Visa Information Sheet

The following documents are required for a visa:

• A valid passport.
• Two (2) complete application forms, provided by the Embassy, or via Internet.
• Two(2) passport-size photos.
• 3 months, 6 months, and one yesr multiple entries visas are available depending on the type of visa and associated fees.
• US citizen are eligible for 5 years multiple entries visa: fee is $100
• Please check with the embassy at your country for visa fees and note that all fees are non refundable

Other useful information

• Your visa is valid for the maximum duration indicated. It may be extended, but this must be arranged in the country by contacting the General Office of the National Police in Ouagadougou. 
• Normally, visas are issued in 72 hours (three working days). Rush services are available and fees vary from one country to another.
• Carefully complete the application forms. If any information is missing, it will be necessary for the Embassy to return the forms, delaying your visa. 
• Vaccinations: inoculation against yellow fever is required. A cholera vaccination is recommended, and may be required in the event of an outbreak.

Arival in Burkina Faso

• Be aware that it is unlawful to photograph airports, military camps, and the vicinity of government offices.
• Transportation: in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso, taxis and buses are available at reasonable fares.

Customs	No currency restrictions. Approval necessary for export of antique artwork
How to get around	Buses and vans (cars) to Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Togo.  Train service Abidjan-Bobo-Ouaga-Kaya. Hitch hiking not common.
Driver's license	International Driving Permit.
Language	French, Moré, Dioula, Fulfuldé, etc.
Food and drink	Lunch and dinner are main meals. Sauces (fish, lamb, beef, okra, peanut, etc.) with a starch (rice, fufu). Water, beer, bissap, nonalcoholic ginger beer, soft drinks.
Tipping	10%. Check to see if service included in restaurant bill.
Weather	Hot days, cooler evenings.
Clothes	Lightweight clothes. Sweater in the evening.
Electricity	220 volts. Plugs have 2 round prongs as in Europe.
Money	Local currency is CFA ($1 ~ 475 CFA) Credit cards rarely accepted, but cash may be withdrawn with cards at certain banks. Travellers' checks can be cashed at local banks.
Phone service	International calls from main post office, hotels and phone centers.
Post Office and mail	Poste restante reliable. CFA200/letter.
Business hours?	Offices: 7:00-12:30, 3:00-5:30 PM, Monday through Friday  Banks: 7:30 - 11:00, 3:00-4:30 PM, Monday through Friday  (some banks open Saturday morning)  Shopping hours: 7:30 - 6:00, Monday through Saturday
Safety?	One of safer countries in West Africa. No special precautions necessary.
Health care	In an emergency: in Ouagadougou: Hôpital Yalgado Ouédraogo (31-16- 55); in Bobo-Dioulasso: Hôpital Sanou Souro (97.00.44). Cash payment expected. In the provinces, contact regional health centers.
Immunizations	Yellow fever required. Malaria is a serious problem. Cholera vaccination may be required in event of outbreak.