burkina-faso

Burkina Faso Travel Guide

Due to the unstable situation and very high level of general risk, traveling to Burkina Faso may be dangerous. Read more
Trek Zone
bonjour
(bon zhoor • French)
Say hello
94°F
Friday
95°F
Saturday

Tourist season

Are November and December good months to visit Burkina Faso?

11

November

High
season

12

December

High
season

Visa Limitations

Visa requirements for citizens of United States visiting Burkina Faso for tourism.

Visa on arrival

A visa is required, but it is possible to obtain it at selected border crossing points (visa on arrival).

Daily budget (1 person)

How much will you spend on accommodation, local transport, sightseeing, meals?

Backpacker's budget
from 31 USD

Tourist's budget
from 63 USD

Did you know?

The surface area of Burkina Faso is 105.4 thous. mi², which puts the country in position number 76 in terms of the area in the world.

How far is it?

1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings

The distance between Ouagadougou (BF) and Washington D.C. (US) is 4909 miles

To calculate distance between your location and Ouagadougou click here

Ouagadougou
Ouagadougou
Banfora
Bobo-Dioulasso
Koudougou
Ouahigouya
Washington D.C.
Washington D.C.
Philadelphia
Houston
Chicago
Los Angeles
New York City
4909
mi

Country Comparison

Compare Burkina Faso to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.

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Time Timezone

00:00

Safety

General travel safety level in Burkina Faso on a scale of 1 (safe) to 4 (unsafe).

4

Level 4 • Do not travel (plus additional regional warnings).

Update: 13 Oct 2024

Upcoming holidays

11 December 2024• Proclamation of Independence Day

25 December 2024• Christmas Day

Currency

CFA Franc BCEAO (XOF) - rate compared to selected currencies

100 XOF
Rate
Inversion
EUR
0.15245
65596
GBP
0.12711
78673
USD
0.16086
62168
Update: 21 Nov 2024

Get ready for your next trip

With just a few clicks you can find the best accommodation, airline tickets, or buy insurance that provides comprehensive protection for your next journey.

Cities and Top Tourist Attractions

From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Burkina Faso

Map
Distance matrix
MilesOuagadougouBobo-DioulassoSylvo-Pastoral and Partial Faunal Reserve of the SahelBanfora
Ouagadougou-205160250
Bobo-Dioulasso205-34048
Sylvo-Pastoral and Partial Faunal Reserve of the Sahel160340-388
Banfora25048388-

Practical Information for Travelers

  • Budget
  • Currency
  • Vaccinations
  • Visa
  • Electricity

Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country

More

Backpacker's budget

Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).

from 31 USD

Tourist's budget

Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.

from 63 USD

You can find out more about travel costs and prices in Burkina Faso via the Prices link

Currency

More

CFA Franc BCEAO (XOF)

EUR
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • USD
  • XOF
XOF
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • USD
  • XOF
 = 
Exchange rates provided by Open Exchange Rates. Last update: 21 November 2024
CFA Franc BCEAOCFA Franc BCEAOCFA Franc BCEAOCFA Franc BCEAOCFA Franc BCEAOCFA Franc BCEAOCFA Franc BCEAOCFA Franc BCEAO

Vaccinations

More

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Burkina Faso.

Routine vaccines

Before each trip, it is worth making sure that we are up to date with the routine vaccinations. These include vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, chickenpox, polio and flu.
Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Reduce your exposure to germs

Most travelers

Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.
Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Eat and drink safely

Malaria

Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes.
Prevention
  • Take antimalarial meds
  • Prevent bug bites
Estimated relative risk of malaria in Burkina Faso

Wysokie

Areas with malaria

All

Typhoid

Typhoid fever is an acute, systemic infectious disease caused by Salmonella typhi.The source of the infection may include dirty water, raw fruits, vegetables, dairy products, as well as dirt containing bacteria.
Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Eat and drink safely

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is an acute viral disease which is transmitted by virus-infected mosquitoes.
Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Prevent bug bites
Vaccination requirements

Required if traveling from a country with risk of YFV transmission and ≥9 months of age, including transit in an airport located in a country with risk of YFV transmission.

Some travelers

Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).
Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Avoid sharing body fluids
  • Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment

Meningitis (Meningococcal disease)

Meningococcal disease is any illness caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis.Infection occurs through droplets - through contact with the secretion of the patient or the host, e.g. when coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing cutlery or dishes.
Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Reduce your exposure to germs

Rabies

Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.
Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Keep away from animals
This section is for informational purposes and does not exhaust all issues related to vaccination. Based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

With or without a visa?

Visa requirements for citizens of

United States
  • United States
  • More

visiting flagBurkina Faso for tourism

Updated on 2 March 2023. Based on Visa requirements for United States citizens
Visa on arrival

A visa is required, but it is possible to obtain it at selected border crossing points (visa on arrival).

  • Allowed stay: 1 month
  • International Certificate of Vaccination required.

Electricity

220V (50 Hz)

In Burkina Faso the standard voltage is 220V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type C, E sockets are used.

Click on the socket icon to see more information
socket CType C
socket EType E

Facts and Figures

Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country

Population

59 / 231
Ranking
20 903 273
Mossi over 40%, other approximately 60% (includes Gurunsi, Senufo, Lobi, Bobo, Mande, and Fulani)

Area

76 / 230
Ranking
105.4 thous. mi²
It is approximately 3% of the territory of United States.

Life expectancy

177 / 196
Ranking
63.1
Life expectancy expressed in years.men 61.3women 64.9

Median age

11 / 157
Ranking
17.9
Average age of population expressed in years.men 17women 18.7

Population growth

16 / 172
Ranking
2.58%
The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss.

Literacy

125 / 131
Ranking
39.3%
Ability to read, write and count.men 49.2%women 31%

GDP

178 / 194
Ranking
2 273 INT$
GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population.
Source: WDI World Bank & CIA World Factbook Country Comparison

Where to next? Discover country icon Togo, a country in the region worth visiting, or use the destination finder