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Burundi Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Burundi. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 2 Practice Enhanced Precautions

• Global Polio May 23, 2024 Some international destinations have circulating poliovirus. Before any international travel, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines. Destination List: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Guinea, Indonesia, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, including Zanzibar, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Updated   Global Measles May 21, 2024 Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. Destination List: Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Areas of active cholera transmission are  localized to the divisions of Cibitoke (last case reported 6-9 months ago), Bubanza (last case reported 9-12 months ago), Bujumbura Rural (last case reported 6-9 months ago), and Bujumbura Mairie (last case reported 6-9 months ago) in Burundi. Cholera is rare in travelers but can be severe.  Certain factors  may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease ( more information ). Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera.

Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.

Cholera - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Burundi.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Burundi. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Burundi.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to Burundi take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Burundi.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

In Burundi poliovirus has been identified in the past year.

Travelers to Burundi are at increased risk of exposure to poliovirus.

Vaccine recommendations : Adults traveling to Burundi who received a complete polio vaccination series as children may receive a single lifetime booster dose of inactivated polio vaccine; travelers who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated should receive a complete polio vaccination series before travel. Children who are not fully vaccinated will be considered for an  accelerated vaccination schedule .

Polio - CDC Yellow Book

Polio: For Travelers

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Burundi. However, if you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Burundi, rabies treatment is often available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Burundi. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for all arriving travelers ≥9 months old.

Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old.

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

• Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

• Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

African tick-bite fever.

• Avoid Bug Bites

African Tick-bite fever

Chikungunya

• Mosquito bite
• Mosquito bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Burundi, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Burundi. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Burundi include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Burundi. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Burundi’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in Burundi. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Burundi may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Burundi, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Burundi for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Travel Advisory July 31, 2023

Burundi - level 3: reconsider travel.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Reconsider travel to Burundi due to crime , health , and political violence . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. 

Do Not Travel to :

• The former Central Market located on Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore in Bujumbura due to the risk of violent crime .  
• Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces and Kibira National Park due to potential armed violence .

Country Summary:  Violent crimes, such as assault, carjacking, home invasion, grenade attacks, and armed robbery, have been reported in Burundi. Criminals at times target foreigners and residents suspected of having large sums of cash. Local police lack the resources and training to respond effectively to crimes.

Medical services in Burundi fall well below U.S. standards, and there are no adequate trauma services in the country. Emergency medical and fire services are limited or non-existent in some areas of the country.  Even relatively minor health problems may necessitate a medical evacuation at the traveler’s expense. Medical evacuation insurance valid for travel to Burundi is strongly recommended.

Although political unrest and instability in Burundi have diminished in recent years, the risk of potential violence remains. Police and military checkpoints are common and can restrict freedom of movement. Police have conducted weapon searches in the homes of private citizens. The borders may close without notice.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens throughout Burundi.  U.S. Embassy personnel are subject to restrictions when traveling in certain areas of Burundi and may be subject to other constraints as security conditions warrant.  These restrictions include limitations on all travel outside Bujumbura Mairie during hours of darkness (typically 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.).  The U.S. government may not be able to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the following areas:  the provinces of Bubanza and Cibitoke and Kibira National Park (including the park’s southernmost part in Muramvya province)

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Burundi.

If you decide to travel to Burundi:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Burundi.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

• Bring a sufficient supply of over-the-counter and prescription medicines.
• Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
• Avoid areas where there are large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations, and exercise caution in the vicinity of any such gatherings.
• Remain aware of your surroundings and be vigilant when traveling in unfamiliar areas or outside of cities and along border areas; take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.
• Consider traveling in pairs and using convoys of multiple vehicles to mitigate the risks related to traveling outside of Bujumbura. Carry additional fuel, spare tires, and provisions. Include a map, navigation equipment, and first aid kit.  Service stations are scarce in rural areas. Professional roadside assistance service is not available outside the capital.
• Prepare contingency plans for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.  

The former Central Market located on Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Violent crimes , such as grenade attacks and armed robbery, can occur.

The former Central Market located on Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore is off-limits to U.S. Embassy personnel at all times

Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces and Kibira National Park – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Armed actors exploit porous borders and forested areas between Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo for movement and activities.  U.S. Embassy personnel are restricted from travel to the following areas without special permission: the provinces of Bubanza and Cibitoke and Kibira National Park (including the park’s southernmost part in Muramvya province).

Due to travel restrictions on U.S. Embassy personnel, the U.S. government may be unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these areas.

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

Minimum 6 months

One visa page

Yes, also available upon arrival.

• Yellow Fever

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Bujumbura Avenue Des Etats-Unis Bujumbura, Burundi Telephone:  +(257) 22-207-000  (Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. – 12:30p.m.) Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(257) 22-207-000  Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s  Fact Sheet on Burundi for information on U.S.-Burundi relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Requirements for Entry :

• Travelers can obtain a 30-day visa upon arrival at the Bujumbura Airport for USD 90.
• This can be extended in-country by applying in person at the Burundian Commissariat Général des Migrations. Renewal visas issued in Burundi cost US 70 per month. Visit the Burundian Commissariat Général des Migrations website to make a visa renewal appointment.  
• Those staying longer than 30 days can also apply for a three-month visa at the Burundian Embassy in Washington, DC.
• Visa applicants should have a World Health Organization (WHO) card with yellow fever vaccination. Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Visit the Embassy of Burundi website or the nearest Burundi embassy or consulate for the most current visa information.

Mandatory Registration:   All non-Burundian residents, including minors, who intend to stay one year or more are required to register their presence and obtain the appropriate residence permits in person at the main office of the Commissariat Général des Migrations in Bujumbura. Contact their office at +257 22 25 79 00 for more information. Failure do so may result in fines.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents of Burundi.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Traveling with Multiple Electronic Devices:  Travelers with more than one of any type of electronic device (i.e., two or more laptops, tablets, phones, etc.), regardless of the intended purpose, have reported that their devices were confiscated upon arrival. Import duties may not be calculated upon arrival at the airport and the items may remain in customs for an extended period of time.

COVID-19 Requirements

• There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens. 

Safety and Security

See the Department of State’s Travel Advisory for Burundi .

Incidents of violence occur.

• Grenades and small arms have been used in some acts of violence in Burundi.
• Armed groups opposed to the Burundian government operate in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and have in the past launched attacks inside Burundian territory. DRC armed forces and UN peacekeepers continue to conduct combat operations against rebels, militia, and ISIS-aligned groups in Eastern DRC. As a result, Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces, and the portion of Bujumbura Rural province that borders DRC, are vulnerable to armed violence.
• Armed actors may also exploit porous borders and forested areas between Burundi and Rwanda and the DRC for illicit activities. U.S. Embassy personnel follow increased security protocols when visiting the following areas: the provinces of Bubanza and Cibitoke, and Kibira National Park (including the park’s southernmost part in Muramvya province), even when just transiting through the park to reach Kayanza via RN-10.

Searches: Security forces routinely search vehicles and homes, including those of foreigners and U.S. citizens. Residential searches are routine and generally occur between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.; police must present identification and a warrant. Report improper searches to the U.S. Embassy.

Roadblocks: Police maintain checkpoints throughout the country. Travelers have reported harassment, bribe solicitations, intimidation, and (though rare) physical violence, especially during heightened security situations. If stopped:

• Be compliant, calm, and courteous.
• Identify yourself as a U.S. citizen.
• Remain in your vehicle.
• Provide copies of identification documents if requested and attempt to keep originals. It is common practice for police to retain personal or vehicle identification documents in return for a ticket to ensure payment. Documents are returned following payment of the fine at Emmaus Pathway on Blvd Mwanbutsa or at other approved locations.
• Do not drive away until instructed to do so.
• Report harassment to the U.S. Embassy.

