From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Burkina Faso Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 16:02:45 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:2062 Path: world!bzs Message-ID: <199901211105_MC2-6778-1BD9@compuserve.com> Sender: "U.S. Department of State" <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Approved: usenet@world.std.com Distribution: wstd Precedence: bulk Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-List-Info: LN=travel-advisories WHOM=76702.1202@compuserve.com Content-Disposition: inline Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Mime-Version: 1.0 Lines: 168 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Burkina Faso ============================================================ Burkina Faso - Public Announcement January 15, 1999 A number of Burkina Faso's labor and political organizations have announced plans to hold a national three-day work stoppage on January 20, 21 and 22, in order to press the investigation of the December 1998 death of journalist Norbert Zongo. Related demonstrations in the past weeks have turned violent, including the sacking of buildings, the burning of vehicles and, as a result of the security forces actions to control the situation, the wounding of some of the participants. Due to the potential for future violence, U.S. citizens should avoid crowds and exercise caution, especially during planned work stoppages. These strike actions are not expected to affect the arrival or departure of normal commercial flights. However, strikes may make travel by commuter bus or taxis difficult. In addition, hospitals are expected to be closed with only emergency medical care available. Many businesses, including hotels and restaurants, may also be forced to curtail their services. For further information on Burkina Faso, please see the Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheet on Burkina Faso. This Public Announcement expires on February 14, 1999. Burkina Faso - Consular Information Sheet January 20, 1999 COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Burkina Faso, previously known as Upper Volta, is a developing West African country which borders the Sahara Desert. The official language is French. Facilities for tourism are not widely available. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required. Travelers should obtain the latest information and details from the Embassy of Burkina Faso, 2340 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 332-5577. There are honorary consuls for Burkina Faso in Decatur (Georgia), Los Angeles and New Orleans. Overseas inquiries should be made at the nearest Burkina Faso embassy or consulate. AREAS OF INSTABILITY: U.S. citizens should avoid crowds, political gatherings and demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times. Visitors should not photograph airports, border checkpoints, or military personnel. 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. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. Check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation. Ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via its home page at http://travel.state.gov and autofax service at (202) 647-3000. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions International travelers hotline at telephone 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax, 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299); or by visiting the CDC Internet home page at http://www.cdc.gov. INFORMATION ON CRIME: Street crime in Burkina Faso poses moderate risks for visitors. Most reported incidents involve purse-snatchers and street scam artists. Wallets, jewelry and other valuables are subject to theft, especially during times of international meetings or events, which draw large crowds. In the capital, Ouagadougou, there has been a relatively high incidence of purse snatchings and muggings in the areas near and around the U.N. Circle and the central market. Travelers who stay alert, remain in groups and avoid poorly lit areas, especially after dark, may avoid problems. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad," and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa," provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov. TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions which differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Burkina Faso is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance. Safety of Public Transportation: Poor Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor Travelers should exercise caution when traveling by land in Burkina Faso. Roads are in very bad condition. Travel at night is very risky since a large number of trucks pass through the country, and many drivers are not alert. Most roads are unpaved, potholed, and narrow. PHOTOGRAPHY RESTRICTIONS: A valid photo permit must be obtained from the Ministry of Tourism; the Ministry's list of photo restrictions should be observed. The U.S. Embassy can provide information on specific photography regulations. CURRENCY INFROMATION: Credit cards are rarely accepted. Travelers checks may 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 only local currency is accepted. Collect calls are not possible. DRUG PENALTIES: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service by local carriers at present, or economic authority to operate such service, between the U.S. and Burkina Faso, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Burkina Fasos Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Burkina Fasos air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet home page at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa.htm. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the Pentagon at (703) 697-7288. REGISTRATION AND EMBASSY LOCATION: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou on Avenue Raoul Follerau, and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Burkina Faso. The mailing address is 01 B.P. 35, Ouagadougou. The telephone numbers are (226) 30-67-23/24/25; the fax number is (226) 31-23-68. ***** This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 10, 1998, to add a section on Areas of Instability, and to update the sections on Crime, Medical Facilities and Traffic and Road Safety. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing the word "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.edu Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL: "http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher: gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories