Fire and rescue services
Call 1010.
Medical emergencies
Call 1010 or go to the hospital.
Police
Call 1010 or go to the nearest police station.
We continue to advise:
Do not travel to Burkina Faso overall due to ongoing civil unrest, high risk of terrorist attacks and kidnapping and banditry.
Other levels apply in some areas.
Call 1010.
Call 1010 or go to the hospital.
Call 1010 or go to the nearest police station.
We continue to advise:
Do not travel to Burkina Faso overall due to ongoing civil unrest, high risk of terrorist attacks and kidnapping and banditry.
Other levels apply in some areas.
Do not travel to Burkina Faso.
Do not travel to Burkina Faso due to ongoing civil unrest, high risk of terrorist attacks and kidnapping and banditry.
See Safety
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
There's currently a state of emergency in the following 8 regions: Centre-Est, Est, Centre Nord, Nord, Boucle du Mouhoun, Sahel, Hauts-Bassins and Cascades. The measure gives security forces extra powers to conduct searches, restrict freedom of movement and detain persons of interest. Some civil rights may be suspended, including the right to protest and to hold large meetings.
There's an ongoing high threat of terrorist attacks and kidnapping. Local extremist militant groups regularly attack targets in Burkina Faso.
Targets could include places with foreign interests or popular with foreigners, such as:
To protect yourself from terrorism, stay alert and avoid all large gatherings, including festivals, large sporting events and any public demonstrations or protests.
If an attack occurs, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.
On 14 September 2022, the US Government issued an alert discouraging US citizens from travelling on National Route 1 (between Ouahabou and Koumbia) at this time. US Government personnel are prohibited from conducting personal travel outside Ouagadougou city limits due to the high risk of terrorist attacks, kidnapping, and criminal activity. We continue to advise you do not travel to Burkina Faso. The Australian High Commission in Accra has very limited capacity to provide consular assistance in West Africa.
The risk of insurgency attacks is high as security forces are reassigned to enforce movement restrictions. Be on high alert and obey curfews. Security measures may change at short notice.
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
Australian officials visiting Burkina Faso adopt extra security measures in response to the changing security environment.
If, despite our advice, you travel to Burkina Faso stay alert and protect yourself from terrorism:
Mining companies in Burkina Faso review their security practices and procedures for possible terrorist incidents.
Militant local groups pose a serious kidnapping threat in the north, particularly extremists from Mali. AQIM has stated it aims to target foreigners for terrorist attacks and kidnapping. This group has claimed responsibility for several local attacks since 2006 and taken hostages from remote areas. Further attacks are highly likely.
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
Kidnapping by groups linked to Al Qaeda and ISIS as well as other regional Islamist groups, is a very high risk across Burkina Faso. The threat of kidnapping is highest in the north and east of the country.
Several active terrorist groups have the intent and capability to kidnap foreigners. Criminal gangs kidnap people to receive financial rewards from terrorist groups.
Possible targets include:
Several foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped in Burkina Faso.
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian anti-terrorism financing laws.
If, despite our advice, you travel to Burkina Faso:
Expect roadblocks or groups of large demonstrators in central Ouagadougou and surrounding area. Avoid large gatherings, monitor media and follow the advice of local authorities.
In January 2022, members of the military announced the ousting of Burkina Faso's President, suspension of the constitution and dissolution of the government. A further coup occured in September 2022. A transitional head of state has been in place. The situation continues to be volatile. If you're in Burkina Faso, you should limit movements, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations and monitor the media. Pay attention to your personal safety. Follow directions of local authorities.
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Avoid large gatherings in the lead up to, during and in the aftermath of key dates in your location.
To reduce your risk during periods of unrest:
If a protest happens near you, leave the area as soon as it's safe.
More information:
Purse snatching, muggings and thefts from hotel rooms are common, especially in Bobo Dioulasso and Ouagadougou.
Muggings often happen in Ouagadougou around the:
Thefts are sometimes committed by one or two people on a motorbike.
Security risks increase at night.
Armed thieves operate across the country. They attack buses and other vehicles on roads connecting major cities within Burkina Faso and nearby countries.
Attacks can happen anywhere. Foreigners may be targeted. Be mindful of your surroundings and personal security.
Armed thieves use roadblocks to stop vehicles and may open fire.
Some thieves use spotters to identify victims at roadhouses and checkpoints.
Most attacks occur at night but can happen during the day.
To reduce your risk of crime:
More information:
Commercial internet fraud is common in West African countries. Fake internet friendship, dating and marriage scams also operate from West Africa.
