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
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