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
General COVID-19 Travel Advisory in Operation
For the latest update please read the General COVID-19 Travel Advisory >
Overview
Security Status
We advise you to avoid non-essential travel to Burkina Faso.
Security Status Last Updated: 25 January 2019.
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 also an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including places where foreigners gather. There is a credible risk that terrorist groups may cross the northern borders from neighbouring countries to carry out kidnap attacks. Terrorist threat has increased in recent months and we advise against all travel to the border area with Benin, Mali, Niger and Togo, and more particularly to the provinces where the state of emergency is currently in effect (Kénédougou, Kossi, Sourou, Louroum, Soum, Oudalan, Séno, Yagha, Gnagna, Komondjari, Gourma, Tapoa, Koulpélogo and Kompienga).
COVID-19
There are confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Burkina Faso and the authorities have introduced a number of measures to limit the spread of the virus including a national curfew from 1900-0500, which was introduced from midnight on 21 March.
Ouagadougou International Airport and Bobo-Dioulasso Airport are closed to international commercial flights. Land borders are also closed.
You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the authorities and stay up to date with information from your tour operator, transport or accommodation provider on the impact on any existing travel plans.
The Burkina Faso authorities have launched a hotline on +226 01 60 89 89 / +226 52 19 53 94 / +226 70 95 93 27.
Emergency assistance
Because there is no Irish Embassy or Consulate in Burkina Faso, we’re limited in the help we can offer you in an emergency. 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.
If there is an emergency, or if you need help and advice, you can contact our Consular Assistance Unit at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin on +353 1 408 2000.
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.
Our tips for safe travels
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance which covers all your intended activities
- Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly in an emergency, such as a natural disaster or a family emergency
- Follow us on twitter @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates
- Read our Topical ‘Know Before You Go’ guide
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 a replacement passport that will let you finish your trip, or;
- Issue you with an emergency travel document to get you home.
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.
More advice
Ireland doesn’t have an Embassy or Consulate in Burkina Faso so we can’t verify detailed travel advice to ensure that it’s accurate, appropriate and up to date. However, we encourage you to conduct your own research and to read these links to travel advice from other foreign ministries:
- UK: Foreign and Commonwealth Office
- Canada: Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
- New Zealand: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Australia: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- USA: Department of State
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 Embassy.
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
TravelWise
