Travel Vaccines and Advice for Burkina Faso
For travelers 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 travelers should exercise caution when visiting.
Do I Need Vaccines for Burkina Faso?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Burkina Faso. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Burkina Faso: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travelers
to most regions. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
The last major cholera outbreak in Burkina Faso was in 2005. But, cases are still reported each year. Vaccination may be recommended for travelers to the capital. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travelers over 9 months of age. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Burkina Faso |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne & Direct Contact | Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | The last major cholera outbreak in Burkina Faso was in 2005. But, cases are still reported each year. Vaccination may be recommended for travelers to the capital. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travelers over 9 months of age. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers 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) |
Routine Vaccinations for Burkina Faso |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
There is a risk of yellow fever in Burkina Faso. All travelers over the age of nine months must be vaccinated. The country requires all travelers 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 travelers especially between December and June.
Typhoid vaccination is recommended for most travelers to Burkina Faso. Individuals visiting friends or family or going to rural areas are at a higher risk and should receive immunization.
Travelers should take antimalarial medication before, during, and after their trip. Travelers 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.
Is There Cholera in Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso has had cholera outbreaks in recent years. Vaccination is recommended for travelers, especially for aid workers and individuals heading to rural areas.
The best protection against cholera is through vaccination. Passport Health clinics offer the cholera vaccine. Book your cholera vaccination appointment today!
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Burkina Faso?
American travelers visiting Burkina Faso must have a valid passport and a visa to enter the country. All travelers must also show proof of yellow fever vaccination.
Burkina Faso Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Burkina Faso? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Burkina Faso and U.S. State Department
Some visa types can be obtained on arrival. But, it is best to have your travel documents in-hand before entering the country.
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 U.S. Department of State’s warns U.S. citizens traveling to Burkina Faso to exercise caution.
Travelers 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
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
In the 1970’s the Reserve de Nazinga was formed, a 97,000-hectare wildlife reserve. At the park travelers 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 travelers 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 Adapters – 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.
U.S. Embassy in Burkina Faso
When traveling it is very helpful to find out exactly where the U.S. 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.
U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou
Secteur 53, Ouaga 2000
Avenue Sembène Ousmane, Rue 15.873
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Phone: +(226) 25-49-53-00
E-mail: amembouaga@state.gov
Visit the Embassy to Burkina Faso website before departure to confirm correct contact details for the office.
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Burkina Faso
Overall rating: 5 stars – 2 reviews
★★★★★
“Travel shots made easy“
“This was so easy from start to finish. We are going to Burkina Faso, and I a needed yellow fever vaccination. When I called, they were able to accommodate my schedule at either clinic, and when the day of the appointment I had a conflict, they worked around it. Everyone was really friendly upon arrival, and I was advised that a meningitis vaccination was a good idea. OK! I got everything I need, and the nurse was great. Fast too.”
Submitted by: Meghan
★★★★★
“Fantastic Job!“
“When you say Burkina Faso most people will just stare and say “where” are you going? Here, every thing was prepared: booklet, vaccinations, medications, alternate suggestions, strategies, everything I needed. Shots were given in a blink of an eye with no pain.”
Submitted by: Natalie
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Burkina Faso?
Is There Cholera in Burkina Faso?
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?
U.S. Embassy in Burkina Faso
“This was so easy from start to finish. We are going to Burkina Faso, and I a needed yellow fever vaccination. When I called, they were able to accommodate my schedule at either clinic, and when the day of the appointment I had a conflict, they worked around it. Everyone was really friendly upon arrival, and I was advised that a meningitis vaccination was a good idea. OK! I got everything I need, and the nurse was great. Fast too.”
“When you say Burkina Faso most people will just stare and say “where” are you going? Here, every thing was prepared: booklet, vaccinations, medications, alternate suggestions, strategies, everything I needed. Shots were given in a blink of an eye with no pain.”
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Burkina Faso?
Is There Cholera in Burkina Faso?
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?
U.S. Embassy in Burkina Faso
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