Crime: Crimes of opportunity (mainly for financial gain) are the most reported incidents of crime against U.S. citizens in Burundi. In recent years, there have been two incidents of violent crime against U.S. citizens. Most criminal incidents involve theft, burglary, and robbery. Petty crime may be more likely in public places. Criminal elements do not typically single out U.S. citizens, but may view them as targets of opportunity based on perceived affluence or vulnerability. U.S. citizens should take these precautions:

• Keep doors and windows closed and locked (at home and in vehicles).
• If threatened, particularly by an armed assailant, do not refuse or resist—your life is worth more than your belongings.
• Prior to your departure, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
• Avoid being out alone late at night.
• Exercise caution when carrying and/or displaying possessions, especially valuable ones.

Demonstrations  occur occasionally. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Precautions:

• Carry original and color photocopies of your U.S. passport and visa at all times.
• Avoid large public gatherings. Even events intended to be peaceful can turn violent.
• Be vigilant against petty crime.
• Monitor news and consular alerts .

International Financial Scams: See the  Department of State  and the  FBI   pages for information.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police by dialing 117 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +257 22 20 70 00. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care;
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police;
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent;
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion;
• Provide a list of local attorneys;
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. ;
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution;
• Support in cases of destitution;
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home;
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place. Tourists participate in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is not always available in-country. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws, regardless of your nationality. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be arrested, expelled, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities prior to practicing or operating a business.

Convictions for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs are severe and result in long jail sentences and heavy fines.

If stopped by the police, you are expected to produce an acceptable form of identification.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Power Outages: Power outages occur frequently and may affect public services such as access to potable water.

Photography: It is illegal to take pictures of government buildings, military installations, and key infrastructure such as airports and border controls, including via a drone. You could be detained or arrested, fined, and have your equipment confiscated. Do not take photos of Burundians without their permission.

Phone Service: Cell phones are used extensively. SIM cards can be purchased locally and used with a compatible cell phone. You must present a copy of your ID and/or passport to register your SIM card.

Currency: The Burundian franc (BIF) is the official currency although U.S. currency may be required in certain cases. Most transactions are conducted in cash. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside of a few upmarket hotels and restaurants in Bujumbura. Most vendor and banking institutions will take only U.S. bills in near-mint condition, printed after 2009. Examine U.S. bills to ensure they are legitimate.

Be aware that hotels will require payment in U.S. dollars from foreigners not resident in Burundi.

Exchange currency only at reputable banks. ATMs are available at the international airport and in Bujumbura, but they dispense only Burundian francs. The U.S. Embassy does not exchange currency for U.S. citizens.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports.
• Human Rights Report – see country reports.
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers: Burundian law criminalizes consensual same-sex relations with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment of three months to two years, but prosecutions are rare. People have, however, been detained based on their perceived sexual orientation. There were also reports that members of the LGBTQI+ community were threatened, beaten, and arrested by local administrators and other citizens with the support of security forces.

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Burundi prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, but the law is rarely enforced. Some groups report that discrimination is prevalent. Expect accessibility to be limited in transportation, lodging, and public buildings with few sidewalks and no curb cuts. Most buildings lack functioning elevators.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: Sexual and domestic violence, including rape, is a widespread problem. Center Seruka and Center Nturengaho provide shelter and counseling to survivors of rape and domestic violence. Several international NGOs provide free medical care for survivors, mostly in urban areas. U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.

See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

Health facilities throughout the country are well below the U.S. standard of care. Training of staff and general hygiene and sanitation remain a problem. Adequate health facilities for basic medical care are available in Bujumbura and at some other locations. If you do need medical care, you will be asked to pay cash in advance and may be denied treatment if unable to do so. Credit cards are generally not accepted; insurance companies are not billed.

There is no single number for emergency medical services in Burundi. Contact a doctor or hospital directly.

Ambulance services are:

• Not present throughout the country or are unreliable.
• Not staffed with trained paramedics and often have little or no medical equipment.

Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

The U.S. Government does not pay private medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on the type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance for medical evacuations.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Burundi Ministry of Public Health to ensure the medication is legal in Burundi.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality available at some U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Air pollution is a moderate problem in several major cities in Burundi. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling, if appropriate. Respiratory issues have been reported more frequently when the air quality is worse, particularly in the drier months. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:

• Infants, children, and teens.
• People over 65 years of age.
• People with lung disease, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
• People with heart disease or diabetes.
• People who work or are active outdoors.

Health facilities in general

• Adequate health facilities for basic care are available in Bujumbura, but health care throughout the country is below U.S. standards. Public medical clinics often lack basic resources and supplies.
• Hospitals and doctors often require cash payment up front, prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not available.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• In general, minimal staffing is available overnight in non-emergency hospital wards. Consider having family spend the night with patients, especially a minor child.
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities.

Pharmaceuticals

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over-the-counter and those requiring prescriptions in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.
• Please contact the Burundi Ministry of Public Health for regulations on bringing medication into Burundi.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to Burundi to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page .
• There are no known cases of surrogacy in Burundi. According to current guidance from civil authorities, if a child were born through surrogacy in Burundi, the surrogate mother would be listed as the birth mother on the birth certificate. She could then decide whether to give the child up for adoption.

Water Quality

• Tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Be aware that ice for drinks may be from tap water.

Adventure Travel

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel .

General Health: The following diseases are prevalent:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Schistosomiasis
• Tuberculosis (TB)

Other diseases that may be present, but are not prevalent:

• African Tick Bite Fever
• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Chikungunya
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Leptospirosis

Use mosquito repellents recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers, even for short stays.

HIV/AIDS: HIV transmission within Burundi is lower in comparison to other countries in sub–Saharan Africa; however, the risk of transmission remains higher than in the United States. Visitors should exercise caution and avoid unprotected sexual activity.

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Burundi.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  National highways vary in condition from good to very poor. Large potholes are common. During the main rainy season from February to May, many roads become impassable. Flooding and landslides also destroy bridges and block routes. Many roads in the interior of the country are in disrepair. U.S. Embassy personnel are prohibited from driving outside of Bujumbura before 05:00 and after 18:30. There is a general lack of:

• Traffic signals
• Road shoulders

The above conditions make driving dangerous, particularly outside of cities and at night. Poor driving standards and pedestrians, cyclists, and livestock on the roads create further hazards. There have also been recent incidents of pedestrians struck and killed by minibuses. Exercise extra caution while walking on or alongside a road.

Motorists in Burundi should be careful to keep their doors locked and windows closed when driving around the capital. Fuel shortages are common, leading to very long lines at service stations that can last for hours or days. Outside Bujumbura, service stations are scarce, and fuel is often unavailable. Professional roadside assistance is limited outside the capital. Carry with you:

• Spare tires
• Food and water
• Methods of communication
• Maps and navigation equipment
• A first aid kit

Traffic Laws: An international driving permit and third-party insurance is required. Long-term residents can apply for a Burundi driver’s license. Use of cell phones while driving is illegal. Give buses and taxis a wide berth as they start and stop abruptly, often without pulling to the side of the road. Many passenger doors on buses open on the side facing the road and passengers may emerge into traffic.

There are many right-hand drive vehicles in Burundi, although Burundi is a left-hand drive country.

In the case of an accident, call and attempt to have police respond. If a hostile crowd forms or you feel your safety is in danger, leave the scene and proceed to the nearest police station to report the incident. Do not stop at the scene of an accident you see or come upon.

Public Transportation: Public transit is unregulated, unreliable, and generally unsafe due to overloading, reckless driving, inadequate vehicle maintenance, and the risk of petty crime. Hire private transportation from a reliable source. U.S. Embassy personnel are prohibited from using public transportation, including taxis, taxi-motos, taxi-bikes and buses. Fatal collisions occur frequently. Due to security concerns, the bus depots near the former Central Market are also off-limits to U.S. Embassy personnel.

If you use a taxi, negotiate the fare before beginning your journey. Taxis are not metered, so confirm the fare with your hotel or before entering a taxi.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Burundi, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Burundi’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Burundi .  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Latest update

Reconsider your need to travel to Burundi overall due to the threat of terrorism and the risk of civil unrest.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

Burundi (PDF 705.48 KB)

Africa (PDF 1.68 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire, rescue and medical services.

Call 112 in Bujumbura. The number is often not answered.

Outside the capital, there are no emergency services.

Contact the local police.

Advice levels

Reconsider your need to travel to Burundi overall.

Do not travel to Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces, Kibira National Park,  areas of Bujumbura Rural province west of the Rusizi river and border areas with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Do not travel to Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces, Kibira National Park,  areas of Bujumbura Rural province west of the Rusizi river and border areas with the Democratic Republic of Congo due to the threat of armed attacks.

• Flash flooding and mudslides are common from February to mid-May. Earthquakes occur. 
• The security situation is unstable. Violent attacks on individuals are common. Get expert security advice.
• Terrorism is a significant threat. Arrange personal security measures and be alert to threats.
• Violent crime is widespread and often involves weapons. Foreigners can be a target of  kidnapping . Be alert to carjacking and other threats. Don't travel after dark.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Yellow fever is common. You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Burundi.
• HIV/AIDS is widespread. Take precautions to reduce your risk of infection.
• Outbreaks of cholera and malaria occurred have occurred in the past few years. Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. Use insect repellent. Only drink boiled or bottled water.
• Health facilities are limited. If you're ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated. Make sure your insurance covers this.

Full travel advice:  Health

• Penalties for drug offences are severe and include long prison terms and large fines.
• It's illegal to take photos of sensitive buildings in Burundi. Don't photograph airports, military sites or government buildings.
• Same-sex relationships are illegal and penalties include jail terms. Avoid public displays of affection.

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• You need a visa to enter Burundi. This can be done before travel at any Burundian diplomatic mission. You can also obtain business or tourist visas on arrival at Bujumbura airport and any land or maritime entry points. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest Embassy of Burundi.
• All passengers entering or leaving Burundi via Bujumbura Airport must  register online using the incoming/outgoing passenger form  before travelling.
• Border closures can occur without notice. The Burundi land border with Rwanda closed on 11 January.

Landmines have exploded in areas popular with travellers.

• Road travel is dangerous. Traffic accidents and crime are common. Check local security and road conditions. Get security advice from an expert.

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  tells you what the Australian government can and can't do to help when you're overseas.
• Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Burundi. For consular help, contact the  Australian High Commission in Nairobi . However, our ability to provide consular services in Burundi is extremely limited.
• You could also get help from the  Embassy of Belgium in Burundi .
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the High Commission’s social media accounts.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Civil unrest and political tension.

There are ongoing political tensions in Burundi that can cause sporadic violence. Outbreaks of violence have been reported during elections. 

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.  Violent attacks are common.  You should avoid all large gatherings and remain vigilant. Follow the advice of local authorities. 

Clashes between police and the public are common in Bujumbura and other parts of Burundi.

• get expert security advice
• use the right personal security measures for the situation
• avoid protests and other public gatherings and remain vigilant
• monitor the media for possible unrest
• keep in contact with your friends and family

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Border areas

We advise do not to travel to Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces, Kibira National Park and areas of Bujumbura Rural province west of the Rusizi river. The security situation can change at any time in these regions, and there's an ongoing risk of cross-border attacks by armed militias from the Kivu provinces in the  DRC.

Don't cross the border into the DRC. We advise do not travel to the DRC. If, despite our advice, you travel to the DRC, review the travel advice for the  DRC .

Terrorism is a significant threat. An attack could occur at any time, including places frequented by expatriates and foreigners. 

The Somali terrorist group Al-Shabaab has made threats in the past targeting Burundi for its role in the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia.

Possible targets of terror attacks include:

• clubs, hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars and tourist areas
• schools and places of worship
• markets and shopping centres
• political, sporting and outdoor recreation events
• bus terminals, public transport and airports
• government buildings

If despite the risks, you travel to Burundi:

• arrange personal security measures
• consider places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided
• always be alert to possible threats
• monitor the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

If there's an attack nearby, leave the area as soon as it's safe.

Avoid the affected area due to the risk of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Violent crime

Violent crime is widespread. It often involves weapons.

Common types of violent crime include:

• ambush by armed criminals on the roads , particularly those leading out of Bujumbura
• carjacking in traffic

The risk of assault is higher when walking alone on roads around Lake Tanganyika.

The risk of crime increases after dark. Avoid walking in the streets or using public transport after dark, even in Bujumbura city centre. The US Embassy tells their staff not to travel during hours of darkness outside Bujumbura Mairie (typically 6pm to 6am).

• keep your car windows up and doors locked, even when moving
• be alert to the threat of carjacking
• secure your accommodation against intruders
• be alert to your surroundings
• don't travel after dark
• adopt personal security measures

Kidnapping 

Foreigners can be a target of  kidnapping .

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Climate and natural disasters

Burundi can experience  natural disasters  and  severe weather , including:

• flash flooding
• earthquakes

To protect yourself if a natural disaster occurs if, despite our advice, you travel to Burundi:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor media and other sources for updates

Check the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System  for updates on natural disasters around the world.

Flash flooding and mudslides are common in the rainy season from February to mid-May. Roads may be blocked during this time.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes can occur in Burundi. Check earthquake response procedures for each place you stay.

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Burundi. Take enough legal medication for your trip. 

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Insect-borne diseases.

Yellow fever  is common in Burundi. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.

Malaria  occurs widely, at all times of year.

Other diseases spread by insects can occur. This includes:

• African sleeping sickness

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

HIV/AIDS  is widespread. Take precautions if you engage in activities that may expose you to the virus.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• meningococcal disease
• tuberculosis
• Rift Valley Fever

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur. Severe outbreaks of malaria and cholera occurred in 2017 and 2018.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• don't swim in fresh water, including at Lake Tanyganyika

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

• Infectious diseases

Medical care

Medical facilities.

Health facilities are basic and limited.

If you are ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to Nairobi, Kenya or another place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

More information:  

• Staying within the law

Penalties for drug offences are severe, including long prison terms and large fines.

• Carrying or using drugs

It's illegal to take photos of sensitive buildings in Burundi. Don't photograph:

• military installations

Same-sex relationships are illegal and penalties include jail terms.

Public displays of affection are frowned upon. It may lead to LGBTI travellers being harassed by the public or police.

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Burundi laws recognise dual nationality. If you're a dual national, you might be liable for military service.

• Dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

You must get a visa to enter Burundi. This can be done before travel via any Burundian diplomatic mission. Visitors can also obtain business or tourist visas on arrival at Bujumbura airport and any land or maritime entry points. You can get a 30-day visa upon arrival at the Bujumbura Airport with a payment of USD90 for multiple entries and USD70 for a single entry. 

Visas can be renewed if you're already in Burundi. 

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact an embassy or consulate of Burundi for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Burundi doesn't have diplomatic representation in Australia. The nearest embassy of Burundi is in Tokyo.

Registration

All passengers entering or leaving Burundi via Bujumbura Airport must  register online using the incoming/outgoing passenger form  before travelling. 

Border measures

Border closures can occur without notice. The land border with Rwanda has been closed since 11 January 2024.

Yellow fever vaccination

You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Burundi. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia  after exposure to yellow fever .

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 74KB)  (World Health Organisation)

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTI travellers  

The local currency is the Burundian Franc (BIF). You'll need approval to take more than BIF2000 out of the country.

Some businesses may accept US dollars or euros.

ATMs are limited and unreliable.

Most hotels and businesses don't accept credit cards.

Bank transfers in and out of the country may not be available.

Plan ahead. Have enough cash to meet your needs.

Local travel

Road travel.

Traffic accidents are common.

Road safety and driving  hazards include:

• poor condition of most roads and vehicles
• bad driving habits
• poor lighting

Heavy rains can cause flooding and landslides. These may damage roads and infrastructure.

Recurrent fuel shortages and long queues to access fuel are common across the country.

Roadblocks occur in all areas, including Bujumbura.  Some are formal checkpoints maintained by police but not all are official.

Armed thieves are a significant risk across Burundi. See  Safety

If you plan to travel by road:

• check local security and road conditions
• get security advice from an expert
• travel in daylight hours
• travel in a convoy — the US Embassy recommends at least 2 vehicles
• carry copies of your passport and visa, though you may be asked to produce the originals at checkpoints

Have a contingency plan in case you can't travel by road.

Border closures can occur without notice. The Burundi land border with Rwanda is currently closed.

There have been armed incursions from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into neighbouring border areas of Burundi, including Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces.

Public transport

Avoid public transport, especially after dark.  The US embassy doesn't allow their staff to use public transportation.

There's a high risk of crime, and local roads and vehicles are in a poor state. See  Safety

The international airport can close without warning.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Burundi.

For consular help, contact either:

• Australian High Commission in Nairobi
• Belgian Embassy in Bujumbura

The Belgian Embassy can give you consular help in an emergency. It can't issue Australian passports.

Australian High Commission, Nairobi

Limuru Road, Rosslyn  Nairobi, Kenya Phone: +254 20 4277 100 Website:  kenya.highcommission.gov.au Facebook:  Australian High Commission, Kenya Twitter @AusHCKenya

Embassy of Belgium, Bujumbura

Boulevard de la Liberte, 18.  Bujumbura, Burundi Phone: (+257) 2222 6176  or (+257) 79 925 105 in an emergency Email: [email protected] Website: Embassy of Belgium in Burundi

Check the websites for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Burundi travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: May 23, 2024 08:00 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, burundi - avoid non-essential travel.

Avoid non-essential travel to Burundi, with the exception of Bujumbura Mairie, due to violent crime and the risk of political violence.

Regional Advisory - Avoid all travel

• Cibitoke province
• Bubanza province
• Area west of and including the RN5 highway in Bujumbura Rural (with the exception of Rusizi River Delta Nature Reserve)

Bujumbura - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Bujumbura Mairie due to violent crime.

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Bubanza and Cibitoke provinces

Border security is a concern in the provinces of Bubanza and Cibitoke due to the various violent clashes in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and occasional cross-border movement by armed groups.

Banditry, small arms trafficking, kidnappings and attacks on civilians by former soldiers, rebels and youth gangs occur.

Political tensions

Burundi has a recent history of political violence. Politically motivated attacks involving small arms and grenades have occurred in recent years, including in Bujumbura.

Security searches

Security forces have the authority to conduct searches at any time of homes and vehicles, in order to allegedly recover weapons. Car searches seem to be conducted randomly, usually at roadblocks. Foreigners have been subjected to both car and home searches.

To search a house, officers must present their identification card but don’t require a search warrant. Cooperate with the officer. Should you encounter problems, request to contact the Consulate in Bujumbura or the High Commission to Kenya in Nairobi.

There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Incidents of muggings at gun and knifepoint, purse snatching and pickpocketing occur. Crime is often committed by children. Criminal activity increases at night.

There is a risk of assault if you’re walking or jogging alone, particularly on roads around Lake Tanganyika. Avoid walking, driving or taking public transportation after dark anywhere in the country, including in Bujumbura. 

Keep valuables, travel documents, and cash in safe locations, such as in hotel safes. Keep separate and digital copies of important documents, including your passport.

Kidnapping for ransom occurs and criminals have targeted foreigners in the past.

Check points

There are frequent checkpoints throughout the country. Travellers have reported incidents of harassment, intimidation and physical violence at checkpoints, particularly at night.

Identification

You should carry photo identification at all times. To limit the risk of your passport being lost or stolen, carry only a photocopy of it.

Tourism Infrastructure and telecommunications

Tourism infrastructure are limited throughout the country. The telecommunications network is not always reliable outside the capital.

• Plan your trip accordingly
• Choose accommodation that provides adequate security
• Do not rely on your cell phone for emergency calls, especially outside the capital

Adventure tourism 

Outdoor activities, such as zip lining,  swimming, paragliding, hiking, cycling, etc. and other adventure activities can be dangerous if unprepared. Trails are not always marked, and weather conditions can change rapidly, even during summer. 

Tour operators may not always adhere to international safety standards.

If you intend to practice adventure tourism:

• never do so alone, and do not part with your tour companions  
• consider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company 
• obtain detailed information on your activity and on the environment in which you will be setting out 
• consult residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas  

Power outages

Power outages occur regularly, especially outside the capital. They could impact essential services such as:

• public transportation
• telecommunications
• banking transactions
• the purchase of basic necessities

Not all buildings are equipped with generators.

• Plan accordingly
• Keep a supply of water, food and fuel on hand
• Make sure you always have an emergency kit on hand

Demonstrations

Demonstrations and mass gathering occur occasionally, particularly in Bujumbura, and have the potential to turn violent. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Women’s safety

Sexual assault, including rape, is common. Be aware that in some jurisdictions, the victim is required to provide food during the perpetrator’s incarceration.

Advice for women travellers

Road safety

Road conditions vary throughout the country but is generally dangerous due to:

• unmarked and damaged roads
• limited street lights and traffic signals
• erratic and reckless driving habits

Avoid driving unless you are familiar with local conditions. If hiring a driver, make sure to do so through a reputable company.

You should travel by convoy and only during the day. Travelling outside Bujumbura puts you at higher risk.

If you must drive:

• always respect security rules and procedures
• check information on road security on a daily basis
• carry multiple spare tires

During the rainy season, many roads are only accessible with four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Service stations are rare, fuel shortages are frequent and roadside assistance is not available outside the capital.

In the event of an accident, leave the scene without stopping and go to the nearest police station or, if necessary, to the hospital.

You may encounter legitimate roadblocks. Be aware, however, that criminals are known to impersonate security forces and set up unofficial roadblocks to solicit bribes.

Public transportation

Avoid using taxis. Drivers often operate within a criminal network. If the use of a taxi is unavoidable, hire one from a reputable company.

You should also avoid using public buses. Vehicle and road conditions are the cause of frequent and serious accidents.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from Burundian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist: required Business: required

Border closures

Due to the volatile security situation in the area, authorities could close the Burundi–Rwanda border at any time.

Periodic closure of the Burundi–Democratic Republic of Congo border can occur without notice.

Other requirements

Visitors to Burundi must have an onward ticket.

You must complete the online incoming/outgoing passenger form before entering or leaving Burundi via the Bujumbura airport.

Incoming/outgoing passenger form - Government of Burundi

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Polio: Advice for travellers - 6 May, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is a risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of yellow fever vaccination for travellers from all countries.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is recommended.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of their trip to arrange for vaccination.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites .

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

This destination is in the African Meningitis Belt, an area which has the highest rates of meningococcal disease in the world. Meningococcal disease is a serious and sometimes fatal infection. 

Travellers who are at higher risk should discuss vaccination with a health care provider. High-risk travellers include those living or working with the local population (e.g., health care workers) or those travelling to crowded areas or taking part in large gatherings.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.

Malaria is a risk to travellers to this destination.   Antimalarial medication is recommended for most travellers to this destination and should be taken as recommended. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times: 

• Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.
• Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows.
• Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.
• Wear permethrin-treated clothing. 

 If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Polio (poliomyelitis) is an infectious disease that can be prevented by vaccination. It is caused by poliovirus type 1, 2 or 3. Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus 2 (cVDPV2) is present in this country. Polio is spread from person to person and through contaminated food and water. Infection with the polio virus can cause paralysis and death in individuals of any age who are not immune.

Recommendations:

• Be sure that your polio vaccinations are up to date before travelling. Polio is part of the routine vaccine schedule for children in Canada.
• One booster dose of the polio vaccine is recommended as an adult .

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions .

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

• visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
• visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

There is a risk of schistosomiasis in this destination. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by tiny worms (blood flukes) which can be found in freshwater (lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands). The worms can break the skin, and their eggs can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, or urinary problems. Schistosomiasis mostly affects underdeveloped and r ural communities, particularly agricultural and fishing communities.

Most travellers are at low risk. Travellers should avoid contact with untreated freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and ponds (e.g., swimming, bathing, wading, ingesting). There is no vaccine or medication available to prevent infection.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

• In this country, risk of  dengue  is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Onchocerciasis (river blindness)   is an eye and skin disease caused by a parasite spread through the bite of an infected female blackfly.  Onchocerciasis often leads to blindness if left untreated. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from blackfly bites, which are most common close to fast-flowing rivers and streams. There is no vaccine available for onchocerciasis although drug treatments exist.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)   is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). 

