See the Department of State’s Travel Advisory for Burkina Faso and Worldwide Caution for current security information.
Terrorism: Violent extremist elements, remain active in Bukina Faso and throughout the region. They have specifically targeted Westerners in attacks and kidnappings. Since January 2016, extremist groups have conducted numerous cross-border attacks in the Sahel region. In addition to attacking police stations, customs offices, military posts, and schools in the Sahel region, extremists have attacked Ouagadougou three times since Janaury 2016.
On March 2, 2018, extremists attacked the French Embassy and Burkina Faso’s military headquarters in downtown Ouagadougou. Eight security force personnel, including soldiers and police officers, were killed, and over 80 others were injured. In August 2017, a small group of armed men attacked the Aziz Istanbul Café, a restaurant in downtown Ouagadougou, and killed approximately 19 people.
Civil Unrest: Demonstrations may occur throughout Burkina Faso with little or no advance warning. Maintain a surplus of supplies including food, water, fuel, and medical supplies in case you need to shelter-in-place.
U.S. citizens should remain vigilant and utilize appropriate personal security practices, including:
- avoiding large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations;
- maintaining situational awareness and exercise good judgment;
- remaining alert and aware of your surroundings;
- staying abreast of current events through media outlets.
Crime: Street crime is prevalent in major cities and foreigners are often directly targeted. Cellular telephones, jewelry, laptops, money and other items of value are the frequent targets of thieves. The majority of street crime is committed after dark and is often perpetrated by one or two individuals on motorbikes. Street crime typically increases in Ouagadougou around the holidays, the bi-annual West African Movie Festival (FESPACO), and the bi-annual Regional Craft Festival (SIAO).
Remain vigilant in crowded areas and secure your personal belongings are at all times. Avoid traveling alone after dark as security risks increase at night. Be alert and aware of your surroundings, travel with a group of people if possible, and avoid poorly lit streets and narrow alleys. Criminals in urban areas may carry a knife or sharp weapon in order to cut the straps on bags, purses, or backpacks and can become violent if the victim resists. Ordinarily, thieves do not threaten victims with weapons, although there have been thefts and attempted thefts involving firearms and knives.
Residential thefts/home invasions occur occasionally in the Ouagadougou expatriate community centered in Ouaga 2000, Koulouba, and Zone du Bois, and in other parts of Ouagadougou. Thieves enter residences at night but generally avoid direct confrontation with the occupants. Most perpetrators exploit an unlocked door or window.
Travel in convoys when outside of major urban areas to deter roadside crime. Robberies can take place anwhere along the country’s roads, but local police cite the Eastern Region beyond Koupela, toward Fada N’Gourma due to its isolated location and intermittent cell phone coverage. According to police statistics, more than half of all reported roadside robbery incidents occurred in the this area. Criminals often use spotters at highway checkpoints and bus stations to identify potential victims. While criminals mainly steal valuables, they may physically harm victims during the course of a robbery.
Exercise caution when traveling along the northern areas of the country near the Mali and Niger borders. The Government of Burkina Faso and the U.S. Embassy have limited ability to provide assistance in the Sahel Reserve region. The U.S. Embassy has placed restrictions on official government travel to Dori, Djibo, the east-west road that connects these cities, and all areas north of that road. U.S. citizens are encouraged to follow the same guidance.
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.
Victims of Crime: Report crimes to the local police at 10-10 and contact the U.S. Embassy. The national emergency telephone number, 10-10, will connect a caller to the Ministry of Security who can then dispatch the appropriate law enforcement or emergency assistance entity.
Within Ouagadougou, emergency services numbers are as follows:
- Fire Department:
- Dial 18 for emergencies.
- Dial 25-30-69-47 or 25-30-69-48 for administrative issues.
- Ambulance Service:
- Dial 18 for emergencies.
- Dial 25-30-66-44 or 25-30-66-45 for administrative issues.
- Police:
- Dial 17 or 25-30-63-83, or 25-30-71-00 for emergencies.
- Dial 25-36-44-42 or 25-32-60-69 for administrative issues.
- Gendarmerie (Military Police):
- Dial 16 or 25-30-62-71 for emergencies.
- Dial 25-30-32-71 or 25-31-33-40 for administrative issues.
Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.
See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.
We can:
- help you find appropriate medical care
- assist you in reporting a crime to the police
- contact relatives or friends with your written consent
- explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
- provide a list of local attorneys
- provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
- provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
- help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
- replace a stolen or lost passport
Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism: No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place. Tourists are considered to be participating in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is not available in-country. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
