The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that Embassy staff is no longer required to shelter in place, but must obey the nationwide 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. curfew, and must respect military checkpoints. Embassy staff has also been advised to avoid all locations south of Avenue Pascal Zagre (the east-west road between Hotel Laico and the Embassy), the Place de la Nation, military camps, and any other areas with concentrations of military.
The situation in Ouagadougou is presently calm. The military have several checkpoints set up in the city and are requiring drivers to show identification, but the roads appear secure. The Ouagadougou International Airport is currently open, as are land borders. U.S. citizens should be mindful that, as the political situation evolves, closures or openings of borders and airports could change.
Additional military engagement, gunfire, and/or spontaneous demonstrations could occur with little to no advanced warning throughout Burkina Faso until a resolution of the status of the RSP and the transitional government in Burkina Faso becomes clearly established.
U.S. citizens are urged to remain vigilant and to utilize appropriate personal security practices. The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations. The U.S. Embassy urges all U.S. citizens to maintain situational awareness and exercise good judgment. Stay alert and remain aware of your surroundings. Stay informed and abreast of local media reports.
For further information:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Burkina Faso Country Specific Information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Contact the U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou, in Ouaga 2000, Sector 15, on Avenue Sembene Ousmane, southeast of the Monument aux Héros Nationaux, at (+226) 25-49-53-00, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday. If you are a U.S. citizen in an emergency situation after normal Embassy operating hours, please contact the Embassy, dial “1,” and ask to be connected to the duty officer.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
