Burkina Faso

Översikt

Burkina Faso is a high risk country due to the threat of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism especially near the W National Park and the area north of the Tougan–Ouahigouya–Djibo–Dori line—up to the Mali and Niger borders—and within 80 km of the rest of the Burkina Faso–Mali border. 

Coupled with poor road safety, driving can be dangerous and challenging in Burkina Faso, especially after dark. Roads are generally narrow, unpaved and poorly lit. Pedestrians, bicycles, carts, vehicles without headlights and potholes pose hazards to drivers. Many trucks transit the country at night. Travel after dark is not recommended. Public transportation is not recommended as well. 

Flash floods pose a hazard in Burkina Faso, with major flooding causing extensive damage to roads and residential areas during the rainy season from May to November. A lack of investment in local infrastructure means flooding will continue to cause disruption in the country.

Since August 2018, attacks by militants have also increased and they were mostly targeted at security forces including French troops based in the country. In response, a security operation in Sahel was intensified with troops carrying out raids in the Est region in the country.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Burkina Faso. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

Risk for mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue( with peak transmission from August to December), malaria and Zika virus is present in Burkina Faso. The use of anti-malarial medications (Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline) is recommended for all areas of Burkina Faso. This prophylaxis should be supported by the use of insect repellent, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to the country.

Sleeping Sickness infection has been reported near Banfora and Bobo Diolasso in the southwest and the Koudougou area west of Ougadougou. Travellers going on safari and rural areas should avoid getting bitten by tsetse flies.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is only required from travellers coming from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

Burkina Faso has a generalised HIV epidemic with an estimated 92.000 people living with HIV/AIDS.

In addition to these health risks, travellers diarrhoea is the most common travel-related medical problem affecting travellers to Burkina Faso. It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been boiled.

Tuberculosis is highly endemic and a major public health problem in Burkina Faso.

The medical facilities are extremely limited in Burkina Faso and medication is not always available. The majorities of hospitals are in Ouagadougou, but facilities are limited and not always sterile. Payment in advance is often expected even if you have travel insurance.

Bring your own medication packed in the original boxes and clearly labelled (in generic names). It is also advisable to bring your own needles. If a serious medical problem emerges, it is advisable to leave the country for better medical facilities. Outside of the capital, medical facilities are very poor and often unavailable.

Pass

Passports need to be valid for another six months before entering the country.

One blank page required for entry stamp.

Visum

Visas and evidence of Yellow Fever vaccination are required for entry into Burkina Faso. Visas can be obtained upon arrival in Burkina Faso. Visas issued at the airport are valid for 21 days. Visas issued at land borders are valid for seven days. Both types of visas can be extended at the migration office in the capital, Ouagadougou.

A letter of responsibility is required for business travellers. The letter must be addressed to the Embassy of Burkina Faso; explain the purpose of the visit; be on your company letterhead; and signed by somebody of your company other than yourself.