Skip to main content

Burkina Faso

If you’re travelling to Burkina Faso our travel advice and updates give you practical tips and useful information. 

Security Status

  • Normal precautions
  • High degree of caution
  • Avoid non-essential travel
  • Do not travel
  • Overview
  • Safety and Security
  • Local Laws and Customs
  • Health
  • Additional Information
  • Embassy Contact

Overview

Overview

Security Status

Do not Travel

Latest Travel Alert

We advise against all travel to Burkina Faso.

Since Friday 30 September there have been credible accounts of civil unrest in Ouagadougou. There have also been reports of attacks against European targets in the city.

The situation remains unclear and could deteriorate. Citizens are asked to stay in a safe place, monitor the situation carefully and observe any local curfews or restrictions. People should also prepare to leave the country, if possible, at short notice.

If not already done, please ensure to register your presence in Burkina Faso with the Irish Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria here.

Travel to Burkina Faso

Ouagadougou International Airport and Bobo-Dioulasso Airport are operating with limited international commercial flights. Check with your travel company for the latest information. Land borders are closed.

COVID-19 requirements:

All international arrivals in Burkina Faso will be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate dated no more than 5 days prior to arrival in Burkina Faso.

Passengers without a negative PCR test dated to no more than 5 days prior to arrival in Burkina Faso will have their identity documents temporarily confiscated and will be required to take an RDT AND a PCR test at their own expense. Mandatory hotel quarantine may be required at the passenger’s expense pending on the results of the tests.

All passengers departing Burkina Faso will need to present a negative PCR test certificate dated no more than 5 days prior to departure.

You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the authorities and stay up to date with information from your tour operator, transport or accommodation provider on the impact on any existing travel plans. Wearing face masks in public places is mandatory in Burkina Faso.

If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms, you should call the government hotlines +226 01 60 89 89 / +226 52 19 53 94 / +226 70 95 93 27. Isolation is compulsory for those who have tested positive for coronavirus, and two-week quarantine for anyone who has had physical contact with a confirmed case.

General Travel Advice

Citizens should be aware that political instability continues in Burkina Faso, that the situation is tense and liable to change at short notice. The Department advises citizens to exercise extreme caution if in the country, stay indoors, be aware of their surroundings and monitor local media for updates. There is the strong potential for the security situation to deteriorate without warning.

There is an underlying threat from terrorism. There is a credible risk that terrorist groups based inside and outside the country may carry out attacks, such as shootings, bombings, and kidnappings. Attacks could be indiscriminate, and may target places where foreigners gather, such as hotels and restaurants in the capital. On 26 April 2021, an Irish citizen and two Spanish citizens were killed in an ambush while travelling between Fada-N’Gourma and Pama. In June 2021, 160 people were killed in an attack on Solhan in north-eastern Burkina Faso. Further attacks are possible.

You should exercise caution and avoid large political rallies and gatherings, areas of demonstrations and protests. Crowds can gather quickly and may become violent. In the event of unrest monitor local media and follow instructions and announcements from the local authorities.

Safety and Security

Safety and security

Practical advice

  • Get advice locally about areas of risk and security concerns
  • Take common-sense precautions about safety and security
  • Know who to contact in case of an emergency

Local Laws and Customs

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Health

Health

Get travel and medical insurance

Before travelling, the Department strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Vaccinations

Check what vaccinations you may need for your trip at least eight weeks before you travel. We can’t advise you on vaccinations, but you can get information about vaccinations from your local GP or an International Health and Travel Centre.

Evidence of vaccination (in the form of a certificate) can be a requirement for entry to some countries.

Medication

Make sure you bring enough medication for your entire trip and for any unexpected delays. You may wish to also bring copies of your prescription in case you lose your medication.

Additional Information

Additional Information

Passports

It’s advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you when travelling to Burkina Faso and you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times during your stay.

If your passport is lost or stolen while you’re abroad, we can help.

What we can do:

  • Issue you a replacement passport that will let you finish your trip, or;
  • Issue you with an emergency travel document to get you home.

We’ll do our best to help you as quickly as possible but this can take some time. Your location and circumstances may limit the help we can give you. As Ireland does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Burkina Faso there may be additional complications in processing and application for a new passport.

You should contact the nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate to find out what you need to do to apply for a passport. They will also be able to advise you on the fees which apply.

EU Directive on Consular Protection

Under the EU Consular Protection Directive, Irish nationals may seek assistance from the Embassy or Consulate of any other EU member state in a country where there is no Irish Embassy or permanent representation, including Chad.

Embassy contact

Embassy Contact

Irish citizens who require urgent assistance while the Embassy is closed can contact the Duty Officer at the Department of Foreign Affairs on +353 1 408 2000.

The Duty Officer will refer the matter to the nearest Embassy, located in Abuja.

Embassy of Ireland
11 Negro Crescent
Maitama District
Abuja
Nigeria

Tel: +234 9 462 1080
Fax: +234 9 4131805

Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm

Contact us