Africa
Is Burkina Faso safe?
L4Do not travel
Is Burkina Faso safe?
The UK advises against all travel to Burkina Faso because of terrorist attacks, kidnapping and political instability. Ouagadougou is not safe from attack.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 4: Do not travel, updated 2026-05-03.
- Homicide rate: 1.3 per 100,000 people (2017, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 31.0 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 17 · Fire 18.
- Solo women: Conservative outside the capital; harassment is common. Risk of kidnapping outweighs gender concerns for solo travel.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Jihadist attacks and kidnapping, including near Ouagadougou
- Military government detentions of foreigners and journalists
- Roadside IEDs and checkpoints
- Sudden curfews and border closures
Laws visitors break by accident
- Photographing military sites, soldiers or checkpoints can lead to detention.
- Criticising the government publicly or online can get you arrested.
- A 2025 law criminalises same-sex relations.
Quick answers
Is Burkina Faso safe for tourists?
The UK advises against all travel to Burkina Faso because of terrorist attacks, kidnapping and political instability. Ouagadougou is not safe from attack.
Is Burkina Faso safe for solo female travelers?
Conservative outside the capital; harassment is common. Risk of kidnapping outweighs gender concerns for solo travel.
What is the emergency number in Burkina Faso?
Police 17 · Fire 18.
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Burkina Faso
- World Bank open data
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