Official travel advisories warn against all travel here. Civil liberties are tightly restricted and political expression can carry risk.
Regional breakdown
The official advisory guidance warns against all travel to every part of Burkina Faso. That includes the capital, Ouagadougou, as well as the second city, Bobo-Dioulasso. There are no zones official advisory guidance treats as lower risk right now. The official advisory guidance flags the Sahel and East regions as the highest concern. It also names specific provinces: Kossi and Sourou in Boucle du Mouhoun, Kenedougou in Hauts-Bassins, Loroum in the North, and Koulpelogo in the Centre-East. These areas have seen repeated armed attacks on villages, security posts, and roads. Border zones with Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo and Côte d'Ivoire are flagged for cross-border raids. Travel between cities by road is treated as high risk by both governments. Many overland routes pass through areas where armed groups operate. Even areas around Ouagadougou have seen incidents, so the warnings are not limited to remote provinces.
Recent advisory changes
The official advisory guidance last updated its Burkina Faso advice on 10 December 2025. It continues to warn against all travel to the whole country. The official advisory guidance points to the threat of terrorist attacks, kidnapping of foreigners, and an unstable political situation following recent military takeovers. The UK has no embassy in Burkina Faso. Consular help is run from the international High Commission in Accra, Ghana. And official advisory guidance says it may not be able to evacuate travellers in a crisis. The official advisory guidance reissued its Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory on 16 April 2025. Level 4 is the highest tier the US uses. The official advisory guidance has not declared an ordered departure for embassy staff. But says it cannot provide emergency services to travellers in most of the country. The April 2025 update added guidance for dual nationals, warning that local authorities may not recognise US citizenship for people who also hold Burkinabè nationality. Both governments stress that travel insurance may be voided if travellers ignore the advice.
What travellers should know
Anyone still considering travel should read both the official advisories pages in full before making plans. Insurance is the first practical issue. Most advisory policies will not cover trips taken against an "all travel" or Level 4 warning. Which can leave travellers exposed to very large medical and evacuation bills. Those travelling for essential work, such as humanitarian or diplomatic roles, normally rely on professional security support. That includes armoured transport, vetted local fixers, secure accommodation, and constant monitoring of road conditions. Independent overland travel is treated as very high risk by both governments. Internal flights are limited and schedules can change at short notice. Travellers should register with their embassy where possible. travellers can contact the international High Commission in Accra. travellers can enrol in the their home government's traveller alert programme programme. Carry copies of key documents, keep family informed of movements, and have a personal evacuation plan, since official rescue cannot be assumed. Avoid public gatherings and political events, follow local curfews, and monitor news for sudden changes after security incidents. Mobile networks and internet access can be cut without warning during periods of unrest.