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The United States Department of State has officially elevated Burkina Faso to a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory the highest level of travel warning due to the country’s ongoing deterioration in security. This move places Burkina Faso among 21 countries globally that Americans are strongly advised to avoid because of terrorism, crime, and kidnapping threats.
According to the advisory, terrorist groups are operating with increasing frequency and lethality across Burkina Faso. Attacks, often indiscriminate and deadly, have targeted civilians in public areas such as markets, hotels, restaurants, places of worship, and government facilities. The U.S. government warns that these attacks may occur with little or no warning and are often concentrated in rural areas, but urban centers are not immune. In addition to terrorism, violent crimes including armed robbery and carjacking are widespread.
The threat has prompted the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou to implement severe restrictions on the movement of American personnel. Embassy staff are currently prohibited from traveling to large swathes of the country, particularly the Sahel and East regions, and several provinces including Kossi, Sourou, Kénédougou, Loroum, and Koulpélogo. These limitations are in place due to credible threats and a lack of sufficient security infrastructure.
The travel advisory also raises concerns for dual nationals. U.S. citizens who also hold Burkinabé nationality may not be recognized as American citizens by local authorities, which could limit their ability to receive consular assistance during emergencies. The Department of State has urged all travelers to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time updates and safety alerts.
Burkina Faso’s security situation has deteriorated rapidly in recent years due to the growing presence of jihadist insurgencies linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS. The country has seen repeated military coups since 2022, with the transitional government struggling to contain violence that has displaced more than two million people and closed thousands of schools and health centers. Humanitarian organizations have also scaled back their operations in several regions due to the high risk to aid workers.
This development reflects broader global security concerns, as the U.S. continues to reassess risks facing its citizens abroad. Burkina Faso joins other countries recently added to the “Do Not Travel” list, including North Korea and parts of the Middle East and Sahel, under a renewed push to ensure American travelers are well-informed about regional instability.
The State Department has emphasized that the advisory is not permanent and could change depending on the security trajectory in Burkina Faso. However, for now, Americans are strongly urged to cancel or postpone travel plans to the country and to remain vigilant if residing there.
