Burkina Faso

Visitor Information

Climate | Latest Travel Advice | Visas & Immigration | Money | Local Time | Getting Around | Public Holidays | Electrical Power | Travel Insurance

CLIMATE

average temperature in Ouagadougou is 41°C (106°F); humi dity is only 12% to 16%. The harmattan, a dry east wind, brings with it spells of considerable heat from March to May. From May to October, the climate is hot and wet, and from November to March, comfortable and dry. Average rainfall varies from 40 inches in the south to less than 10 inches in the extreme north and northeast. The rainy season lasts a maximum of five months, from May to October.

Climate Chart for Ouagadougou

For today's weather forecast see     CNN - Africa Weather Forecasts

LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department - Travel Warnings

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

Visa are required by all nationals except those of the Economic Community of West African states. Generally speaking they are valid up to 3 months and are issued within 24 hours.
Listing of Tourist offices and/or embassies located around the world

MONEY

Official Currency:    1 West African CFA Franc=100 centimes
Current Exchange Rate:    Today's Exchange Rate

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local currency. Some banks in major cities given cash advances on Visa card and MasterCard. The BIB Bank does not charge commission on traveller's cheques.

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

Air/flights:	Domestic Flights From Borgo, the domestic airport located 10 miles from Bobo Dioulasso, Air Volta operates a service between Bouake, Tambboa and Bamako.
Train:	Between Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso there is a daily services with two classes. This can overcrowded at time.
Bus:	Fairly regular bus services operates between all the major towns but this is often suspended during the raining season.
Road:	The Africa Guide's recommended Map Burkina Faso   (Maps Worldwide) 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. Other Maps & Atlases for Sale
	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

Electrical Power

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Algeria, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.

	Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected while you're away.
	- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies, single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get your quote and policy on-line....
	Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel insurance needs. .
	Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55 years of age.