High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.

Medical services and facilities

Health care is inadequate. You will likely need medical evacuation in case of serious illness or injury. For medical evacuations, planes need to fly in from other countries.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Burundian law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

Those convicted can face imprisonment.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Burundi.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Penalties for the possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Photography

Obtain permission before taking photographs of military installations, airports, government buildings and local residents.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Burundi.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Burundi, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Burundi.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Burundi by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Burundi to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

You must carry an international driving permit and proof of insurance.

It is illegal to use your cell phone while driving.

International Driving Permit

The currency is the Burundian franc (BIF).

The economy is cash-based. Credit cards are not widely accepted. ATMs are unreliable.

Most shops will not accept or exchange U.S. dollars printed before 2006.

Rainy season 

The dry season extends from mid-May to early October.

The rainy season begins in February and continues to mid-May. During the rainy season, heavy downpours are common and can result in flash floods. Infrastructure and transportation routes may be damaged and secondary roads may become impassable.

• Keep informed of regional weather forecast
• Avoid the affected areas 

Local services

There is no centralized number to reach emergency services.

• 112 for medical assistance
• 113 for police

Consular assistance

Burundi, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada to Kenya in Nairobi and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

• Travel advice

Burundi travel advice

Explore our complete guide to Burundi with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for Burundi.

• Essential travel guide
• Weather & climate
• Travel health
• Covid live updates
• Travel features
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Burundi travel guide - essential info

Below is a beginner's guide to Burundi with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.

Why visit Burundi?

Considering a holiday to the Burundi? Here are some of the very good reasons it makes such a wonderful holiday destination such as for its nature to ensure you get the most out of your 2024/2025 escape.

Burundi tourist information

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Burundi weather

The Burundi weather guide shows long term monthly averages for Bujumbura .

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Check the latest travel advice on visiting Burundi from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.

• UK traveller advice for Burundi - UK FCDO
• Irish traveller advice for Burundi - Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland
• Canadian travel advice for Burundi - Government of Canada
• US travel advisories for Burundi - US Department of State
• Safe travel advisories for Burundi - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, New Zealand
• Smarter traveller advice for Burundi - Department of Foreign Affairs, Australia

Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around Burundi.

Note : UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

FCDO travel advice

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Burundi travel health

Find out more about staying safe when travelling to Burundi with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.

• Vaccines & medicines for Burundi - CDC
• Health & vaccinations for Burundi - TravelHealthPro, NaTHNac
• How to stay safe & healthy in Burundi - Fit for Travel, Public Health Scotland

Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in Burundi, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.

Note : CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Burundi covid live updates

Check the latest live updates on Covid-19 in Burundi with the vaccination requirements, current available statistics and up-to-date travel advice from government agencies.

• Travellers' health for Burundi - Ministry of Public Health, Burundi
• Coronavirus timeline in Burundi - Our World in Data

Burundi travel features

Do you want to learn more about Burundi? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in Burundi.

We don't currently have any travel features on Burundi. Discover more about holiday destinations around the world with this selection of general travel articles.

Burundi FAQs

Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to Burundi including the current entry restrictions, covid rules, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.

Are there entry restrictions to Burundi due to Covid-19?

Burundi is open for tourism from the UK. There are no special entry requirements for Burundi. Check out Ministry of Public Health, Burundi for more information.

Do I need to quarantine in the UK if I travel from Burundi?

You do not need to quarantine on arrival in the UK from Burundi. The UK no longer requires a passenger locator form, Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination.

What is the time difference between Burundi and the UK?

The time difference between Burundi and the UK is UK time+2 hours .

What is the main language spoken in Burundi?

The main languages spoken in Burundi are Kirundi and Swahili .

What is the currency in Burundi?

The currency in Burundi is the Burundian Franc ( BIF ). Send money to Burundi with World Remit * .

Which plugs are used in Burundi?

Burundi uses electrical plug type C + E (220 Volts) .

Which side of the road do they drive on in Burundi?

They drive on the right side of the road in Burundi. Find out more about driving in Burundi with International Drivers Association * .

Transport options for Burundi

Do you need a visa for Burundi?

Yes, UK passport holders do need a visa to enter Burundi. Check Burundi visa requirements for all passport holders with VisaHQ * .

Travel advice by country

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Burundi travel guide

For all its wondrous landscapes (think undulating mountain ranges, dense rainforests and shimmering lakes), travellers are advised to steer clear of Burundi right now – the scenery might be beautiful, but the political situation is decidedly ugly.

Civil unrest, an abortive military coup and controversial elections have dominated the headlines in Burundi recently, which is a great shame given what this country has to offer.

The vibrant if tumultuous capital, Bujumbura, has a prime location on the shores of Lake Tanganyika and just outside the city are some of the best inland beaches in Africa, plus a number of idyllic beachfront bars and resorts.

The city itself has some interesting examples of French architecture and has developed a reputation for its vibrant nightlife, but infrastructural development has been hindered by decades of sporadic conflict that culminated in 1994 and left more than 300,000 dead.

Further beyond the city limits, the four beautiful waterfalls at Chutes de la Karera are well worth a visit, as are a few of the largely unexplored and underdeveloped national parks. Parc National de la Rusiza is the most accessible, just 15km (9 miles) from Bujumbura, while Parc National de la Kibira is the largest rainforest in Burundi and is home to rare colobus monkeys and chimpanzees.

An advantage of Burundi’s small size is that if you have your own vehicle or hire a driver, it’s generally easy to visit any of these highlights and return to Bujumbura within the same day; public transport, however, is limited outside the city.

Burundi has made tentative progress towards peace and stability since a power-sharing government was set up in 2001 and most rebel groups agreed to disarm, but in 2015 President Nkurunziza’s bid to change the constitution and stand for a third term sparked mass protests and a violent response from the state.

Hundreds of thousands of Burundians have fled into neighbouring Tanzania, fearing the collapse of the country’s fragile democracy and a return to civil war. Watch this space.

27,816 sq km (10,740 sq miles).

11,552,561 (UN estimate 2016).

386.2 per sq km.

President Evariste Ndayishimiye since 2020.

Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca since 2022.

Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice.

Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces

FCDO advises against all travel to Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces, due to the presence of a rebel group in the Kibira National Park and possible armed incursions from the Democratic Republic of the Congo ( DRC ).

Kayanza Province

FCDO advises against all travel on the main road running west from Kayanza through the Kibira National Park towards Cibitoke Province, due the presence of a rebel group and possible armed incursions from DRC .

Melchior Ndadaye International Airport to Cibitoke

FCDO advises against all travel on the RN5 road north of Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura towards Cibitoke.

Bujumbura Rural Province

FCDO advises against all travel to areas of Bujumbura Rural Province west of the Rusizi river towards the border with DRC , except for the Rusizi National Park. This is due to possible armed incursions from DRC .

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the area of Bujumbura Rural above the Isale road.

Rusizi National Park

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Rusizi National Park.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel .

Flooding near Lake Taganyika  

Burundi is experiencing severe flooding and heavy rainfall, especially near Lake Tanganyika. Consular assistance is limited in Burundi.  

If you are a British national and need urgent help call +250 252 556 000.

If you’re in the UK and worried about a British person in Burundi, call 020 7008 5000.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:

• women travellers
• disabled travellers
• LGBT+ travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Burundi set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Burundi Embassy in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Burundi.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Burundi, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have one blank page.     Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit Burundi.

Applying for a visa

Apply for a visa from the Burundi Embassy in the UK . A single-entry visa costs £60 for 30 days.

Checks at border control

You must fill in an arrival and departure form when flying into and out of Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura.

Vaccine recommendations

You must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination, due to a risk of yellow fever transmission.

For more details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Burundi guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Burundi. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Burundi .

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in Burundi

Terrorist attacks in Burundi cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreign nationals.

Al-Shabaab, although based in Somalia, poses a threat across the East Africa region. Al-Shabaab has previously made public threats against Burundi because of its support for the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia. Al-Shabaab have claimed responsibility for attacks in Kenya and Uganda, linking some attacks to support for the African Union peacekeeping mission.

