Burkina Faso: Travel Requirements, Health, and Medical Insurance
Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in the heart of the Sahel, with Ouagadougou as its capital. Citizens of ECOWAS countries don't need a visa; other nationalities generally must apply for one before traveling.
Numerous governments and foreign ministries currently advise against all travel to Burkina Faso, including the capital, due to an active armed conflict affecting a very large part of the territory. Standard travel insurance policies, including Assist-365's, typically exclude coverage in active armed conflict zones, so it's essential to confirm the exact scope of coverage before considering any trip to the country.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Citizens of ECOWAS don't need a visa; other nationalities generally do. Numerous governments and foreign ministries currently advise against all travel to Burkina Faso due to an armed conflict affecting much of the territory.
Health & travel insurance: Malaria risk exists across the country; medical services are limited even in the capital, and medical evacuation may be hindered by the security situation.
Visa and entry requirements
Citizens of ECOWAS countries enter without a visa. Other nationalities generally must apply for one at a consulate before the trip.
- Valid passport and visa arranged in advance if your nationality requires one.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate.
- Mandatory review of your home country's current travel alerts before considering any trip to Burkina Faso.
Health, hospitals, and medical insurance
Medical services are limited even in Ouagadougou, and the security situation can hinder transfer to another country in case of a serious emergency. Malaria risk exists across the entire territory.
Assist-365 covers hospitalization, COVID-19, and 24-hour medical assistance when the destination and specific route of the trip fall within the policy's scope; given the security context, it's essential to confirm with an advisor whether your itinerary in Burkina Faso is covered before quoting the plan with the code MEDALLOADV2023.
Transportation and currency
The currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Road transportation outside Ouagadougou can be affected by the security situation in different regions of the country.
When to travel
Beyond the weather, the main factor in deciding whether and when to travel to Burkina Faso is the current security situation; it's recommended to check the updated alerts from your foreign ministry before making any travel decision.
Travel checklist for Burkina Faso
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Burkina Faso.
- Check the visa requirement for Burkina Faso based on your passport: Citizens of ECOWAS don't need a visa; other nationalities generally do. Numerous governments and foreign ministries currently advise against all travel to Burkina Faso due to an armed conflict affecting much of the territory.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: Malaria risk exists across the country; medical services are limited even in the capital, and medical evacuation may be hindered by the security situation.
- Save Burkina Faso's emergency number: 17 (police) / 18 (fire department), along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in West African CFA Franc (XOF)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel to Burkina Faso right now?
Numerous governments and foreign ministries currently advise against all travel to Burkina Faso, including the capital, due to an armed conflict affecting much of the territory; it's recommended to check your home country's current alert.
Do I need a visa to travel to Burkina Faso?
Citizens of ECOWAS countries don't need one; other nationalities generally do, arranged before the trip.
Does travel insurance cover a trip to Burkina Faso?
Standard policies typically exclude active armed conflict zones; given the country's current context, it's essential to confirm with your insurance advisor whether your specific itinerary is covered before traveling.
What is the emergency number in Burkina Faso?
17 for police and 18 for fire department.
What currency should I use in Burkina Faso?
The West African CFA franc (XOF).
