Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Burkina Faso?
What is the Climate Like in Burkina Faso?
How Safe is Burkina Faso?
Visiting Reserve de Nazinga
What Should I Pack To Burkina Faso?
Canadian Embassy in 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 PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccines for Burkina Faso: typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), meningitis, and influenza.
| Vaccine | How Disease Spreads |
|---|---|
| Typhoid | Contaminated Food or Water |
| Hepatitis A | Contaminated Food or Water |
| Hepatitis B | Contaminated Body Fluids (Sex, needles, etc.) |
| Cholera | Contaminated Food or Water |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito-borne |
| Rabies | Infected Animals |
| Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors |
| Meningitis | Usually Airborne Droplets |
| Influenza | Airborne Droplets |
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.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Burkina Faso?
Canadian travellers visiting Burkina Faso must have a valid passport and a visa to enter the country. All travellers must also show proof of yellow fever vaccination.
| Is A … | A Burkina Faso Entry Requirement? |
|---|---|
| Passport | Yes |
| Passport Validity | Must be valid at entry |
| Blank Passport Pages | One page for entry stamp |
| Visa | Yes |
| Vaccinations | Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry |
Some visa types can be obtained on arrival. But, it is best to have your travel documents in-hand before entering the country.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
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 Canadian Travel and Tourism 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 outlets.
- Water Bottle – It can get very hot and dry, so a water bottle is a must if traveling outside for long periods of time.
- Bug Repellent – There are plenty of mosquitoes in West Africa. Many mosquitoes carry diseases like malaria or yellow fever.
Canadian Embassy in Burkina Faso
When traveling it is very helpful to find out exactly where the Canadian Embassy or consulates are located. Keep the address written down in case you have a legal problem, you lose your passport, or you want to report a crime. Be sure to keep a copy of your passport with you in case you lose the original.
Embassy of Canada to Burkina Faso
316 Professeur Joseph KIZERBO Ave.
01 P.O. Box 548
Ouagadougou 01
Tel.: (226) 25 49 08 00
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!
