Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Burkina Faso depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for Burkina FasoEmergency Numbers
- Police
- 17
- Ambulance
- 112
- Fire
- 18
Currency
- Name
- West African CFA franc
- Code
- XOF
- Symbol
- CFA
Pegged to the euro. Cash is king outside Ouagadougou.
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type C, Type E
- Voltage
- 220V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0) — no daylight saving
Best Time to Visit
Dry season November to January is cooler. February to May is extremely hot. June to September is the rainy season.
Major Airports
- OUA
Ouagadougou Airport
Ouagadougou · main international hub
- BOY
Bobo Dioulasso Airport
Bobo-Dioulasso
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% | — |
| Guides | CFA 10,000+ per day | — |
Dress Code
What "modest dress" usually means
Shoulders and knees covered, nothing tight or sheer, no low-cut tops, no visible underwear or midriff. Loose, breathable fabrics work best in warm climates. In most places this is a social expectation rather than a legal rule — the country-specific notes below add any extras (headscarves at mosques, long trousers in temples, etc.).
- Modest dress — the country is predominantly Muslim with Christian and traditional communities
- Cover shoulders and knees
Social Etiquette
- French is the official language; Mooré, Dioula and Fulfulde are widely spoken
- Greetings are extended — ask after family and health before any transaction
- FESPACO (Pan-African Film Festival in Ouagadougou) is one of Africa's cultural landmarks
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate required
- Photography of government, military and police strictly prohibited
- A military curfew may be in effect in parts of the country
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (French) | Bonjour | bon-ZHOOR |
| Thank you (Mooré) | Barka | BAR-ka |
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