Embassy/Consulate Addresses | Foreign Relations | Travel Advisories | Travel Tips | Customs/Duties



EMBASSY/CONSULATE ADDRESSES

Diplomatic Representation in US:
Ambassador: Paramanga Ernest Yonli
Embassy: 2340 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC
20008
Telephone 202-332- 5577
FAX: 202-667-1882

US Diplomatic Representation:
Ambassador: Thomas Dougherty
Embassy: 602 Avenue Raoul Follereau, Koulouba, Secteur 4, Ouagadougou
Mailing Address: (International Mail) 01 B.P. 35, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso
(US mail) Ouagadougou/DOS, Washington, DC 20521-2440.
Telephone (226) 30-67- 23/24/25
Telex: AEMB 5290 BF
Fax: (226) 30-38-90


Embassy and Consulate Web Sites for Burkina Faso
Embassy of Burkina Faso in Washington, D.C.
Embassy of Burkina Faso in Ottawa, Canada
Embassy of the United States of America in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso


FOREIGN RELATIONS

The United States established diplomatic relations with Burkina Faso (then called Upper Volta) in 1960, following its independence from France. U.S. relations with Burkina Faso are excellent. In addition to regional peace and stability, U.S. interests in Burkina Faso are to promote continued democratization and greater respect for human rights and to encourage sustainable economic development. Countering terrorism and strengthening border security are of growing importance in Burkina Faso. The United States and Burkina Faso engage in a number of military training and exchange programs, including in counterterrorism and humanitarian assistance. The country is contributing to the support of U.S. efforts in the Sahel. Burkina Faso is a partner in the Africa Contingency Operations Training and Assistance program for peacekeeping and is a member of the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership.

U.S. Assistance to Burkina Faso

U.S. assistance to Burkina Faso focuses on increasing food security for mothers and children in food deficit areas, improving the education of girls, strengthening malaria control and reproductive health services, addressing threats of meningitis and influenza, increasing production of high-potential agricultural zones, enhancing access to markets, and increasing investment in land and rural productivity.

Bilateral Economic Relations

Burkina Faso is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. U.S. exports to Burkina Faso include machinery, vehicles, aircraft, and rice. The top U.S. import from Burkina Faso is gold. Investment possibilities include Burkina Faso's mining and communications sectors. The United States has signed a trade and investment framework agreement with the West African Economic and Monetary Union, of which Burkina Faso is a member.

Burkina Faso's Membership in International Organizations

Burkina Faso and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.

Bilateral Representation

The U.S. Ambassador to Burkina Faso is Thomas Dougherty; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.

Burkina Faso maintains an embassy in the United States at 2340 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202-332-5577).

More information about Burkina Faso is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

Department of State Burkina Faso Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Burkina Faso Page
U.S. Embassy: Burkina Faso
History of U.S. Relations With Burkina Faso
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Countries Page
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Millennium Challenge Corporation
Travel and Business Information





TRAVEL ADVISORIES

To obtain the latest Travel Advisory Information for Burkina Faso check the U.S. State Department Consular Information Sheet


TRAVEL TIPS

Driving International Driving Permit Required
Currency (XOF) Africaine Franc
Electrical 220 Volts
Telephones Country Code 226, City Code, Western Provinces 20+6D, Eastern Provinces 40+6D, Central Provinces 50+6D



Burkina Faso's currency, the West African franc (CFA), is fixed against the Euro dollar. For as little as US$15 a day you can get a decent room (albeit with shared bathroom facilities), clean sheets and a foursquare meal from one of the local hole-in-the-wall diners. If you want to be closer to the centre of the city, are looking for airconditioned rooms, swimming pools, and a bit of ambience with your meal, you'll be paying about US$60 a day. Fancy hotels and French cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner will set you back about US$150-200 a day.

Ecobank in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso charges little commission on travellers cheques and changes most currencies; it's best to carry American Express traveller's cheques in French francs. Banks generally require proof of purchase to change travellers' cheques, so tuck receipts away in a safe place. BICIAB in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso gives cash advances on a Visa card.

Tipping in Africa is a grey area. It's tied to the notion of a gift or cadeau, which roughly translates into the western idea of noblesse oblige, with wealthier citizens obligated to those less well off. Since all westerners (with the possible exception of hitchhikers and backpackers) appear to be rich, a tip is not out of order in most instances. A standard 10% is a reasonable tip. Check the bills in restaurants to ensure that a 10% service charge has not already been added on.


CUSTOMS/DUTIES

Tobacco.....200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250 grams tobacco

Liquor......1 litre of spirit and 1 litre of wine

Perfume....500ml of eau de toilette and 500ml of perfume

Gifts/souvenirs...reasonable amount

Currency....no restrictions

Cameras.....2 still /1 movie camera

Agriculture items.....refer to consulate

Note: sporting guns may only be imported under licence



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