Burkina Faso

West Africa · Updated April 2026

See a travel doctor 4–6 weeks before you leave.

Current alert — Global Polio

Some international destinations have circulating poliovirus. CDC recommends travellers to these areas be fully vaccinated against polio, and adults who completed their routine series should receive a single lifetime booster dose.

Current alert — Global Measles

Measles cases are rising in many countries around the world. All international travellers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine.

Burkina Faso requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry, and CDC recommends hepatitis A and hepatitis B for most travellers. Some travellers should also consider typhoid, meningococcal, rabies and chikungunya vaccines, and antimalarial medicine is advised for everyone. Visit a travel health clinic 4–6 weeks before departure to arrange your yellow fever certificate and other vaccines.

Meningococcal disease risk is highest during the dry season (December–June) in the meningitis belt, and malaria is present year-round.

Required for entry

Mosquito

Yellow Fever

A serious mosquito-borne virus found in parts of Africa and South America. Proof of vaccination is required for entry to many countries if arriving from a risk area.

One dose at least 10 days before travel. A single dose provides lifelong protection and the International Certificate of Vaccination is valid for life.

Recommended for most travellers

CDC advises these for all visitors to Burkina Faso.

Food & Water

Hepatitis A

A contagious liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. Most travellers to regions with less reliable sanitation should get this vaccine.

Two doses at 0 and 6–12 months. Over 90% of people develop protective antibodies within a month of the first dose, so one dose is usually enough for the trip itself. No booster needed after the full series.

Blood & Body Fluids

Hepatitis B

A liver infection spread through blood, sexual contact, and contaminated medical or cosmetic equipment. Recommended for most travellers, especially those with longer stays or possible medical exposure.

The full series is three doses over 6 months. An accelerated 4-dose schedule (0, 7, 21 days, 12 months) is available when combined with Hepatitis A. Partial protection starts after the first dose.

Recommended for some travellers

Depends on your itinerary, activities, duration, or health.

Food & Water

Typhoid

A bacterial infection spread through food and water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. Risk is higher in rural areas and when eating with locals.

Airborne

Meningococcal

A bacterial infection spread through close contact that can cause meningitis. Required for pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah, and advised for parts of the African meningitis belt during the dry season.

Animal Contact

Rabies

A fatal viral disease spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal — most often dogs, bats, or monkeys. Pre-travel vaccination simplifies treatment after exposure.

Mosquito

Chikungunya

A mosquito-borne virus causing sudden fever and severe joint pain. Symptoms usually resolve in 7–10 days but can linger for months.

Malaria

Not a vaccine

CDC recommends antimalarial medicine for all travellers to Burkina Faso, as malaria risk is present throughout the country. P. falciparum predominates; options include atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine and tafenoquine.

Discuss prescription chemoprophylaxis with a travel doctor if your itinerary includes risk areas.

Food & water safety

Moderate risk

Exercise food and water precautions, particularly in rural areas and budget accommodation. Bottled or treated water is advisable. Avoid raw shellfish and salads washed in tap water. Choose cooked food served hot.

Routine vaccines to be up to date on

CDC advises every international traveller to have these current.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Two doses at least 28 days apart, ideally completed at least 2 weeks before travel. Adults born before 1957 or with documented immunity are already considered protected.
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
A single Tdap or Td booster, effective within days. Adults should have a booster every 10 years — or after 5 years if you've had a dirty wound or burn. Pregnant travellers should receive Tdap during every pregnancy.
Polio
A single lifetime adult IPV booster for travellers to at-risk countries. For some destinations, the booster must be received 4 weeks to 12 months before departure and documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination.
Flu (Influenza)
An annual dose at least 2 weeks before travel to areas with active flu circulation. A single current-season vaccine covers travel to either hemisphere.
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Two doses at least 28 days apart for adolescents and adults without immunity. Children get doses at 12–15 months and 4–6 years. Two documented doses protect most people for life.
Shingles
Two doses of Shingrix 2–6 months apart. Protection stays high for at least 7 years. Adults 19+ with weakened immune systems can use a faster schedule (2nd dose 1–2 months after).
COVID-19
Follow the current CDC schedule for your age and risk group. If you had COVID-19 recently, you may delay vaccination for up to 3 months from the onset of infection.

Entry requirements

For US citizens. Non-US travellers should check their government's guidance.

Yellow fever certificateRequired

Avoid freshwater contact to reduce schistosomiasis risk, prevent insect bites (dengue, leishmaniasis, Zika, African tick-bite fever), and stay away from dogs and other animals that may carry rabies.

Also in West Africa

BeninCape VerdeCôte d'IvoireThe Gambia

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Burkina Faso.

Disclaimer:This information is for general guidance only, based on CDC Travelers' Health. It does not replace advice from a qualified travel health professional. Consult a doctor 4–6 weeks before your trip.