The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to:
the whole of Burkina Faso based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks
In addition and for security reasons, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:
- the capital Ouagadougou, up to the toll booths on all roads out of the city
The FCDO advises against all travel to:
- the rest of Burkina Faso
Travel to Burkina Faso is subject to entry restrictions
- You will need to present a negative COVID 19 test certificate dated no more than 5 days prior to departure to Burkina Faso.
- You will need to quarantine for 14 days on arrival in Burkina Faso, at a location of your choice and at your own cost.
See Entry requirements for more information before you plan to travel.
Return travel to the UK is subject to self-isolation requirements
If you’re returning to the UK, you will need to:
- provide your journey and contact details
- self-isolate for 14 days
Check the guidance on entering or returning to the UK.
Check our advice on foreign travel during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and sign up for email alerts for this travel advice.
If you’re planning travel to Burkina Faso, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Burkina Faso, including Ouagadougou. Attacks could be indiscriminate, affecting Burkina Faso security forces, religious sites, restaurants, schools, markets and places visited by foreigners. Further attacks are possible. You should exercise particular caution around religious holidays. See Terrorism.
There’s also a risk that terrorist groups may cross the border from Mali and the northern border with Niger into Burkina Faso to carry out kidnap attacks. On 11 May 2019, four hostages, including westerners, were rescued during a French military operation in northern Burkina Faso. Two of the rescued hostages were French tourists who had been kidnapped from Pendjari National Park in Benin on 1 May 2019. See Kidnap.
In June 2019, Burkina Faso passed a law criminalising the dissemination of information about terrorist attacks and security forces that could undermine public order or the conduct of security operations.
A state of emergency remains in place in the Est and Sahel regions, the western provinces of Kossi and Sourou, the central-eastern province of Koulpélogo, the western province of Kénédougou and northern province of Lorum. The measure gives security forces extra powers to search homes and restrict freedom of movement.
UK health authorities have classified Burkina Faso as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For information and advice about the risks associated with Zika virus, visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
Consular support is severely limited in Burkina Faso where we advise against all travel and limited where we advise against all but essential travel. British nationals should contact the British High Commission Accra in Ghana in the first instance who can provide consular support. The Honorary Consul in Burkina Faso can offer limited consular assistance.
