Travel Vaccines and Advice for Burkina Faso
For travellers looking to explore a beautiful country, meet friendly locals, and explore different African cultures, Burkina Faso is a fantastic destination.
The capital city, Ouagadougou is known for its many musical events and gorgeous handmade items. In Ouaga, every odd-numbered year Fespaco, Africa's premier film festival, is held.
But, recent terrorism alerts mean travellers should exercise caution when visiting.
Do I Need Vaccines for Burkina Faso?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Burkina Faso. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Burkina Faso: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis and tetanus.
Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated.
Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions.
Typhoid –
Recommended for travellers
to most regions.
Cholera –
Recommended for travel to most regions.
Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age.
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June)
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Burkina Faso
Hepatitis A Food & Water Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated.
Hepatitis B Blood & Body Fluids Recommended for travellers
Typhoid Food & Water Recommended for travellers
Cholera Food & Water Recommended for travel to most regions.
Yellow Fever Mosquito Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age.
Rabies Saliva of Infected Animals High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
Meningitis Airborne & Direct Contact Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June)
There is a risk of yellow fever in Burkina Faso. All travellers over the age of nine months must be vaccinated. The country requires all travellers entering to show proof of yellow fever vaccination.
Burkina Faso is in the meningitis belt, a region known for carrying the disease. Meningitis vaccination is recommended for travellers especially between December and June.
Travellers should take antimalarial medication before, during, and after their trip. Travellers should also take steps to avoid mosquito bites.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Burkina Faso?
Visas are required for travel to Burkina Faso. Passports must be valid for the duration of stay. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter the country. If you do not have proof of vaccination, you may be vaccinated on site, quarantined or returned to your previous location.
Burkina Faso Entry Requirements
For My Trip to Burkina Faso?
Sources: Embassy of Burkina Faso and GOV.UK
What is the Climate Like in Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso has a tropical climate, dominated by two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.
The dry season is from June to September and a hot wind, called the harmattan, blows from the Sahara into the country.
The rainy season is from October to May. In the northern part of the country, there is less rain due to proximity to the Sahel.
How Safe is Burkina Faso?
The government of the UK warns travellers to Burkina Faso to exercise caution.
Travellers should avoid the northern part of the Sahel region due to terrorism threats. In the border area shared by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso there have been attacks against Westerners.
Always maintain situational alertness, have evacuation plans ready, and travel in groups.
Visiting Reserve de Nazinga
In the 1970s the Reserve de Nazinga was formed, a 97,000-hectare wildlife reserve. At the park travellers can see antelopes, monkeys, crocodiles, elephants, warthogs, birds, and more. In fact, the reserve is home to over 20,000 animals. There are safari rides available for travellers to get a safe, guided tour through the area.
What Should I Pack for Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso is a beautiful country with much to offer visitors. But, it's important you pack appropriately for your trip.
Money Belt – Due to the crime levels in the country, a money belt will allow you to keep your money and passport safe.
Plug Adaptors – Burkina Faso uses the 2-pin French system for power points.
Water Bottle – It can get very hot and dry, so a water bottle is a must if travelling outside for long periods of time.
Insect Repellent – There are plenty of mosquitoes in West Africa. Many mosquitoes carry diseases like malaria or yellow fever.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Burkina Faso
If you are in Burkina Faso and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
While there is no consulate or embassy in Burkina Faso, it is served by the British embassy in Ghana:
British High Commission Accra
Julius Nyerere Link, off Gamel Abdul Nasser Avenue
Telephone: + 233 302 213 250
Emergency Phone: + 233 302 213 250
Fax: + 233 30 2213 274
What Should I Pack To Burkina Faso?