Burkina Faso

There's a high risk of terrorist attacks and kidnapping.

Local extremist militant groups have attacked targets in Burkina Faso. The threat of kidnapping is highest in the north and east of the country.

Terrorists could launch an attack any time. Targets could include places with foreign interests or popular with foreigners, such as:

• embassies
• cafes and restaurants
• shopping centres
• schools
• hotels

On 31 December 2018, the Burkina Faso Government declared a state of emergency. This applies to several provinces including northern and eastern Burkina Faso along the Mali, Niger, Togo and Benin borders. The emergency measure gives security forces powers to search homes and restrict movement.

Follow directions from local authorities and obey curfews.

In May 2018, terrorist organisations warned attacks would target Westerners and Western companies in the Sahel. Mining companies in Burkina Faso have been reviewing their security practices and procedures for possible terrorist incidents.

Militant local groups pose a serious kidnapping threat in the north, particularly extremists from Mali. AQIM has stated it aims to target foreigners for terrorist attacks and kidnapping. This group has claimed responsibility for several local attacks since 2006, and taken hostages from remote areas.

Other recent major terror attacks include:

• On 6 November 2019, at least 39 people were killed in an attack on a mining convoy near Boungou in eastern Burkina Faso.
• On 3 November 2019, the Deputy Mayor of Djibo in northern Burkina Faso was killed in a roadside ambush.
• On 16 January 2019, a Canadian citizen was kidnapped from a mine site in Yagha Province, Sahel region and killed.
• On 27 December 2018, terrorists killed 10 police officers in an attack in north-west Burkina Faso.
• On 23 September 2018, terrorists kidnapped three Inata gold mine staff travelling between Inata and Tongomayel, near Djibo.
• On 17 September 2018, terrorists kidnapped an Italian priest in Bomanga, Niger, around 15km from the Burkina Faso/Niger border.
• In August 2018, there were 2 attacks on a Canadian-owned mining company's sites in eastern Burkina Faso.
• In March 2018 and August 2017, attacks occurred in central Ouagadougou, killing and injuring several people.
• In January 2016, an attack at the Splendid Hotel in central Ouagadougou killed at least 30 people, including several foreigners. Al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) claimed responsibility.
• In January 2016, terrorists kidnapped two Australians near Djibo in northern Burkina Faso.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

Australian officials visiting Burkina Faso adopt extra security measures in response to the changing security environment.

If you travel to Burkina Faso despite the risks:

• get professional security advice
• use effective personal security measures
• report suspicious activity to the police
• watch the media for threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow instructions from local authorities

Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places.

Avoid possible targets for terror attacks, or have an exit plan if you must go.

If there is an attack near you, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Burkina Faso's political situation has stabilised since presidential elections in late 2015. The elections followed an attempted military coup in September 2015.

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Airports and land borders may close at short notice. You'll have limited access to consular help if this happens.

To reduce your risk during periods of unrest:

• avoid rallies, protests and crowds
• monitor the media for possible unrest
• avoid affected areas
• follow advice from local authorities

If a protest happens near you, leave the area as soon as it's safe.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Petty crime

Purse snatching, muggings and thefts from hotel rooms are common, especially in Bobo Dioulasso and Ouagadougou.

Muggings often happen in Ouagadougou around the:

• central market
• United Nations traffic circle

Thefts are sometimes committed by one or two people on a motorbike.

Security risks increase at night.

Violent crime

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:

• avoid travelling alone or after dark
• pay close attention to your personal security, particularly in crowds
• keep your car windows and doors locked, even when you're moving
• drive in a convoy outside of urban areas
• don't visit banks or use ATMs alone
• only use ATMs in banks, hotels and other buildings with security

More information:

• Preventing muggings and robberies

Scams and fraud

Commercial internet fraud is common in West African countries. Fake internet friendship, dating and marriage scams also operate from West Africa.

Internet scams may be in the form of romance, friendship, business or job offers. These scams usually start in internet dating sites or chat rooms.

People have lost money to internet scams.

If you travel to the scammer's country, you risk kidnapping, assault, robbery and even murder.

Criminals might:

• ask for details of safe bank accounts overseas to transfer large amounts of money — they may offer you a donation or percentage
• provide fake cashier cheques for urgent shipments of goods
• ask for large fees for a fake government contract
• make fake job offers
• extort money from people they've invited to Africa for business

Scammers usually operate by either:

• Asking their friend or prospective marriage partner to send them money to travel to Australia. After they get the money, they end the relationship. You most likely won't get your money back.
• Luring people to travel to Africa. Once there, you may be kidnapped, assaulted, robbed or murdered.

