Safety in Burkina Faso

The overall picture: The security situation remains highly unstable because of armed group activity. Only the centre of the capital is treated as relatively safe, while travel to the north and the east carries serious risk.
Never move at night: Do not travel between towns after dark, and treat that as a rule with no exceptions. The risk of attack multiplies after sunset, and roads are often closed off by army checkpoints anyway.
Papers and checks: Carry your original passport and vaccination certificate at all times, because either can be asked for without warning. Frequent roadside checks are simply a routine part of life across the Sahel.
Photography: Photographing government buildings, military sites and anyone in uniform is strictly forbidden. Always ask ordinary people first, otherwise you risk a very sharp reaction.
Petty theft: In crowds and markets keep a hand on your pockets and do not flash expensive electronics. A money belt worn under your clothes is the sensible place for cash and documents.
Before you go: Read your own government's travel advisory before booking anything, since the guidance shifts quickly. Leave your route with someone at home, keep trusted contacts in your phone and always travel with a charged power bank.

Burkina Faso is in an armed conflict covering most of its territory. All governments advise against travel there.

What defines the situation. The government controls a minority of the territory; large areas in the north, east and along the Malian and Nigerien borders are under the influence of armed groups. Attacks on settlements, roadside ambushes and improvised explosive devices occur regularly.

Kidnapping of foreigners. A systemic risk. Tourists, humanitarian workers and journalists have been taken, including in areas previously considered calm.

Practical realities. International air links are limited, overland routes between cities are unsafe, and communications and electricity are intermittent. International cards work poorly and the economy runs on cash.

Insurance. No standard policy covers Burkina Faso.

The country once received visitors for the FESPACO festival and the ruins of Loropéni. That tourism no longer exists.

Martial law and emergency measures. Most regions operate under states of emergency with curfews and expanded security force powers.

Photography. Military installations, checkpoints, armed personnel and attack aftermath are categorically off limits. Detention on espionage accusations is a realistic scenario.

Movement. Intercity roads are unsafe because of ambushes and explosive devices. Overland travel beyond Ouagadougou is not undertaken without dire necessity and organised escort.

Improvised explosive devices. Laid on roads in affected areas. Leaving the tarmac and detouring across ground is especially dangerous.

The political situation. The country has been through several military coups. Public statements and participation in any event create risk. Journalists have been expelled.

Consular assistance. Diplomatic presence is reduced and capacity to help a citizen is small.

Yellow fever is compulsory. A certificate is required on entry.

Malaria. Very high risk year-round nationwide. Prophylaxis is unconditionally essential.

Meningitis. Burkina Faso lies in the meningitis belt, with outbreaks in the December-to-June dry season. The ACWY vaccine is necessary.

Other vaccinations. Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies, polio and cholera.

Water. Unsafe everywhere.

The humanitarian situation. Millions are displaced, humanitarian access to many areas is restricted, and food security is critical.

Healthcare. The system operates under heavy strain, and medical facilities in conflict-affected areas have closed. Anything serious means evacuation, which is extremely difficult.

Heat. The Sahel: above 45°C from March to May, with the harmattan bringing dust.

Burkina Faso sits in the lower part of global safety rankings.

Who controls the ground. Much of the country is outside state control. Various armed formations operate locally, including pro-government militia.

Kidnapping. The main risk to a foreigner, and not a hypothetical one.

Checkpoints. Belonging to different forces with differing rules. Photography and argument are unacceptable.

Where people definitely do not go. The north (Sahel), the east, the south-west near the Ivorian border, and the frontiers with Mali, Niger and Benin. In practice the whole country beyond Ouagadougou — and the capital is not safe either.

Consular assistance. Limited.

The honest conclusion: Burkina Faso is not a place to travel to. This section exists to make that clear.