 Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa, bordered by Niger in the east, Benin in the southeast, Togo and Ghana and Ivory Coast in the south, and in the west and north by Mali.
The country consists is covered (the most part) with a vast lateritic plateau in the West African savanna, about 650-1000 ft above sea level. This plateau is somewhat inclined toward the south and serrated by vales created by the three main rivers, the Black, White and Red Voltas, and their principal affluent, the Sourou. These rivers flow to the south and get together in Ghana. They are by turns dry or in flood and it is actually impossible to navigate. In general, the land is rather dry and poor.
The average temperature in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso is 41°C (106°F); humidity is only 12% to 16%. The dry east wind brings with it a considerable heat from March to May. From May to October, the weather is hot and wet, and from November to March, comfortable and dry. The rainy season lasts about five months, from May to October.
All nationals need a visa. The visa fee varies from country to country, but generally is between 20 and 30 euros for a 3 month compound entry visa. Burkina Faso is a member of the Visa Entente system (along with Cote d’Ivoire (the Ivory Coast), Togo, Benin, and Niger) which allows single entry to each country only if the tourist does not leave the zone; check with your local embassy to see if it is available there.
National Parks: Kabore-Tambi and W du Burkina Faso.
Partial Wildlife Reserves: Arly, Bontioli, Kourtiagou, Nabéré and Pama.
Wildlife Reserves: Arly, Bontioli, Madjoari, Singou, Deux Balé, Dibon, Dida, Diéfoula, Koflandé, Laba, la Mou and Logoniégué.
Bird Sanctuaries: Beli and Mare d'Oursi
Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar): La Mare aux hippopotames and La Mare d'Oursi.
Passports
Valid passport required (minimum six month validity) by all except nationals of ECOWAS countries, when producing national identity cards.
Visas
Required by all excluding:
(a) those mentioned under passport exemptions above, for up to 90 days;
(b) those persons continuing their journey within 24 hours to another country, if providing onward tickets and the appropriate travel documents and not leaving the airport.
Types of visa and cost
Tourist, Business and Transit: US$72 (three months); US$97 (six months). Visa costs differ with the exchange rate. Visitors should contact the nearest Embassy for up-to-date prices.
Validity
Visas validity lasts for three, six and 12 months from the date of entry and permit multiple entry.
Send your application to nearest Consulate (or Consular Section at Embassy).
Application requirements are as following:
1) Valid passport.
2) Three application forms.
3) Three passport-size photos.
4) Fee, payable in cash or by postal order only.
5) For postal applications, arrangements must be made for the passport to be returned by a courier service.
6) Company letter if on business.
Note: These requirements can change depending on country applying from.
Working days required
Visas can be issued within one day if papers are in order at an additional cost. Usual waiting time is 7-10 days.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travelers over one year of age. A cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Burkina Faso. Typhoid immunization or boosters are recommended. Poliomyelitis is endemic. Malaria risk exists all year throughout the country. The recommended prophylaxis is a weekly dose of 250mg of mefloquine.
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