Ouagadougou Secure Transportation Services

ETS Security Overview - Burkina Faso

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Burkina Faso, including Ouagadougou. Attacks could be indiscriminate, affecting Burkina Faso security forces, religious sites, restaurants, schools and places visited by foreigners. Further attacks are possible. You should exercise particular caution around religious holidays. 

There is also a risk that terrorist groups may cross the border from Mali and the northern border with Niger into Burkina Faso to carry out kidnap attacks. On 11 May 2019, four hostages, including westerners, were rescued during a French military operation in northern Burkina Faso. Two of the rescued hostages were French tourists who had been kidnapped from Pendjari National Park in Benin on 1 May 2019. 

In June 2019, Burkina Faso passed a law criminalising the dissemination of information about terrorist attacks and security forces that could undermine public order or the conduct of security operations. A state of emergency remains in place in the Est and Sahel regions, the western provinces of Kossi and Sourou, the central-eastern province of Koulpélogo, the western province of Kénédougou and northern province of Lorum. The measure gives security forces extra powers to search homes and restrict freedom of movement.

The standard of driving in Burkina Faso is very poor; the majority of drivers are uninsured and road conditions throughout the region, including Ouagadougou are dangerous.  There are large numbers of mopeds, bicycles, donkey carts and hand-pulled wagons on main routes. Most roads are gravel surfaces or dirt tracks and completely below the standard recognized by western travelers. Hazards on minor roads are also a concern. Young children are generally unsupervised and have the potential to run onto the roads causing major problems for inexperienced drivers, unfamiliar with the environment.  Vehicles are stopped frequently on major roads by armed groups with the intention of robbery. It is strongly advised to travel in secure vehicles to reduce compromising personal security.

Public transport is considered highly dangerous and road traffic collisions (RTCs) commonly result in fatalities. Aside from the poorly maintained and inadequate vehicle conditions, there is a high risk from theft and criminal activity onboard buses and taxis.

All clients utilizing our services get free access to the ExploreSecure® Travel Security Training.

Secure Airport Transfers in Ouagadougou

ETS provides secure airport transfers to your chosen destination at affordable rates. Our local security team can meet you in the airport terminal, escort you to the vehicle and ensure a safe transition.  We also provide a reciprocal service from your hotel which will enhance your personal security when traveling on the return route.

ETS Security Experience in Burkina Faso

ETS are the trusted provider of Secure transportation to a range of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and business travelers throughout Burkina Faso. For travel within Burkina Faso and West Africa we strongly suggest a comprehensive security approach that includes pre-travel preparation, 24-hour technical support, and a robust emergency response plan.

Burkina Faso Secure Travel Risk Management and Secure Transportation

ETS Risk Management provides a range of Executive Protection, travel risk management, and secure transportation services in Burkina Faso. ETS has operated in Burkina Faso on several occasions supporting business travel security and secure ground transportation. We have an excellent team of local security personnel that facilitates and provides a high level of close protection services in the region.