Internet scams may be in the form of romance, friendship, business or job offers. These scams usually start in internet dating sites or chat rooms.
People have lost money to internet scams.
If you travel to the scammer's country, you risk kidnapping, assault, robbery and even murder.
Criminals might:
Scammers usually operate by either:
To avoid scams:
If you're the victim of a scam, get legal advice.
Don't travel to Burkina Faso to get your money back.
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
Flooding may occur in the wet season from June to October. Floods can close roads.
If a natural disaster or severe weather occurs:
Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to take medication, check if it's legal in Burkina Faso. Take enough legal medication for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
Yellow fever is common in Burkina Faso. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.
Malaria and other insect-borne diseases are common.
To protect yourself from disease:
Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.
The rate of HIV/AIDS infection is high. Take precautions if you engage in activities that may expose you to the virus.
Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. These include:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur. If there is an outbreak of infectious disease, follow the advice of local authorities.
To protect yourself from illness:
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
More information:
Medical facilities are poor and emergency services are very limited, particularly outside Ouagadougou.
Local health services may have difficulty responding to outbreaks of infectious disease.
You may need to pay cash up-front before doctors and hospitals will treat you, even in an emergency.
If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be moved to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
It's illegal to take photos of military zones, assets or personnel.
It's also illegal to export art without approval from the Ministry of Culture. This can include:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas.
If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Burkina Faso has conservative standards of dress and behaviour.
Same-sex relationships are legal, but locals are often intolerant of them.
Take care not to offend. If in doubt, ask for local advice.
More information:
Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
If, despite our advice, you travel to Burkina Faso, be aware that entry and exit conditions can change at short notice.
Measures may be introduced without notice. Follow the advice of local authorities. Keep in contact with family and friends so they know you're safe and well.
Contact an embassy or consulate of Burkina Faso for details about visas, currency and customs.
The Australian High Commission in Accra has very limited capacity to provide consular assistance in West Africa.
You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Burkina Faso. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.
Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.
More information:
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
More information:
The local currency is the West African Franc (CFA Franc, or XOF).
Declare all foreign currency and CFA on arrival.
It's hard to exchange Australian dollars in Burkina Faso.
You can exchange US dollars and euros at commercial banks and exchange bureaus in major centres.
Some large hotels and restaurants in Ouagadougu accept credit cards.
Few businesses outside of the capital accept credit cards. There are few ATMs outside major cities.
Plan ahead and have enough cash to meet your needs. Contact your bank to make sure you can use your cards.
To drive in Burkina Faso, you need both:
Get your IDP before you leave Australia.
You're more likely to be killed in a road accident in Burkina Faso than in Australia.
Apart from the national highways, most roads are in poor condition and poorly lit.
Many vehicles are also in poor condition.
Driving outside Ouagadougou at night is dangerous. Vehicles don't always use or have headlights. Livestock can stray onto roads.
Armed thieves target vehicles across the country. See Safety
If you plan to drive:
To reduce your risks:
If you travel outside Ouagadougou:
More information:
Make sure your travel insurance covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.
Always wear a helmet.
Use registered taxis and limousines. It's best to book them through your hotel.
Don't use public transport due to safety concerns and the risk of crime. Many public buses are poorly maintained, and serious accidents occur.
If you do use public transport despite our advice, protect your belongings, especially during overnight travel.
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Burkina Faso's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 1010.
Call 1010 or go to the hospital.
Call 1010 or go to the nearest police station.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Burkina Faso.
You can access consular help from the Canadian Embassy in Ouagadougou. It can issue provisional travel documents. The Embassy of Canada in Ouagadougou is closed for in-person appointments due to security reasons. For consular assistance, please contact the Embassy by phone or email.
You can also get consular help from the Australian High Commission in Ghana.
316 Professeur Joseph Kizerbo Ave
Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso
Phone: (+226 25) 49 08 00
Fax: (+226 25) 49 08 10
Email: ouaga@international.gc.ca
Website: canadainternational.gc.ca/burkinafaso
2, Second Rangoon Close
(cnr Josef Broz Tito Ave)
Cantonments
Accra, Ghana
Phone: +233 302 216 400
Fax: +233 302 216 410
Email: Accrahc.Enquiries@dfat.gov.au
Website: ghana.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission, Ghana
Twitter: @AusAmbGHA
The Australian High Commission in Accra currently has very limited capacity to provide consular assistance in West Africa, except in Ghana.
Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
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