Burkina Faso Travel Safety

General safety

Local mobile networks can be unreliable. You might need to place your long-distance calls through the national telecommunications office PTT, which only accepts local currency. Collect calls cannot be made.

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. Road travel after dark is not recommended.

Border areas

The threat of banditry and kidnapping is high in Burkina Faso's border regions, especially along its northern border with Mali, and along the northern portion of its border with Niger.

Public transportation

Public transportation is not recommended.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the Burkina Faso, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of caution during travel.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism. There have been multiple attacks in Ouagadougou. Terrorist targets could include government buildings, places of worship, schools, airports and other transportation hubs, as well as public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and sites frequented by foreigners. Be aware of your surroundings at all times in public places. Stay at hotels that have robust security measures, however, keep in mind that even the most secure locations cannot be considered completely free of risk.

Crime

Purse snatching, muggings and theft from hotel rooms occur in major cities. In Ouagadougou, the areas around the United Nations roundabout and Central Market are often targeted by thieves. Avoid showing signs of affluence and walking alone after dark. Petty crime occurs to a lesser degree elsewhere in the country. Ensure personal belongings, passport and travel documents are secure at all times. Always carry a legally certified photocopy of your passport's identification page.

Dress and behaviour

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Dress conservatively, behave discreetly, and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

LGBT

Although the laws of Burkina Faso do not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is less tolerated socially and public display of affection may attract unwanted and negative attention. LGBT travellers should be aware of local sensitivities, particularly when visiting rural areas.

Illegal or restricted activities

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. If you're a tourist, you no longer need to get a photograph permit from the Tourist Office but there remains a list of prohibited buildings/installations for which film crews still need permits.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is recommended.