Burkina Faso is located in West Afrika.
It is bordered by Niger, Mali, Benin, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Togo.
It used to be one of the safest African countries, but now that is not the case.
Burkina Faso is very poor.
Up to 60% of people live in poverty and lately, the crime rate has significantly increased, which is a real shame because it used to be a country where you could get to know the essence of Africa and find out more about history.
The architecture is truly magnificent and it was the reason why so many tourists used to visit this interesting country.
Warnings & Dangers in Burkina Faso
OVERALL RISK : HIGH
Tourists are advised not to go to Burkina Faso since it is a dangerous country to visit. It used to be peaceful, but lately, there are too many risks that should be avoided. If you still decide to go, make sure you stay alert.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : HIGH
Transport is risky in Burkina Faso. Cases, when bandits would stop the vehicles and steal belongings, were frequent. The rate is slowly declining, but the risk remains. It is very important to cooperate because they can be violent, there have been cases of death and injury.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : HIGH
Pickpocketing is frequent and can occur in crowded areas. Make sure not to attract attention with expensive items. Keep your bag close to you and never leave things unattended. Burkina Faso is not a very safe place for tourists to be.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
Burkina Faso is susceptible to floods, storms, droughts, dam system failures, and drainage. There are certain efforts of the Burkina Faso government to prevent windstorm and flood hazards. In case some natural hazard occurs while you are in Burkina Faso, make sure to follow the security protocol.
MUGGING RISK : HIGH
Street crime is common and in order to protect yourself don't carry expensive things such as a watch, phone or a camera. There have been cases of mugging, purse and camera snatching. Keep your valuable things concealed and don't attract too much attention.
TERRORISM RISK : HIGH
There is a high risk of terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso. The level of danger is 4, which is the highest risk. Attacks occur with a warning or without it and the targets are restaurants, hotels, military posts, schools, and police stations.
SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM
Frequent scams usually occur over the internet. The victim receives an email saying that there is some inheritance. If you provide information, you will be under the huge risk of fraud and even physical assault if you decide to pursue it further.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : HIGH
Women are strongly advised against visiting Burkina Faso since it is not safe for tourists. In case you still decide to go, make sure you stay alert all the time and don't wander alone especially at night. Be very careful.
How Safe Is Burkina Faso for Tourists?
Burkina Faso used to be a safe country, but in the last few years there have been frequent terrorist attacks that lead to deaths of many people and up to half million people do not have access to health care anymore.
Burkina Faso is not a safe country now and tourists are strongly advised not to visit.
There are numerous cases of bandits patrolling on the highway and stealing things.
Pickpocketing is frequent and the general impression is that the country is highly unstable.
The terrorism risk is rated by the number 4, meaning that the country is very dangerous for tourists.
If you do decide to go, make sure you stay alert during the entire stay.
In case anything suspicious happens, follow a security protocol.
Stay informed about the possible hazards and do everything you can to protect yourself.
Burkina Faso is definitely not for people who wish to relax and have a great time.
If you are seeking peace, you will not find it here.
There are also cases of kidnapping, so it is important not to walk alone at night and take all possible precautions.
All in all, the general advice is to stay away and not visit Burkina Faso until something changes for the better.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Burkina Faso?
Tourists mainly need to have a visa to visit Burkina Faso.
Before making arrangements, make sure to check your visa status.
Depending on the status, various lengths of stay are allowed.
Which Currency Is Used in Burkina Faso?
The official currency in Burkina Faso is West African CFA franc.
The symbol is XOF. One U.S. dollar equals 589,21 West African CFA franc.
Credit cards are usually not accepted.
How's the Weather like in Burkina Faso?
There are two seasons in Burkina Faso – a rainy and a dry season affected by the Sahara desert.
The average temperature during a year goes around 28 degrees Celsius.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso has 27 airports in total.
The main one is the Ouagadougou Airport.
It is located in the capital of Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou.
It serves almost half a million passengers a year.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
Taking travel insurance is highly recommended no matter how long your stay will be.
Take the basic coverage that includes the medical expenses, theft, and loss of baggage, so you are protected in case something unpredicted happens.
What Are Some Things to Do in Burkina Faso?
If you wish to see waterfalls, go to Karfiguela Falls.
Ouaga, or officially Ouagadougou, is the capital of Burkina Faso and even though the architecture won’t impress you, the spirit of the town, the music and markets will surely compensate.
Is the Water in Burkina Faso Safe to Drink?
Tap water quality ranges from region to region.
If you have a sensitive stomach even if the water is safe for drinking, it may cause diarrhea.
Either boil water or buy bottled one.
Is Uber Safe in Burkina Faso?
There is no Uber in Burkina Faso, but there are many local taxies that you can use.
Shared rides are normal there, so be ready for it.
If you want to be the only passenger, be ready to pay more.
