VISITOR INFO
VISAS & IMMIGRATION
Visa are compulsory for
all nationals except those of the Economic Community of West African
states. Normally they are valid up to 3 months and are issued within 24
hours.
MONEY
Official Currency: 1 West African CFA Franc=100
centimes
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local currency.
The BIB Bank does not charge commission on traveller's cheques.Some
banks in major cities give cash advances on Visa card and MasterCard.
BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS
Banks:
Monday to Friday 0730-1130 and 1500-1700
Shopping:
Monday to Saturday: 0800-1200 and 1500-1800
LOCAL TIME
Burkina Faso time is that of GMT
TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND
By Air
International Flights into Ouagadougou
Domestic Flights From Borgo, the domestic airport located 10 miles from
Bobo Dioulasso, Air Volta operates a service between Bouake, Tambboa
and Bamako.
By Train
Between
Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso there is a daily services with two
classes. This can overcrowded at time.
By Bus
Fairly regular bus services operates between all the major
towns but this is often suspended during the raining season.
By Road
The Africa Guide's recommended Map Sheet
map - Institut Geographique National (IGN) - Countries and Cities of
the World
Format Folded Map, Scale 1:1 000 000
A tourist map of Burkina Faso with a few basic street maps. Traffic
drives on the right hand side and an International Driving Permit is
recommended, although a temporary licence to drive can be obtained from
the local authorities on presentation of a valid national driving
licence. It is possible to rent vehicles in Ouagadougou. Many roads
become impassable during the raining season.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
1st January
New Years Day
1st May
Labour Day
4th August
Anniversary of Revolution
15 August
All Saint's Day
1st November
National Holiday
December 25th
Christmas Day
Moveable religious holidays- Lailat al-Miraj; 'Id al-Fitr',
'Id al-Adah'; Easter Monday; Ascension and Pentecost Monday
ELECTRICAL POWER
Electric Power is 220V running at 50Hz. The Plug types used
are :
Round pin attachment plug
Round pin plug and receptacle with male grounding pin
TRAVEL INSURANCE
It is not possible to pay for
your medical expenses in Gambia through your insurance company. The
only option is to make full payments after treatments and later get
them reimbursed at your insurance company through claims. However this
is possible only if you are treated by licensed medical
personnel and you provide your insurance company with proper
documentation and receipts. Always ensure you have a
comprehensive travel insurance policy, which covers you for
repatriation to your home country.
Payments will be simplified if you have access to cash, either from a
credit card or by wire transfer. The country's local embassy or
representative will be able to help.
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