Updated to reflect changes for travelers with dual nationality
Do not travel to Burkina Faso for any reason due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.
Country Summary: Terrorist organizations continue to plan and conduct terrorist activities throughout Burkina Faso.
Terrorism
Terrorists may attack anywhere with little or no warning and may utilize various tactics including the use of common, commercially available items or the use of kidnapping for ransom. Targets may include but are not limited to:
Visit the U.S. Department of State's Country Reports on Terrorism to learn more.
The threat of kidnapping remains persistent throughout Burkina Faso, including in Ouagadougou and especially in the Sahel and East regions.
State of Emergency
The Transition Authorities of Burkina Faso have maintained a state of emergency in the following territories:
Due to the risks, the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in most of the country. U.S. government employees working in Burkina Faso are prohibited from traveling to regions outside the capital due to security concerns.
Due to a historically high crime rate, the U.S. Embassy discourages U.S. government personnel from nighttime travel to the Balkiui and Rayongo (also known as Dayongo) neighborhoods of Ouagadougou’s Arrondissement 11.
For travelers with dual nationality, local authorities may not recognize your U.S. nationality if you are also a national of Burkina Faso. Read the dual-nationality-traveler page for additional information about traveling with a dual nationality.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Burkina Faso.
If you decide to travel to Burkina Faso: