Suzie's Blogs ... Traveling & Living Abroad Hints & Tips

Visiting Burkina Faso in Africa ? Helpful Hints and Tips Burkina Faso, previously known as Upper Volta, is a developing West African country of dry savannah that borders the Sahara Desert. The official language is French. Facilities for tourism are not widely available. A visa is required but may be purchased at the airport in Ouagadougou and at some border stations (bring along extra passport sized photos). Malaria is prevalent. Cholera and yellow fever immunizations are recommended. Medical facilities in Burkina Faso are very limited and medicine is in short supply. Petty crime is on the increase. Street crime poses a risk within Ouagadougou City and some armed banditry has been reported on border region routes. Public transportation is unreliable and generally unsafe. Traveling at night is extremely hazardous and should be avoided if possible. Travel on roads is difficult due to lack of maintenance and banditry. There are restrictions on photography. A valid photo permit may be obtained from the Ministry of Tourism. The U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou can provide information on specific photography regulations. Credit cards are rarely accepted. Traveler’s checks can sometimes be cashed at local banks that charge a fee for services. Telephone service is available at telecenters but it is expensive. Embassy of Burkina Faso Web Site : http://www.burkinaembassy-usa.org See you here tomorrow for more African Travel Tips. Suzie Posted: Thursday 24th February 2005, 12:16 AM

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