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.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for 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?
Canadian Embassy in Burkina Faso
Do I Need Vaccines for Burkina Faso?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Burkina Faso. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Burkina Faso: COVID-19, 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.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travellers
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 travellers to the capital. - 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-term travellers 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 | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Recommended for travellers 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 travellers to the capital. |
| 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-term 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) |
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 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.
Burkina Faso Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Burkina Faso? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Burkina Faso and Canadian Travel and Tourism
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 1970’s 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 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 travelling 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 travelling 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 travelling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Burkina Faso
“I had a great experience when I brought my daughter to get vaccines for traveling to Burkina Faso. The registered nurse was awesome. She took her time explaining all of the vaccines my daughter needed. I feel very at ease that my daughter is going to be protected from diseases as much as possible. Also your clinic was the only place that was not out of the Hep A pediatric. The vaccine is on back order and I could not find a pharmacy that had any. I definitely would recommend your clinic to some one else. Thank you, you do a great job and really know your stuff!”
“This was my first experience visiting a travel doctor and I was thoroughly impressed! The RPN was extremely knowledgeable about all of the vaccinations required for my trip to Burkina Faso and provided extra details to answer any extra questions or concerns raised during my visit. She also went above and beyond to help resolve some payment issues and was extremely polite and pleasant to work with. She made this a fantastic experience. You’ve definitely got my business and I will also be recommending this business to my family and friends.”
“The nurse was very helpful, caring and knowledgeable about Burkina Faso. I didn’t even feel the injections!! Highly recommended.”
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