Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in Burkina Faso
This guide explains what happens after a death in Burkina Faso, who to contact, and how to arrange for your loved one to be brought home to the UK. The information comes from FCDO and government sources. Every situation is different, and if you need someone to guide you through it, our team is available any time.
Typical timeline
Typical cost
FCDO 24hr helpline
+44 (0)20 7008 5000
Burkina Faso has been under military rule since September 2022, when Captain Ibrahim Traoré led the MPSR (later CNSP) to power. The junta controls all government institutions. FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the entire country, and against all travel to northern, eastern, and western border regions. There is no resident British Embassy.
UK deaths in Burkina Faso involve aid workers, development sector staff, and journalists operating in one of the Sahel’s most active conflict environments.
First step
Call the FCDO Emergency Travel Line: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours). British High Commission Accra, Ghana: +233 302 213 250.
Do not travel to Burkina Faso.
British High Commission Accra: non-resident coverage
All consular services for British nationals in Burkina Faso come from the British High Commission in Accra. The High Commission registers the death for UK purposes and advises on current local conditions.
Civil registration
Burkina Faso uses French civil law. The attending physician certifies cause of death in French. The état civil issues the acte de décès (death certificate) in French.
For non-natural deaths, the Tribunal de Grande Instance (court of first instance) must issue an order, and Police Nationale du Burkina Faso must issue clearance. Under junta administration, both steps can be delayed without explanation.
Ministry of Health export permit
Once civil registration and Tribunal clearance are complete, the Ministry of Health issues the export permit. A licensed funeral director embalms and prepares the body. Certified English translation of all French documents is required.
Document checklist
| Document | Language | Issuer |
|---|---|---|
| Death certificate (acte de décès) | French | État civil |
| Medical certificate | French | Attending physician |
| Tribunal de Grande Instance order | French | Examining magistrate |
| Police Nationale clearance | French | Police Nationale du Burkina Faso |
| Ministry of Health export permit | French | Ministry of Health |
| Certified translations | English | Certified translator |
Routing
Ouagadougou Airport (OUA):
- Ethiopian Airlines to Addis Ababa (ADD) — primary UK cargo route
- Royal Air Maroc to Casablanca (CMN)
- Air France (OUA) — service irregular, verify before booking
- Brussels Airlines via Brussels
Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa is the most reliable current option.
Conflict zones: not accessible
Northern provinces (Sahel, Nord, Centre-Nord, Est), border areas with Mali and Niger, and eastern regions (Gourma, Tapoa) are not accessible for civilian body recovery. FCDO advises against all travel to these areas.
What to do first
FCDO: 020 7008 5000. British High Commission Accra: +233 302 213 250.
Engage a specialist firm with West African Francophone experience and current Ouagadougou contacts. All management is done remotely — do not travel.
Sources: UK FCDO Burkina Faso travel advice (gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/burkina-faso, updated 2024); British High Commission Accra.
First things first
What to do in the first 24 hours
The immediate period after a death abroad is disorienting. Here are the steps in the order they normally need to happen.
Contact local emergency services
Contact the British Embassy or consulate
FCDO 24hr: +44 (0)20 7008 5000
Appoint a local funeral director
A local funeral director in will take care of the body, arrange embalming, obtain the necessary documents, and coordinate with airlines. The embassy can recommend accredited directors. You can also contact a specialist UK repatriation company, who will coordinate with a local partner on your behalf.
Contact your travel insurer
If your loved one had travel insurance with repatriation cover, contact the insurer immediately. They will often have an emergency assistance line and may appoint their own funeral director. They may cover the full cost of repatriation, which can be .
Gather the required documents
Repatriation from requires specific paperwork before a body can be transported. Your local funeral director will handle most of this.
What to expect
How long does it take?
Cost guide
How much does it cost?
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WhatsApp us nowReviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated June 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Repatriation from · Frequently asked questions