Burkina Faso - Consular Information Sheet
October 18, 1993

Country Description:  Burkina Faso, previously known as Upper Volta, is a 
developing West African country which borders the Sahara Desert.  The 
official language is French.  Facilities for tourism are not widely available.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and a visa are required.  Cholera 
immunization is recommended.  Additional information can be obtained from 
the Embassy of Burkina Faso, 2340 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, 
D.C.  20008, telephone (202) 332-5577.  There are honorary consuls for 
Burkina Faso in Decatur (Georgia), Los Angeles and New Orleans.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities in Burkina Faso are limited.  
Medicine may be in short supply. Doctors and hospitals often expect 
immediate cash payment for health care services.  U.S. medical insurance is 
not always valid outside the United States.  Supplemental medical insurance 
with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful.  Malaria risk 
exists throughout the year and throughout the country.  Malaria prophylaxis 
is used by most visitors and residents.  Local water is not potable.  
Bottled water is available in urban areas, but is not widely available in 
rural areas.  Information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers 
for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-
4559.

Information on Crime:  Some petty crime occurs.  The loss or theft abroad of 
a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the 
nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  The pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and 
"Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa," provide useful information on 
protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the 
region in general.  Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, 
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.

Photography Restrictions:  A valid photo permit must be obtained from the 
Ministry of Tourism; the Ministry's list of photo restrictions are expected 
to be observed.  The U.S. Embassy can provide information on specific 
photography regulations.

Currency Information:  Credit cards are rarely accepted.  Travelers checks 
can be cashed at local banks.

Use of Telephones:  Local telephone service is excellent but expensive.  
International calls cannot always be made from hotels.  It is often 
necessary to make international calls from a Post and Telecommunications 
office where calls must be paid for in local currency only.  Collect calls 
are not possible.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in 
which they are traveling.  Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strictly enforced.  Convicted offenders can expect jail 
sentences and fines.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou 
can obtain updated information on travel and security in Burkina Faso.

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is located in the capital city of 
Ouagadougou on Avenue Raoul Follerau.  The mailing address is 01 B.P. 35, 
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.  The telephone numbers are (226) 30-67-23/24/25.  
The fax number is (226) 31-23-68.

No. 93-261

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated December 24, 1992, to 
update the information on crime and medical facilities.