Burkina Faso

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Burkina Faso due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html

US Embassy/Consulate

[226] 25-49-53-00; US Embassy in Ouagadougou, Secteur 15, Ouaga 2000, Avenue Sembène Ousmane, Rue 15.873, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; https://bf.usembassy.gov/; ouagaACS@state.gov

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

Telephone Code

226

Local Emergency Phone

Police 17, Ambulance 112

Vaccinations

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Burkina Faso: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19.

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Tropical; warm, dry winters; hot, wet summers

Currency (Code)

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (Western African CFA francs, XOF)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E

Plug Type CPlug Type E

Major Languages

French, native African languages belonging to Sudanic family spoken by 90% of population

Major Religions

Muslim, Roman Catholic, Protestant, traditional/animist

Time Difference

UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Suggested

Road Driving Side

Right

Tourist Destinations

Cour Royale; Sindou Peaks; Réserve de Nazinga; Niansogoni Village; Ouagadougou (includes Grande Mosquée, Grand Marché, Moro-Naba Palace); Dômes de Fabedougou; ruins of Loropeni

Major Sports

Soccer, cycling, rugby, basketball

Cultural Practices

No verbal transaction between two people takes place unless greetings have been exchanged, including the shaking of hands.

Tipping Guidelines

A 10-15% service charge is usually included in the bill for restaurants. However, it is customary to tip taxi drivers and hotel staff.

Souvenirs

Woven baskets and rugs, leather goods, hand-carved chess sets and wooden statues, bronze models, tribal masks and jewelry

Traditional Cuisine

Riz gras — white rice, tomato paste, and vegetables such as eggplant, carrots, onions, chili peppers, and garlic boiled together into a thick rice stew and served with raw onions


Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Wednesday, March 27, 2024