Flag Burkina Faso
 
    • Check Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice before travelling.  
       
       
    • Keep your passport, travel documents and bankcards safe. Make copies of important documents and keep these separate from actual documents. It is also advisable to leave copies with a family member or friend in the UK.  
       
       
    • Carry your passport or at least a copy as ID with you at all times.  
       
       
    • Make sure that your travel itinerary is known to family and friends who can raise the alarm should it be required.  
       
       
    • Take sufficient funds to cover expenses during your stay. Credit cards are not widely accepted.  
       
       
    • Take out travel insurance to cover everything from medical treatment/evacuation to the loss of passport or belongings.  
       
       
    • Be vigilant when driving, lock all doors and keep windows closed when possible. Check the surrounding area for potential threats before walking to your car.  
       
       
    • Stick to the regulations of your visa.  
       
       
    • Ensure vaccinations are up to date and documented for presentation on arrival.  
       
       
    • Register with the Honorary Consul in Ouagadougou or the British Embassy if visiting Burkina Faso.  
       
       
    • Don't photograph military or government buildings or personnel, airport or take photographs from or of aircraft. If in doubt don’t take the picture.  
       
       
    • Don't carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive jewellery when out and about.  
       
       
    • Don't resist if attacked as attackers are often armed.  
       
       
    • Don't use public transport as vehicles are often in unsound mechanical condition and are overcrowded.  
       
       
    • Don't assume that your taxi driver knows how to reach your destination, confirm this before setting off and make sure that the meter is switched on or a price agreed in advance.  
       
       
    • Don't travel outside cities after dark. Roads are in bad condition and vehicles are poorly maintained, often without lights.  
       
       
    • Don't expect people to speak English, some French is necessary.  
       
       
    • Don't try to travel without a valid visa, you will be turned back on arrival.  
       
       
    • Don't try to travel without a valid certificate of vaccination against yellow fever, you may have to be vaccinated on arrival if you do not have such proof.