priority zoonotic diseases. This includes dengue, rabies, anthrax, brucellosis, and highly pathogenic avian influenza. CDC supported the implementation of a sentinel surveillance system for dengue and arboviruses. Since 2018, CDC continually provides reagents for the detection of Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya. CDC also provides technical and financial support for the operationalization of the One health-platform.

Related links

Burkina Faso - CDC Traveler's Health

Burkina Faso - Emerging Infectious Diseases articles

Burkina Faso - World Bank Data

Burkina Faso - World Health Organization (WHO)

Burkina Faso - U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative

U.S. Embassy in Burkina Faso

Global Health

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Follow proper travel procedures into Burkina Faso – Ambassador Gambila

By Godfred A. Polkuu

Bolgatanga, May 15, GNA – Mr Boniface Gambila, Ghana’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso, has admonished Ghanaians to use formal processes and routes into Burkina Faso for purposes of safety.

He said it was dangerous for Ghanaians, especially those who lived in border towns to move into the neighbouring country without adhering to laid down processes, “If you are moving into Burkina Faso, go through the formal way.

“If you just move in, you are in a danger zone because Burkina; we say is a danger zone. I want to send this important message to our people, especially those within the border towns; Bawku, Paga and Hamile,” he cautioned.

The Ambassador gave the caution in a sideline interview with journalists during a joint Ghana and Burkina Faso Technical Committee meeting in Bolgatanga, the Upper East Regional capital.

The meeting brought together officials of the Ghana Boundary Commission (GhBC) and their counterparts in Burkina Faso to discuss issues related to land boundaries between the two countries.

Mr Gambila noted that even though residents in border towns had relatives in Burkina Faso, they could not just move in and out of the country.

“There are certain areas both governments are monitoring because of jihadists presence.

“So if you move along that route, you become a suspect and anything can happen to you. It has happened, and we don’t want it to happen again,” he said.

He recalled that seven Ghanaians from the Bawku area who crossed into Burkina Faso in 2023 to trace their cattle were still not found, and that governments of both countries were working to find them.

He further disclosed that some Ghanaians who were found moving into Burkina Faso without due process were also under detention.

“They have been seen so much in terms of movement, and like I said, don’t just move into Burkina Faso as usual.

“If you are going in, go through the proper route to be safe. It is important,” the Ambassador reiterated.

Speaking at the joint meeting, Major General Emmanuel Wekem Kotia, Commissioner-General of the GhBC, said it was the third of its kind after the first and second meetings were held at Paga in Ghana and Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso respectively.

He said prior to the meeting, a Technical Committee had met, and the meeting would enable them discuss the technical details of the Committee’s report which would include the reaffirmation of the international common land boundaries.

“So the Technical Committee will present their report during this meeting, and we are hoping that the results of their discussion is going to lead us to organize practical work as far us the two countries are concerned,” he said.

Major General Kotia indicated that they would further discuss how they could undertake sensitization exercises along the international common boundaries in communities scattered along the boundaries of Ghana and Burkina Faso.

Madam Salimata Dabal, the Permanent Secretary of the National Boundary Borders of Burkina Faso, said the meeting was critical for Burkina Faso, and the boundary lines between the two countries.

“We have some pillars, but at some point, the pillars were damaged in such a way that you can go through the border line without knowing if you are in Burkina Faso or in Ghana. This meeting will help us reconstruct pillars, make some new demarcations for it to be visible,” she said.

Dr Hafiz Bin-Salih, Upper East Regional Minister, said as they met to discuss boundary related issues, there was need for them to be guided by the fact that the two nations shared more than just a boundary.

“We share a history, a culture, and a mutual respect that transcends geographical boundaries. Our meeting today is not just about lines on a map or physical structures that demarcate our two countries, but about strengthening the ties that bind us,” he said.

He said the purpose of the meeting was multifaceted, aimed to address various crucial aspects of bilateral relations, noting that one of the principal objectives of the meeting was to review and validate legal instruments that underpinned their collaborative efforts in boundary management.

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Travel Facts

Us state dept travel advisory.

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Burkina Faso due to COVID-19, terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.

US Embassy/Consulate

[226] 25-49-53-00; US Embassy in Ouagadougou, Secteur 15, Ouaga 2000, Avenue Sembène Ousmane, Rue 15.873, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; https://bf.usembassy.gov/; [email protected]

Telephone Code

Local emergency phone.

Local numbers only

Vaccinations

An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations. On 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa; Burkina Faso is currently considered a high risk to travelers for polio; the CDC recommends that before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, CDC recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine. http://www.who.int/

Tropical; warm, dry winters; hot, wet summers

Currency (Code)

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (Western African CFA francs, XOF)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

Major Languages

French, native African languages belonging to Sudanic family spoken by 90% of population

Major Religions

Muslim 63.2%, Roman Catholic 24.6%, Protestant 6.9%, traditional/animist 4.2%

Time Difference

UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Road driving side, tourist destinations.

Cour Royale; Sindou Peaks; Réserve de Nazinga; Niansogoni Village; Ouagadougou (includes Grande Mosquée, Grand Marché, Moro-Naba Palace); Dômes de Fabedougou; ruins of Loropeni

Major Sports

Soccer, cycling, rugby, basketball

Cultural Practices

In Burkina Faso, when the national flag is lowered, people are expected to stand at attention.

Tipping Guidelines

A 10-15% service charge is usually included in the bill for restaurants. However, it is customary to tip taxi drivers and hotel staff.

Woven baskets and rugs, leather goods, hand-carved chess sets and wooden statues, bronze models, tribal masks and jewelry

Traditional Cuisine

Riz gras — white rice, tomato paste, and vegetables such as eggplant, carrots, onions, chili peppers, and garlic boiled together into a thick rice stew and served with raw onions

Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination. World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination. US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens. To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) How to get help in an emergency?  Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444 Page last updated: Wednesday, October 05, 2022