Burkina Faso Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Burkina Faso
US State Department Travel Advisory
Do Not Travel
Updated May 4, 2026
Burkina Faso recorded 1.3 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2017, a rate that is low by global standards. That places Burkina Faso #137 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Africa average of 7.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (0.7 per 100,000 in 2007, 1.3 today). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Burkina Faso at Level 4 of 4: Do Not Travel.
Homicide Rate
1.3 /100k
Safety Rank
#59 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 4 of 4
Data Year
2017
Homicide Rate Trend (2002-2017)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (0.7 per 100,000 in 2007, 1.3 today). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Burkina Faso Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Armed Conflict Context
Burkina Faso has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
2,199(2024)
Military Spending
4.7% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Burkina Faso:
Do not travel to Burkina Faso for any reason due to crime , kidnapping , terrorism , and health . Do not travel to Burkina Faso for any reason. U.S. government employee travel restrictions U.S. government employees working in Burkina Faso are not allowed to travel outside of Ouagadougou due to safety risks. Personnel are discouraged from nighttime travel to the Balkiui and Rayongo (also known as Dayongo) neighborhoods of Ouagadougou’s Arrondissement 11. Americans in Burkina Faso are strongly advised to take the same precautions.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Burkina Faso
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated May 07, 2026).
Terrorism
Violent extremist elements, remain active in Bukina Faso and throughout the region. They have specifically targeted Westerners in attacks and kidnappings. Since January 2016, extremist groups have conducted numerous cross-border attacks in the Sahel region. In addition to attacking police stations, customs offices, military posts, and schools in the Sahel region, extremists have attacked Ouagadougou three times since Janaury 2016. On March 2, 2018, extremists attacked the French Embassy and Burkina Faso’s military headquarters in downtown Ouagadougou. Eight security force personnel, including soldiers and police officers, were killed, and over 80 others were injured. In August 2017, a small group of armed men attacked the Aziz Istanbul Café, a restaurant in downtown Ouagadougou, and killed approximately 19 people.
Civil Unrest
Demonstrations may occur throughout Burkina Faso with little or no advance warning. Maintain a surplus of supplies including food, water, fuel, and medical supplies in case you need to shelter-in-place. U.S. citizens should remain vigilant and utilize appropriate personal security practices, including: avoiding large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations; maintaining situational awareness and exercise good judgment; remaining alert and aware of your surroundings; staying abreast of current events through media outlets.
Crime
Street crime is prevalent in major cities and foreigners are often directly targeted. Cellular telephones, jewelry, laptops, money and other items of value are the frequent targets of thieves. The majority of street crime is committed after dark and is often perpetrated by one or two individuals on motorbikes. Street crime typically increases in Ouagadougou around the holidays, the bi-annual West African Movie Festival (FESPACO), and the bi-annual Regional Craft Festival (SIAO). Remain vigilant in crowded areas and secure your personal belongings are at all times. Avoid traveling alone after dark as security risks increase at night. Be alert and aware of your surroundings, travel with a group of people if possible, and avoid poorly lit streets and narrow alleys.
Victims of Crime
Report crimes to the local police at 10-10 and contact the U.S. Embassy. The national emergency telephone number, 10-10, will connect a caller to the Ministry of Security who can then dispatch the appropriate law enforcement or emergency assistance entity. Within Ouagadougou, emergency services numbers are as follows: Fire Department: Dial 18 for emergencies. Dial 25-30-69-47 or 25-30-69-48 for administrative issues. Ambulance Service: Dial 18 for emergencies. Dial 25-30-66-44 or 25-30-66-45 for administrative issues. Police: Dial 17 or 25-30-63-83, or 25-30-71-00 for emergencies. Dial 25-36-44-42 or 25-32-60-69 for administrative issues. Gendarmerie (Military Police): Dial 16 or 25-30-62-71 for emergencies. Dial 25-30-32-71 or 25-31-33-40 for administrative issues. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. See our webpage on help for U.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place. Tourists are considered to be participating in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is not available in-country. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Burkina Faso Population & Demographics
Population of 23,548,781, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burkina Faso safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Burkina Faso at Level 4 of 4 (Do Not Travel). Cited risks include crime, terrorism, kidnapping, health. The homicide rate of 1.3 per 100,000 is low by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso has an intentional homicide rate of 1.3 per 100,000 people (2017, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #137 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso is currently at Level 4: Do Not Travel. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Burkina Faso compare to other countries?
Burkina Faso's homicide rate of 1.3 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Africa average of 7.6.