Do you need an International Driving Permit in Burkina Faso?

Yes. Burkina Faso is a party to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, which recognises an International Driving Permit valid for up to 1 year when carried with your national licence.

Convention
1949 Geneva Convention
Permit valid up to
1 year
In force since
31 August 2009

Burkina Faso and the road traffic conventions

ConventionStatusIn force sincePermit validity
1968 Vienna ConventionNot a party——
1949 Geneva ConventionAcceded31 August 20091 year

Which vehicles your permit covers in Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1949 Geneva Convention. Your permit only covers the classes that are already on your national licence, so a category you do not hold at home is not granted by the permit.

The French page of the International Driving Agency booklet, listing vehicle categories A to E
The French page of our booklet, showing the same categories an officer in Burkina Faso would read.
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E

What each category covers under the 1949 Geneva Convention

What to carry when you drive in Burkina Faso

An International Driving Permit never replaces your national licence. It is a standardised translation that local police and rental desks can read, and it is only valid alongside the licence it was issued against. Carry both, and keep your passport handy at rental pickup, since most rental companies ask to see all three before releasing a vehicle.

Our document reproduces your licence details across 12 languages in the booklet format the conventions describe, so an officer who reads none of them in your alphabet can still find your name, date of birth and vehicle classes:

  • English
  • French
  • Spanish
  • Portuguese
  • Italian
  • German
  • Russian
  • Arabic
  • Chinese
  • Japanese
  • Thai
  • Vietnamese
The inside cover of the booklet, listing the contracting states where the permit is recognised
The inside cover lists the contracting states. Burkina Faso appears on it.

What the road rules say in Burkina Faso

The UK Foreign Office advises that a foreign national licence is accepted in Burkina Faso.

Emergency services
police 17, ambulance 18, fire 18

The UK Foreign Office names the 1949 convention for Burkina Faso, which matches the United Nations depositary record above.

Common questions about driving in Burkina Faso

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Burkina Faso?
Up to 1 year. Burkina Faso joined the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic on 31 August 2009 by accession, and that convention sets the maximum at 1 year from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.
Can I drive in Burkina Faso on my national licence alone?
The UK Foreign Office states: "You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Burkina Faso." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Burkina Faso's road authority before you travel.
What do I dial in an emergency in Burkina Faso?
Reach police on 17, ambulance on 18, fire on 18. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for Burkina Faso. Save them before you drive, since you will not want to be searching for them at the roadside.
Does the permit replace my driving licence in Burkina Faso?
No. It is a translation of the licence you already hold and has no effect on its own. You must carry your original national licence with it at all times.

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Sources

  1. Convention on Road Traffic (Vienna, 8 November 1968) United Nations Treaty Collection, 91 parties. Checked 4 August 2026.
  2. Convention on Road Traffic (Geneva, 19 September 1949) United Nations Treaty Collection, 103 parties. Checked 4 August 2026.