Follow the advice of local authorities and exercise caution while travelling around the country.

Political situation

Security incidents do happen in Burundi, and there remains concern about the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border region as a result of the security situation in eastern DRC.

Burundi closed its land borders with Rwanda on 11 January 2024 because of escalating bilateral tensions. It is still possible to fly between the two capitals.

There are reports of arbitrary arrests, detentions and disappearances of Burundians, most often from civil society, independent media and pockets of society perceived to be anti-government.

Grenade attacks are common in Burundi. On 10 May, there were two grenade attacks in central Bujumbura targeting crowded areas. Attacks of this kind can be used by criminal gangs or have a political motivation.

Avoid all large gatherings, stay alert and follow the instructions of local authorities.

The crime rate in Burundi is high. There is a risk of muggings at gun and knifepoint, bag-snatching, pickpocketing, burglary, car break-ins and armed carjackings.

Protecting yourself and your belongings

You can take steps to reduce your personal risk, by:

• not walking in the streets or using public transport after dark, even in Bujumbura city centre
• not carrying large amounts of money
• taking care when withdrawing or exchanging cash, and not doing so at night
• staying in hotels that have good security
• using hotel safes where possible
• keeping copies of important documents, including your passport and visa, separately
• being wary of who you plan to meet and where, and informing colleagues or family members of your plans

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs and prison sentences.

There are severe penalties for all drug offences.

LGBT+ travellers  

Same-sex sexual acts are illegal. Punishment includes a prison sentence of between 3 months and 2 years and a fine. Burundi is a socially conservative society and LGBT+ people are not accepted. Showing affection in public may receive unwanted and negative attention.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Burundi is largely a cash-based society. Take US dollars dated post-2006. Most businesses will not accept or exchange older currency and US dollars with small tears will also be rejected. You can usually exchange euros and British pounds.

There’s a shortage of foreign exchange currencies in Burundi and an unofficial FX exchange rate exists. The unofficial rate can be substantially different from the official exchange rate.

Outside Bujumbura credit and debit cards are rarely accepted, and there are not many ATMs. Do not rely on cash withdrawals. You can often use mobile money in tourist hotels.

Outdoor activities

Avoid swimming in Lake Tanganyika due to the risk of:

• being attacked by wildlife
• waterborne diseases

Transport risks

Road travel.

If you are planning to drive in Burundi, see information on driving abroad .

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Burundi for 6 months. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence .

Drink -driving is a serious offence in Burundi. Penalties include fines and possibly a prison sentence.

Road conditions

There are only a small number of paved roads and these are sometimes in poor condition. Road infrastructure generally is poor and roads are frequently blocked or damaged by landslides, especially after heavy rain.

Landslides can destroy road bridges, making some routes impassable. Check local advice on road conditions when planning travel by road and have an alternative plan in case your route is blocked.

Driving standards are very poor and vehicles are often poorly maintained. Serious accidents are common.

If you’re involved in a car accident it’s unlikely the emergency services will be able to respond quickly or effectively. You can request help from the Red Cross by calling 109. They will act as first responders, along with the local traffic police (‘police de la protection civile et gestion des catastrophes’). You can contact the police by calling 112.   

Keep car doors locked and windows closed. Avoid travelling by road outside Bujumbura after dark, because of the security situation and road safety concerns.

Roadblocks and document checks are common, and not always official. Carry a copy of your passport and visa, but you may need to produce originals.

Access into and out of Bujumbura city is controlled by police at night.

Fuel shortages

Burundi is currently suffering from severe fuel shortages. Do not assume you’ll be able to get fuel in the country. Where fuel is available, there can often be long lines.

Public transport

Public transport vehicles (buses and motorbike taxis) are often poorly maintained and have low driving standards.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards .

The rainy season in Burundi runs from February to May and can result in flash floods.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes in the region can be felt in Burundi. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake .

This section has safety advice for regions of Burundi. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO ’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice .

Burundi-DRC border

There have been armed incursions from eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) into neighbouring border areas of Burundi.

In December 2023, rebel militia group Red-Tabara attacked the town of Vugizo, near the DRC border (and 20km from Bujumbura). Local reports suggest up to 20 people died, including one police officer.

In September 2023, in Gihanga commune, Bubanza province, Red-Tabara rebels killed 2 individuals on the RN5 road and reportedly damaged a guidance antenna for Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura.

Contact your destination before you set off and make sure you allow enough time to complete your journey during daylight hours.

FCDO advises against all travel to Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces, due to the presence of a rebel group in the Kibira National Park and possible armed incursions from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

FCDO advises against all travel on the main road running west from Kayanza through the Kibira National Park towards Cibitoke Province, due the presence of a rebel group and possible armed incursions from DRC.

FCDO advises against all travel to areas of Bujumbura Rural Province west of the Rusizi river towards the border with DRC, except for the Rusizi National Park. This is due to possible armed incursions from DRC.

Former Central Market and bus station located on Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore in Bujumbura

Exercise increased caution around the former market and bus station area located on Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore in Bujumbura due to the risk of violent crime. On 10 May, a grenade attack took place targeting the bus stop. Consider whether travel in this area of Bujumbura is necessary, avoid all large gatherings and stay alert at all times.

Burundi-Rwanda border crossings

Burundi closed its land borders with Rwanda on 11 January 2024 because of escalating tensions.

There have previously been armed attacks in the border region with Rwanda. If you’re travelling near the border with Rwanda, check local media for the latest developments and stay up to date with this travel advice page.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 112 and ask for an ambulance.

You can also request help from the Red Cross by calling 109.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:  

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Burundi
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Burundi , including:  

• malaria and dengue 
• yellow fever

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Burundi. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro .

HIV and AIDS

UNAIDS estimated that in 2019 there were around 76,000 adults aged 15 or over in Burundi were living with HIV. The prevalence percentage was estimated at around 1% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.25%. Follow normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.

Other health risks

An outbreak of cholera continues in Burundi. Take precautions and get urgent medical attention if you become unwell.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .

Healthcare facilities in Burundi

There are 3 hospitals in Bujumbura that provide medical care for serious accidents:

• Kira Hospital
• Hôpital Militaire de Kamenge
• Médecins Sans Frontières in Prince Régent Charles Hospital

Outside Bujumbura, there is a lack of adequate medical facilities and medical evacuation to Kenya or Rwanda may be needed.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Burundi where some staff will speak English.

COVID-19 healthcare in Burundi

If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms, the government of Burundi’s advice is to get a test at a testing facility. Healthcare facilities in Burundi do not match UK standards.

Testing capacity in Burundi is extremely limited and results can be subject to significant delay.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Burundi   

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

You can also request help from the Red Cross by calling 109.

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking  lawyers , and  translators and interpreters in Burundi
• dealing with a  death in Burundi
• being  arrested or imprisoned in Burundi
• getting help if you’re a  victim of crime
• what to do if you’re  in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online .

Help abroad in an emergency

If you’re in Burundi and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Bujumbura .

The British Embassy in Bujumbura offers limited consular help. The British High Commission in Kigali, Rwanda , can provide additional consular support to British nationals in Burundi.

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

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Burundi Quick Guide

There is a Burundi Travel Guide so that you can get to know the true culture and way of life in this country. It is quite true that all the other African countries are blessed with natural beauty and attractions. But, Burundi has something special: A lot of protected areas, lakes, rivers, etc. Most of the tourists and travelers do not know much about these areas. It is very important for your travel plan to include Burundi Travel Guide when you visit this place. You need to be aware of everything there is to do in Burundi so that you enjoy your stay here without any problems.

The Burundi Travel Guide will also help you get to know the historical sites and monuments in Burundi. There are lots of important things to see in this country. You should make sure that you explore them all so that you do not miss out anything. This is what you need to do when you take the help of an itinerary or guide. There are many people who have tried to navigate the country on their own but they have failed.

In case of Burundi, it is a good idea to travel by train. This is not only safe but also very easy and comfortable. Once you board the train, you will reach the capital of Burundi, which is Kigali. Burundi is connected with many countries by air and road.

