Exercise normal precaution
in New Zealand.
New Zealand is generally a safe destination for travelers. Review our travel guidance for New Zealand to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.
Do not travel
to Burkina Faso for any reason due to crime, kidnapping, terrorism, and health.
Do not travel to Burkina Faso for any reason.
U.S. government employee travel restrictions
U.S. government employees working in Burkina Faso are not allowed to travel outside of Ouagadougou due to safety risks. Personnel are discouraged from nighttime travel to the Balkiui and Rayongo (also known as Dayongo) neighborhoods of Ouagadougou’s Arrondissement 11.
Americans in Burkina Faso are strongly advised to take the same precautions.
Crime
State of Emergency
Violent crime is common throughout Burkina Faso. Crimes include kidnapping, assault, armed robbery, home invasion, and carjacking especially during local holidays and seasonal events.
Roadblocks, including those set up by armed groups, occur throughout the country. In urban areas, police checkpoints may also be present, particularly at night. In addition, highways across the country are frequently the scene of attacks on government, civilian, and commercial targets.
Local authorities may not recognize travelers with dual nationality. Your U.S. nationality may not be recognized if you are also a national of Burkina Faso. Review our information on Dual Nationality.
The Government of Burkina Faso has declared a state of emergency in the following territories:
- The entire Sahel and East regions
- The provinces of Kossi and Sourou (Boucle de Mouhoun region)
- The province of Kenedougou (Hauts Bassins region)
- The province of Loroum (North region)
- The province of Koulpelogo (Center-East region)
Kidnapping
- The threat of kidnapping of Westerners by criminal or terrorist groups remains high throughout the region in Burkina Faso. This includes Ouagadougou and especially in the Sahel and East Regions. Extortion and kidnapping for ransom are big sources of financing for terrorist and criminal groups.
Terrorism
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Burkina Faso. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Terrorist organizations continue to plan and conduct terrorist activities throughout Burkina Faso. Terrorists and armed groups target foreigners to kidnap for ransom.
Terrorists may attack without warning:
- Spots frequented by foreigners anywhere in the country
- Police stations
- Customs offices
- Areas at or near mining sites
- Military posts
- Night clubs
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Places of worship and religious sites
- International diplomatic missions
- Local security forces and civilians
Health
Medical services for routine and emergency procedures are limited. Health facilities are available in major cities. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.
- Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
- Patients must cover all costs for transferring to or between hospitals.
- Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.
- Hospital-based care is only available through government institutions.
- Review the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information.
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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment upon this proposed extension of a currently approved collection of information. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the information collection notice is published in the Federal Register to obtain comments regarding the nature of the information collection, the categories of respondents, the estimated burden (i.e. the time, effort, and resources used by the respondents to respond), the estimated cost to the respondent, and the actual information collection instruments.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment upon this proposed reinstatement, with change, of a previously approved collection for which approval has expired. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the information collection notice is published in the Federal Register to obtain comments regarding the nature of the information collection, the categories of respondents, the estimated burden (i.e. the time, effort, and resources used by the respondents to respond), the estimated cost to the respondent, and the actual information collection instruments.