The intent of this message is to remind U.S. citizens of ongoing threats of kidnapping-for-ransom posed by terrorist groups in the Sahel region. We note the French government recently released a message that the threat of kidnapping remains a reality for Niger and Burkina Faso.
U.S. citizens in Burkina Faso should therefore exercise caution, maintain a high level of vigilance, take appropriate steps to increase security awareness, and pay attention to surroundings at all times. U.S. citizens should implement best practices and follow instructions of local authorities.
We also strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Burkina Faso enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at travel.state.gov. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution Read the Country Specific Information for Burkina Faso. For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.
Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to have travel information at your fingertips.
The U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou is located in Ouaga 2000, Sector 15, on Avenue Sembene Ousmane, southeast of the Monument aux Héros Nationaux. If you are a U.S. citizen in an emergency situation after normal Embassy operating hours, please contact the Embassy’s main number at (+226) 50-49-53-00, dial “1,” and ask to be connected to the duty officer.