The Burundi Travel Guide will provide you with maps and detailed information of all the places that you need to visit and see. It will also tell you about the best places to spend your holidays, what to eat and where to stay. The Burundi Travel Guide will even tell you how to go about budgeting your trip. You can make use of the travel guide as a tool in planning your next holiday or business trip to Burundi.

There are several Burundi travel guides available in the market. Some of them come with detailed descriptions about certain places and attractions. These guides will help you plan your itinerary and determine the best places to visit. Some even have reviews of hotels, restaurants, and other Burundi attractions.

You can also purchase a book from a bookstore or online that contains a Burundi travel guide. You will find step-by-step instructions, including photos, of the places mentioned in the guide. Some of these books also have notes by experts, who will help you decide where to eat, where to shop, and other important things to do in Burundi.

A Burundi travel guide will help save time, energy, and money. You will know where to look for what you are looking for. It will also give you detailed descriptions of the places you want to visit and which ones are the best to see. There is no need to guess and to make assumptions. With the right guide, even those who have little knowledge about Burundi will be able to find the best holiday option.

A Burundi travel guide is very important to anyone who plans a trip to this country. The country is fascinating, beautiful, and offers so much to see and to do. Even if you only have a short time to spend there, it will still be worth your time and effort. So, before starting your trip, make sure you buy a good travel guide.

There are lots of places in the country where you can go for sightseeing. Since the government has granted citizenship to Burundi, many foreign travelers have started coming to the country. As a result, the country has become very popular with tourists from all over the world. So, when you plan to take a trip to Burundi, it is best to get a guide that will help you during your stay in the country.

The internet is a great place to search for a Burundi travel guide. There are websites that offer guides from travel agents as well as independent travel guides. Some of them have reviews from visitors and they also have information on where to eat, where to stay, and other important tips. Moreover, some sites have forums wherein you can ask questions and leave suggestions. This is one of the best ways of getting the best advice for your trip.

But before you pay for anything, make sure you read the terms and conditions. You need to be completely aware of what you are paying for. Also, before you leave for your trip, make sure you get a guidebook or guide that is updated regularly. It will help you during your stay in Burundi and if ever you get lost, you can easily find your way back. Having a guidebook is a great idea because it will also give you an idea on the things to do and the things to avoid in Burundi.

What vaccinations do I need?

Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Burundi are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.

Is it safe to travel?

Review the latest FCDO Travel Advice before travelling to or from Burundi

Best time to visit?

The best time to visit Burundi is from january until december, when you will have a pleasant temperature and limited till mediocre rainfall. The highest average temperature in Burundi is 23°C in january and the lowest is 20°C in may. The average climate figure for Burundi is an 7,6.

Do I need a Visa?

Visitors to Burundi must get a visa before travel, via any Burundian diplomatic mission.

See which forms you may need for entry into Burundi.

What currency do i need?

The official currency of Burundi is the Burundian Franc (BIF). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Burundi you can grab amazing Burundian Franc deals via Wise.com (GBP to BIF).

What about the wildlife?

Along with a highly diverse flora, Burundi is home to a remarkable fauna including lions, antelopes, hares, buffalos, cynocephalus, crocodiles, hippopotamus as well as abundant number of bird species. This impressive range of species makes Burundi the ideal destination for safari tours.

What is the traditional food?

French food? Ugali – African porriage consisting of flour and water. Curry – A sauce made from herbs. Marahagwe – Beans soup. Ibiharage – Fried beans. Beans and bananas – consisting of beans and water. Bean soup – Mix of beans soup. Matura and mahu – Sausage dish.

You can typically expect to pay around £0.37p for an equivalent pint of lager or beer.

What Languages are spoken?

Burundi traditionally had two official languages: Kirundi and French. English became the third official language of the country in 2014. You can learn some basic French before you travel to Burundi and really impress the locals!

How much do you tip?

The currency in Burundi is the Burundian Franc (You should tip up to 10% depending on the service and the quality of the restaurant you went to. Usually for higher end restaurants a tip is expected.).

Useful Numbers

• Police: 117
• Ambulance: 112
• UK Embassy: +250 252 556 000

Time Difference

The GMT time difference is 1 hours

Travel Apps

Grab a travel app or two Burundi Travel Apps

Learn French

Learn some French before your trip to Burundi Learn French

Burundi Guidebook

Stay informed before, during and after your trip to Burundi by buying a guidebook. Browse Guidebooks

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• Western Sahara

Travel Vaccines and Advice for Burundi

Burundi is one of the smallest countries. But, it is also one of the most densely populated countries in Africa. The capital is Bujumbura and the whole country is so compact that nearly all of it is accessible by road.

There is a wide range of geographical features in Burundi including riverbeds, mountains and plateaus. The plateaus are home to cultivate farms and other agriculture such as coffee and tea.

Due to civil unrest after a failed coup in 2015, Burundi can be a dangerous place to travel (see How Safe is Burundi?).

Do I Need Vaccines for Burundi?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Burundi. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Burundi: COVID-19 , hepatitis A , hepatitis B , typhoid , cholera , yellow fever , rabies , meningitis , polio , measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) , Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) , chickenpox , shingles , pneumonia and influenza .

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:

• COVID-19 – Airborne – Recommended for all travellers
• Hepatitis A – Food & Water – Recommended for most travellers
• Hepatitis B – Blood & Body Fluids – Accelerated schedule available
• Typhoid – Food & Water – Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator.
• Cholera – Food & Water – Cases have been reported in multiple regions since Nov. 2017. Active outbreaks have been reported in Bujumbura Mairie and Rumonge.
• Yellow Fever – Mosquito – Required for all travellers over nine months of age.
• Rabies – Saliva of Infected Animals – High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
• Meningitis – Airborne & Direct Contact – Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June)
• Polio – Food & Water – Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
• Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) – Various Vectors – Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
• TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) – Wounds & Airborne – Only one adult booster of pertussis required.
• Chickenpox – Direct Contact & Airborne – Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox.
• Shingles – Direct Contact – Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles.
• Pneumonia – Airborne – Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both.
• Influenza – Airborne – Vaccine components change annually.

See the tables below for more information:

Zika virus is a risk in Burundi. The virus can cause severe birth defects. Pregnant women are highly advised not to travel to Burundi.

Medical facilities are limited throughout the country. Hospital Bumeric in the capital provides emergency care.

Medicare and most insurance companies do not cover costs overseas. Money must be presented before treatment is performed.

For more see our vaccinations page. Or, make an appointment with your local Travel Medicine Specialist. To book your appointment at one of our 250+ locations call or book online now.

Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Burundi

To travel to Burundi you must have your passport, tourist visa and a yellow card with proof of yellow fever immunization .

A tourist visa is required to enter Burundi and must be acquired before the trip.

Sources: Embassy of Burundi and Canadian Travel and Tourism

All non-Burundian residents of one year or more must register their presence at the main office of the Migration Police Police de l’Air, des Frontiereset des Etrangers (PAFE) in Bujumbura. Contact the PAFE office at +257 22 25 79 00 for more information.

Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.

What is the Climate Like in Burundi?

Burundi has an equatorial climate with the average temperature varying by region:

• The central plateau has cool weather around 30 degrees.
• The Lake Tanganyika is fairly mild, around 30 as well.
• The mountain regions are cooler, averaging around 15.
• Rain is irregular in Burundi and there are often long periods of drought. Burundi receives 130 to 150 centimeters of rain a year.

There are four seasons in Burundi: the long dry season (June–August), the short wet season (September–November), the short dry season (December–January), and the long wet season (February–May).

How Safe is Burundi?

Due to the unstable political climate since 2015, security is unpredictable in Burundi.

Violent crimes continue to occur throughout the country, but are mostly concentrated in Bujumbura. These crimes include: grenade attacks, political assassinations, armed clashes between protesters and security and extrajudicial killings.

Police are authorized to conduct home and car searches, but must present identification and a warrant. There are also police checkpoints throughout the country.

Harassment and physical violence has been reported, especially near the Burundi-Rwandan border.

Power outages are a frequent and may affect access to safe drinking water.

