Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
\nFCDO advises against all travel to Mugina, Cibitoke, Bukinyayana, Bubanza and Mpanda communes due to the risk of the presence of a rebel group in the Kibira National Park and possible armed incursions from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to parts of Ntahangwa commune, specifically the RN5 road north of Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura towards Cibitoke and west of the Rusizi river towards the border with DRC, including Rusizi National Park (also known as Rusizi Delta Nature Reserve). This is due to possible armed incursions from DRC.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel on the main RN6 and RN10 roads running west from Kayanza through the Kibira National Park towards Cibitoke, due to the risk of the presence of a rebel group and possible armed incursions from DRC.
\n\nFind out more about why FCDO advises against travel.
\n\nArmed group activity and conflict along the border between Burundi and DRC has increased. Be cautious and keep up to date with developments through local media, given heightened insecurity.
\n\nArmed group activity and the movement of military and refugees in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) could affect people on the Burundian side of the border, in Bujumbura Province. The security situation in DRC near to Burundi’s border is unstable (see Democratic Republic of the Congo’s travel advice for more information).
\n\nThe only international airport in Burundi is the Melchior Ndadaye International Airport. In the event that flights were not available at the airport, there \nare currently limited land border options to exit Burundi. The DRC border area is unstable and the Rwandan border is closed. The Tanzania-Burundi border continues to operate normally, although transport options may be limited by the ongoing fuel shortages.
\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nFCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Burundi’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nTo enter Burundi, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have one blank page.
\n
\nCheck 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.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou must have a visa to visit Burundi.
\n\nYou should apply for a visa online ahead of travelling. Visas are issued on arrival in Burundi. A one-month visa costs $90 which can be paid online or in cash on arrival and is valid for single and multiple entries.
\n\nAll travellers without a valid settlement visa or permanent residence must complete the Airport entry visa or Transit visa application before arriving in Burundi. Once the application is submitted, you will receive a validation certificate. This certificate will be needed to get your visa upon arrival.
\n\nTo enter Burundi, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination, due to a risk of yellow fever transmission.
\n\nFor more details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Burundi guide.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"This guide also has safety advice for regions of Burundi.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nUK 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.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in Burundi cannot be ruled out.
\n\nAttacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals.
\n\nFollow the advice of local authorities and exercise caution while travelling around the country.
\n\nArmed group activity and conflict along the border between Burundi and DRC has increased. Be cautious and keep up to date with developments through local media, given heightened insecurity. The only international airport in Burundi is the Melchior Ndadaye airport. In the event that flights were not available at the airport, there are currently limited land border options to exit Burundi. The DRC border area is unstable and the Rwandan border is closed. The Tanzania-Burundi border continues to operate normally, although transport options may be limited by the ongoing fuel shortages.
\n\nBurundi 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.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nGrenade attacks are common in Burundi. On 10 May 2024, 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.
\n\nAvoid all large gatherings, stay alert and follow the instructions of local authorities.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nYou can take steps to reduce your personal risk, by:
\n\nIllegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties.
\n\nYou should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.
\n\nAirports in Burundi have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
\n\nSame-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.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nBurundi 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.
\n\nThere’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.
\n\nOutside 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.
\n\nAvoid swimming in Lake Tanganyika due to the risk of:
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Burundi, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nDrink -driving is a serious offence in Burundi. Penalties include fines and possibly a prison sentence.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nLandslides 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.
\n\nDriving standards are very poor and vehicles are often poorly maintained. Serious accidents are common.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nKeep car doors locked and windows closed. Avoid travelling by road outside Bujumbura after dark, because of the security situation and road safety concerns.
\n\nRoadblocks and document checks are common, and not always official. Carry a copy of your passport and visa, but you may need to produce originals.
\n\nAccess into and out of Bujumbura city is controlled by police at night.
\n\nBurundi 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.
\n\nPublic transport vehicles (buses and motorbike taxis) are often poorly maintained and have low driving standards.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nThe rainy season in Burundi runs from October to May and can result in flash floods. Consular assistance is limited in Burundi.
\n\nEarthquakes 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.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"This section has safety advice for regions of Burundi. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.
\n\nYou should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
\n\nSee advice for the Burundi-DRC border on the Warnings and insurance page.
\n\nIn 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.
\n\nIn September 2023, in Gihanga commune, Bubanza province, Red-Tabara rebels killed two individuals on the RN5 road and reportedly damaged a guidance antenna for Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura.
\n\nContact your destination before you set off and make sure you allow enough time to complete your journey during daylight hours.
\n\nExercise 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 2024, 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.
\n\nBurundi closed its land borders with Rwanda on 11 January 2024 because of escalating tensions.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\n","slug":"regional-risks","title":"Regional risks"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 112 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nYou can also request help from the Red Cross by calling 109.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Burundi, including:
\n\nAltitude sickness is a risk in parts of Burundi. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nOn 15 May the Democratic Republic of Congo Ministry of Health announced an outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo in the North-Eastern Ituri Province. Read more about the Ebola outbreak on TravelHealth Pro and see information on Ebola and similar diseases. World Health Organisation (WHO) have declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
\n\nDue to the outbreak, you may experience heightened health screening at international borders in the region. Check entry requirements for the country you’re travelling to or transiting.
\n\nUNAIDS 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.
\n\nAn outbreak of cholera continues in Burundi. Take precautions and get urgent medical attention if you become unwell.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThere are 3 hospitals in Bujumbura that provide medical care for serious accidents:
\n\nOutside Bujumbura, there is a lack of adequate medical facilities and medical evacuation to Kenya or Rwanda may be needed.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Burundi where some staff will speak English.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"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.
\n\nTelephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
\n\nYou can also request help from the Red Cross by calling 109.
\n\nContact 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.
\n\nFor 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.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n