To avoid scams:

• be wary of messages you receive from people you don't know in Burkina Faso or other West African countries
• make proper checks before you send money to anyone in Burkina Faso

If you're the victim of a scam, get legal advice.

Don't travel to Burkina Faso to get your money back.

Flooding

Flooding may occur in the wet season from June to October. Floods can close roads.

If a natural disaster or severe weather occurs:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• watch local media and other sources
• follow advice from local authorities
• keep in touch with friends and family

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 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries.

Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Burkina Faso. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

More information:

• Medicine

COVID-19

COVID-19 is present in Burkina Faso. You may be required to enter quarantine or self-isolation with limited access to health services. Monitor the media for information on latest developments and follow the advice of local authorities.

Insect-borne diseases

Yellow fever is common in Burkina Faso. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.

Malaria and other insect-borne diseases are common.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use treated mosquito nets
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothes
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

HIV/AIDS

The rate of HIV/AIDS infection is high. Take precautions if you engage in activities that may expose you to the virus.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• bilharzia (shistosomiasis)
• cholera
• hepatitis
  meningitis
• measles
• tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.  If there is an outbreak of infectious disease, follow the advice of local authorities.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• don't swim in fresh water

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities

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.

Other laws

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:

• old or traditional artisan works
• all old material of national cultural significance

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas.

If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Burkina Faso recognises dual nationality.

More information:

• Dual nationals

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:

• Advice for LGBTI people

COVID-19 is present in Burkina Faso. Borders have closed to foreigners and airports have closed to international flights. Curfews are currently in place and further measures may be introduced without notice. 

If you can't or don't want to leave, follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe and well. If you need urgent consular assistance call +61 2 6261 3305.

The Australian High Commission in Accra currently has very limited capacity to provide consular assistance in West Africa. This will likely be reduced further as COVID-19 develops

Further information:

• COVID-19 Smartraveller news bulletin 

Visitor visas

If you decide to travel to Burkina Faso despite our advice, be aware that entry and exit conditions can change at short notice.

Contact an embassy or consulate of Burkina Faso for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Yellow fever vaccination

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:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (World Health Organization)

Validity

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.

Lost or stolen 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:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The local currency is the West African Franc (CFA Franc, or XOF).

Declare all foreign currency and CFA on arrival.

Access to money

It's hard to exchange Australian dollars in Burkina Faso.

You can exchange US dollars and euros at commercial banks and exchange bureaus in major centres.

Some large hotels and restaurants in Ouagadougu accept credit cards.

Few businesses outside of the capital accept credit cards. There are few ATMs outside major cities.

Plan ahead and have enough cash to meet your needs. Contact your bank to make sure you can use your cards.

Driving permit

To drive in Burkina Faso, you need both:

• a valid Australian driver licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

Road travel

You're 5 times more likely to be killed in a road accident in Burkina Faso than in Australia.

Apart from the national highways, most roads are in poor condition and poorly lit.

Many vehicles are also in poor condition.

Driving outside Ouagadougou at night is dangerous. Vehicles don't always use or have headlights. Livestock can stray onto roads.

Armed thieves target vehicles across the country. See Safety

If you plan to drive:

• check your insurance covers you for driving
• learn about local traffic laws and practices
• carry enough fuel and drinking water

To reduce your risks:

• don't drive at night
• keep car windows up and doors locked, even when moving
• don't leave marked roads

If you travel outside Ouagadougou:

• get local advice on road and security conditions
• leave details of your travel plans with someone
• travel in a convoy
• carry a first aid kit and multiple ways to communicate

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Make sure your travel insurance covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use registered taxis and limousines. It's best to book them through your hotel.

Public transport

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.

Air 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:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

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.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

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.

You can also get consular help from the Australian High Commission in Ghana.

Canadian Embassy, Ouagadougou

316 Professeur Joseph Kizerbo Ave
Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso
Phone: (+226 25) 49 08 00
Fax: (+226 25) 49 08 10 
Email: ouaga@international.gc.ca
Website: canadainternational.gc.ca/burkinafaso

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

Australian High Commission, Accra

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. This will likely be reduced further as COVID-19 develops.

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia