From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Burkina
Date: 29 Dec 1992 10:02:57 -0600
Organization: CS Dept, University of Texas at Austin
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Burkina Faso
============================================================
Burkina Faso - Consular Information Sheet
 December 24, 1992

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

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

Entry Requirements:  A passport and visa are required.  Cholera 
immunization is recommended.  Information can be obtained from the 
Embassy of Burkina Faso, 2340 Massachusetts Avenue N.W, Washington, 
D.C. 20088, 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.  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.  Useful information 
on safeguarding valuables and protecting personal security while 
traveling abroad is provided in the pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," 
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.  It is not possible to make a collect call.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strictly enforced.   Convicted offenders can 
expect jail sentences and fines.  

Tips for Travelers:  The Department of State publication "Tips for 
Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" is available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington, D.C. 20402.  It contains general information on travel 
to the area.

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

 No. 92-131


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