Burundi travel guide

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

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.

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.

Terrorism

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.

Crime

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.

Money

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

Swimming

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

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.

Flooding

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.

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.

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:  

• Zika
• 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.

Medication

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