It is also illegal to take photographs of government buildings, airports and border patrols are prohibited.

Do not take photographs of Burundians without their permission.

In 2009, the Burundian government criminalized homosexuality.

National Parks in Burundi

Burundi is home to three national parks: Kibira, Rusizi and Ruvubu.

Kibira is located in northwestern Burundi and is a forest-region ideal for bird-watching.

Rusizi is on the Rusizi River and is home to many hippos and an infamous man-eating alligator named Gustave.

Ruvubu is the largest national park is is located in northeastern Burundi. Founded in 1980, it’s a space meant to help preserve wildlife. There are no human inhabitants.

These national parks provide a place to bird-watch and see a variety of local wildlife such as hippos and reptiles.

If you’re planning to go to a national park, remember to bring bug spray and boots to prevent bug bites and wear long sleeves to protect yourself from long grass.

What Should I Take To Burundi?

Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Burundi:

• Travellers’ diarrhea kit
• Water purification tablets
• Hand sanitizer
• Bed net to ward off mosquitoes
• Proof of yellow fever vaccination

Canadian Embassy in Burundi

Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Burundi is served by the High Commission of Canada in Kenya:

High COmmission of Canada in Nairobi Limuru Road, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya Tel.: 254 (20) 366-3000

Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!

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On This Page: Do I Need Vaccines for Burundi? Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Burundi What is the Climate Like in Burundi? How Safe is Burundi? National Parks in Burundi What Should I Take to Burundi? Canadian Embassy in Burundi

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You Won’t Believe the Sneaky Way I Get 3 Days’ Worth of Extra Clothes Through TSA

It’s the secret packing hack I swear by as a carry-on-only”travel writer.

Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington

Although I see nothing wrong with checking a bag every so often, I’ve always viewed it as a personal goal to travel “carry-on only” when I fly. It started when I was a kid, flying on my airline pilot dad’s standby passes. My options then were to carry on my suitcase or risk having a bag end up in a city where I wasn’t. Although my standby status expired the second I married my military pilot husband, I still prefer carrying on , whether I’m flying for work (as a professional travel writer) or for pleasure (when my self-induced challenge intensifies as I pack carry-ons for my two kids as well). 

I’ve learned all the packing hacks over the years; I can roll clothes and stuff socks in shoes with the best of them, and I’m a pro at clipping in extras — like mini coolers and water bottles — with my trusty carabiner collection. This is exactly why I bought the Tube Travel Neck Pillow — the multi-use travel pillow you can store up to three days’ worth of clothing in — and wow, did it deliver.

Tube Travel Neck Pillow

Welcome to the sneaky carry-on storage solution that saves you checked bag fees. All you have to do is simply remove the foam insert from the removable cover and replace it with your clothing. Simple but effective, right?

Other neck pillows might be cushier, but they just can’t save you up to $70 worth of checked bag fees for each flight you take them on. I’ve also found it just depends on what you’re stuffing it with — the plusher the clothing (think: sweaters, down jackets) the more comfortable the neck pillow. However, you could also choose to care less about comfort and treat the Tube Travel Neck Pillow as your sole carry-on (especially when traveling on basic economy tickets since there’s no charge for a neck pillow… yet).

Depending on what you’re packing, one single tube can hold enough for three days of clothes. It’s lightweight enough to just toss into your suitcase as a “just-in-case” tool for any trip, like those times your suitcase gets too tight after a few souvenir purchases or as a way of keeping the essentials with you when forced to gate check on full flights.

Everything inside stays secured during travel, and there's no Velcro in the design that would damage clothes. Once loaded, you can bend and twist the pillow into any shape and snap closed to securely fasten around your luggage handle, or just wear it around your neck en route to your flight.

As a mom, I use this sneaky packing trick for storing extra diapers, which, as any traveling parent knows, take up a ridiculous amount of space in a suitcase. I bought the Tube for its versatility as a packing tool and was convinced by its five-star ratings at Amazon for its comfort. 

In the past, the Tube Travel pillow has been so popular that it's sold out at Amazon, but the good news is that if it does, you can get the equally genius Dot & Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow to achieve the same hack. Similar to the Tube Travel Neck Pillow, the Dot & Dot Memory Foam Travel Pillow has nearly 9,000 five-star ratings at Amazon and plenty of praise from travelers, too.

Dot & Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow

One Amazon reviewer said they're a carry-on only flier who used the packing hack, removing the Dot & Dot's memory foam and "replacing [it] with clothes that I would pack anyway" — and they said it "worked like a charm." But let's not discount its comfort when used as a neck pillow with the memory foam inside, either. Another reviewer attested that on a 28-hour road trip, this comfortable pillow was "a life-saver" and the "best road trip pillow ever." Imagine how comfy it would be stuffed with their favorite packable puffer or down jacket.

Trust me, the Tube Travel Neck Pillow is the ultimate hack for anyone looking to maximize their carry-on potential, which is literally what I live for as a frequent traveler. Any time a product can serve two purposes, my ears perk up, and, thanks to this dual-purposed neck pillow, they now rest easily in flight as well. And if you're looking for more handy travel accessories to add to your arsenal, keep reading to find more top-rated products available at Amazon.

More Travel Accessories at Amazon

Special made collapsible water bottle, eversnug travel blanket and pillow, basic concepts airplane foot hammock.

At the time of publishing, the price started at $50. 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

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Related Articles

When pups fly: BARK Air, the world's first airline for dogs, take first flight

Bark air says that it has taken the 'white glove experience typical of a human’s first-class experience and redirected all that pampering to pooches.' that experience comes at a cost..

The first jet charter company in the world in which every passenger is a VIP (very important pup) is now off the ground.

BARK Air , launched by dog toy company BARK in partnership with a jet charter service, is a luxury airline for man's best friend that transports dogs of all sizes along with their owners “in comfort and in style,” CEO Matt Meeker said in a video provided by Reuters that takes the public behind the scenes of the new airline.

"We’re here to revolutionize flying for dogs," says BARK Air's website.

Tickets sold out for BARK Air's first flight , which took off at 4 p.m. ET from New York, headed to Los Angeles. And flights are filling fast for the month of June.

Here's what you need to know about the new airline, including how much flights cost.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Dogs take first Bark Air flight

BARK Air shared details of the company's first flight on Thursday in an Instagram post.

"Right now, at an altitude of 30,000 feet, there is a flight filled with dogs. Unlike any flight before it, these dogs are not merely an afterthought, nor are they treated as cargo or a burden to the crew and fellow travelers. Here, dogs are the foremost priority," the company posted.

BARK Air continued to say that the effort took 10 years, "but we are finally confident that we can provide all dogs with the air travel experience they deserve: one that puts them first."

One user commented that "this really is the pawfect flight!" Another said: "We woof to see this."

BARK Air's prices aren't cheap

Pet owners can expect to pay $8,000 for a one-way international flight and $6,000 one way for a domestic flight that covers both them and their dog.

For now, routes will serve the New York City metro area via Westchester County Airport (HPN), with flights to the Los Angeles area via Van Nuys (VNY) and London, England via Biggin Hill (BQH), according to BARK Air's website.

What to expect flying BARK Air

The company says that it has taken the “white glove experience typical of a human’s first-class experience and redirected all that pampering to pooches.”

Meeker said that the airlines caters everything to the dog, "trying to lower their anxiety and their stress, so they have the most comfortable, fear-free experience on an airplane."

Food and water are provided for the pooches, and there's "even a spa treatment that happens in air," Meeker said.

BARK Air says that a concierge will learn a dog's temperament and sensitivities before the flight for the best placement on the plane. Dogs will not be caged or on leashes but will be free to sit on the seat, their human, a bed or wherever comfortable, the company says.

There are designated areas before flights for dogs to go potty and emergency pads will be available during flights.

How many dogs can fit on a flight?

Each flight fits 15 dogs and their humans, according to BARK AIR's website, but it never sells more than 10 tickets per flight. Space while flying is important to how animals roam, the company says.

Though there are additional tickets available if more than one human needs to accompany a dog, kids are not allowed to fly BARK Air. Each passenger must be at least 18 years old.