Security Status
- Normal precautions
- High degree of caution
- Avoid non-essential travel
- Do not travel
- Overview
- Safety and Security
- Local Laws and Customs
- Health
- Additional Information
- Embassy Contact
Overview
Overview
Overview
Security Status
Do Not Travel
Latest Travel Alert
The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly advises against all travel to Burkina Faso.
The political and security situation in Burkina Faso remains unstable and volatile following a military coup in September 2022. There remains potential for further unrest at short notice.
Citizens in the country are advised to be vigilant, avoid unnecessary journeys, keep up to date with local developments, avoid any demonstrations and large gatherings, and observe any local curfews or restrictions. Citizens should also be prepared to leave the country, if possible, at short notice.
Irish citizens in Burkina Faso who have not already done so should register their details with the Irish Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria here.
General Travel Advice
Ouagadougou International Airport and Bobo-Dioulasso Airport are operating with limited international commercial flights. Check with your travel company for the latest information. Land borders are closed.
Citizens should be aware that political instability continues in Burkina Faso, that the situation is tense and liable to change at short notice. The Department advises citizens to exercise extreme caution if in the country, stay indoors, be aware of their surroundings and monitor local media for updates. There is the strong potential for the security situation to deteriorate without warning.
There is an underlying threat from terrorism. There is a credible risk that terrorist groups based inside and outside the country may carry out attacks, such as shootings, bombings, and kidnappings. Attacks could be indiscriminate, and may target places where foreigners gather, such as hotels and restaurants in the capital. On 26 April 2021, an Irish citizen and two Spanish citizens were killed in an ambush while travelling between Fada-N’Gourma and Pama. In June 2021, 160 people were killed in an attack on Solhan in north-eastern Burkina Faso. Further attacks are possible.
Citizens should exercise caution and avoid large political rallies and gatherings, areas of demonstrations and protests. Crowds can gather quickly and may become violent. In the event of unrest monitor local media and follow instructions and announcements from the local authorities.
Emergency Assistance
The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.
You can contact the emergency services in Burkina Faso by dialling:
- Police: 17
- Ambulance: 112
Our tips for Safe Travels:
- Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers all your planned activities.
- Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there’s an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
- Follow us on twitter @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates.
- Read our ‘Know Before You Go’ guide.
As there is no Irish Embassy in Burkina Faso, we are limited in the help we can offer you in an emergency. However, if you need assistance, you can contact the Irish Embassy in Nigeria.
Safety and Security
Safety and Security
Local Laws and Customs
Local Laws and Customs
Health
Health
Health
Get travel and medical insurance
Before travelling, the Department strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.
Vaccinations
Check what vaccinations you may need for your trip at least eight weeks before you travel. We can’t advise you on vaccinations, but you can get information about vaccinations from your local GP or an International Health and Travel Centre.
Evidence of vaccination (in the form of a certificate) can be a requirement for entry to some countries.
Medication
Make sure you bring enough medication for your entire trip and for any unexpected delays. You may wish to also bring copies of your prescription in case you lose your medication.
Additional Information
Additional Information
Additional Information
Passports
It’s advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you when travelling to Burkina Faso and you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times during your stay.
If your passport is lost or stolen while you’re abroad, we can help.
What we can do:
- Issue you with an emergency travel document to get you home;
- If required, provide advice on applying for new passport.
You will need a police report if you want to make a claim on your travel insurance. We will not provide you with a travel document without a police report.
We’ll do our best to help you as quickly as possible but this can take some time. Your location and circumstances may limit the help we can give you. As Ireland does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Burkina Faso there may be additional complications in processing and application for a new passport.
You should contact the nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate to find out what you need to do to apply for a passport. They will also be able to advise you on the fees which apply.
EU Directive on Consular Protection
Under the EU Consular Protection Directive, Irish nationals may seek assistance from the Embassy or Consulate of any other EU member state in a country where there is no Irish Embassy or permanent representation, including Chad.
Embassy contact
Embassy Contact
Irish citizens who require urgent assistance while the Embassy is closed can contact the Duty Officer at the Department of Foreign Affairs on +353 1 408 2000.
The Duty Officer will refer the matter to the nearest Embassy, located in Abuja.
Embassy of Ireland
11 Negro Crescent
Maitama District
Abuja
Nigeria
Tel: +234 9 462 1080
Fax: +234 9 4131805
Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm
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