Entry formalities and visa
With the exception of nationals of member countries of the Conseil de l’Entente and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), third-country nationals need a visa to enter Burkina Faso. Entente Tourist Visa (VTE) is also valid in Burkina Faso. For more information, please contact the Immigration Service, Telephone: (+226) 25 34 39 26 or (+226) 25 30 26 44, Kadiogo Avenue by Kadiogo Bridge. You can also visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (www.mae.gov.bf) for more information on diplomatic and consular missions where you can get your visa in addition to the contacts and addresses we provided.
Health
Burkina Faso health regulations require that anyone who plans to visit the country be vaccinated against yellow fever before coming. Health professionals also recommend that travellers to Burkina Faso be vaccinated against hepatitis (A and B) and typhoid fever. In addition, depending on the length of your stay and your travel plan, it is recommended to be vaccinated against meningitis. Malaria is a major health issue in Burkina Faso rural areas. To avoid contracting it, we recommend that you request your doctor to prescribe an antimalarial drug for you. You need to start the prophylactic treatment prior to your departure.
Currency
Burkina Faso’s currency is the Franc (currency unit) of the African Financial Community (CFA). This currency is common to all Francophone countries that border Burkina Faso and to the member countries of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA). One euro is trading at 655.957 FCFA. This exchange rate is fixed. A large number of banks in Ouagadougou also provide foreign exchange services and accept travellers’ checks. In addition, money can be withdrawned from banks’ ATM using Visa credit cards. There are also accredited foreign exchange bureaus. We strongly recommend that you avoid the black market.
Local time
Local time is GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
Public Holidays
Secular Holidays
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1 January
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3 January: celebration of the1966 people’s upheaval
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8 March: International Women's Day
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1 May: Labour Day
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5 August: Independence Day
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11 December: Proclamation of the Republic
Religious Holidays
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25 December: Christmas
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Easter Monday
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The Ascension
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15 August: the Assumption
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All Saints’ Day
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Eid-El Fitr
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Ram Festival (Eid-el-Kebir)
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Mawlid al-nabi
Opening hours of shops and public administration
Shops open by 8 am and close between 6-10 pm. Public services open and close by 7am and 5.30 pm respectively.
Clothing
It is very hot throughout the year in Burkina Faso. Temperatures range from 25 ° C to 45 ° C. Therefore, it is advisable to bring light and cotton made cloth.
Water
In major cities, tap water can be drunk. However, it is advisable to drink mineral or filtered water.
Electricity
Electricity consists of 220 volts direct current. Some small towns do not have light. Therefore, generators are sometimes used to meet individual needs.
