Burundi travel guide

Travel Advice

For security reasons, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to:

• Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces
• areas of Bujumbura Rural province west of the Rusizi river towards the Democratic Republic of Congo border, with the exception of the Rusizi Delta Nature Reserve
• the road north of Bujumbura airport towards Cibitoke
• the main road running west from Kayanza through the Kibira National Park

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• Rusizi Delta Nature Reserve
• Bujumbura rural, above the Isale road

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides appropriate cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

Overnight on 2 September, armed rebels attacked the northern part of Bujumbura International airport. Two civilians were killed during the exchange of fire. The Red-TABARA group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The security situation near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda remains unstable, and there have been armed attacks. If you’re travelling near the border with DRC or Rwanda, you should exercise caution and keep up to date with developments on the current situation, including via local media and this travel advice. See Local travel

Since April 2022, Burundi has been facing the first ever Rift Valley Fever (RVF) outbreak in the country, a disease which primarily affects livestock. In response, the government has prohibited the slaughter of cattle, goats and sheep. To date, there are no report of humans contracting the disease in Burundi, though human infection remains a possibility, through mosquito bites or for people in direct contact with infected animals. See Health

Burundi is currently suffering from severe fuel shortages across the country. You shouldn’t take accessibility of fuel for travel in the country for granted. Where fuel is available, there can often be long queues. See Road travel

There are limited facilities up country with little French spoken, and limited infrastructure. Make sure you’re as well prepared and self-sufficient as possible. See Road travel

The British Embassy Office in Bujumbura can offer limited consular assistance to British nationals in Burundi. The British High Commission in Kigali, Rwanda, can provide additional consular support to British nationals in Burundi. See Consular assistance

There’s a high risk of street crime. There have been incidents of armed burglary, sometimes targeting foreign exchange offices and banks. See Crime

Terrorist attacks in Burundi can’t be ruled out. Al Shabaab has made public threats against Burundi because of its support to the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia. See Terrorism.

A long running cholera epidemic in Burundi (including Bujumbura) has caused several fatalities. You should take necessary precautions and seek urgent medical attention if you become unwell. See Health

Visitors should be aware of confirmed cases in October of Ebola in Beni, North Kivu province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in the same province as a previous outbreak. No cases have been reported in Burundi. See Health

Coronavirus travel health

Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Burundi on the TravelHealthPro website.

See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

International travel

Commercial flights to Bujumbura International Airport have now resumed. Please consult individual carriers for more information.

Entry and borders

See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in Burundi.

Be prepared for your plans to change

No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.

Plan ahead and make sure you:

• can access money
• understand what your insurance will cover
• can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned

Accommodation

Accommodation remains open but measures may be in place on a case by case basis.

Healthcare

If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms, the Government of Burundi’s advice is to visit a testing facility for a test. However, you should be mindful that healthcare facilities in Burundi may not match UK standards.

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

In Bujumbura, those caught not wearing a mask in public gatherings could be fined 100,000 Burundian Francs.

For contact details for doctors visit our list of healthcare providers.

Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health

View Health for further details on healthcare in Burundi.

See also the guidance on healthcare if you’re waiting to return to the UK.

Finance

For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance.

Further information

The British Embassy Office in Bujumbura can offer limited consular assistance to British nationals in Burundi. The British High Commission in Kigali, Rwanda, can provide additional consular support to British nationals in Burundi. See Consular assistance.

You can sign up for travel advice email alerts and follow @UKinRwanda on Twitter and Facebook, which covers both Rwanda and Burundi.

Crime

There’s a substantial risk of crime. Muggings at gun and knifepoint, bag snatching, pick-pocketing, burglary, car break-ins, and armed car hijackings have all been reported. Avoid walking in the streets or using public transport after dark, even in Bujumbura city centre, and don’t carry large amounts of money. Take care when withdrawing or exchanging cash, and avoid doing so at night.

Stay at hotels that have good security. Safeguard valuables and cash. Use hotel safes, where possible. Keep copies of important documents, including your passport and visa, separately. Be wary of who you plan to meet and where, and inform colleagues or family members of your plans.

Local travel

The security situation across Burundi remains changeable.

There have been armed incursions from eastern DRC into neighbouring border areas of Burundi. You should make contact with your destination before you set off and make sure that you allow enough time to complete your journey during daylight hours.

The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to the following areas and roads for security reasons:

• Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces
• areas of Bujumbura Rural province west of the Rusizi river towards the Democratic Republic of Congo border, with the exception of the Rusizi Delta Nature Reserve
• the road north of Bujumbura airport towards Cibitoke
• the main road running west from Kayanza through the Kibira National Park

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• Rusizi Delta Nature Reserve
• Bujumbura rural, above the Isale road

Road travel

Public transport vehicles are banned from crossing the border with Rwanda and there are restrictions on Burundian food products being exported into Rwanda.

Burundi is currently suffering from severe fuel shortages across the country. You shouldn’t take accessibility of fuel for travel in the country for granted. Where fuel is available, there can often be long queues.

You can drive in Burundi on a full UK driving licence for the first 6 months after you arrive. You’ll then need to get a Burundi driving licence. There are only a small number of tarmac roads and these are sometimes in poor condition. Driving standards are poor and there are frequent serious accidents. Keep car doors locked and windows closed when driving. Access in to and out of Bujumbura city is controlled by police at night. Avoid travelling by road outside Bujumbura after dark. This is due to the security situation and road safety concerns.

Road blocks and document checks are common, and not always official. Carry a copy of your passport and visa, but you may be need to produce the originals. Reports of attempted robberies at fake checkpoints have increased.

Avoid travelling on collective and public transport (buses and motorbike taxis), due to poor vehicle maintenance and low driving standards.

Road infrastructure is poor and roads are frequently blocked or damaged by landslides, especially after heavy rain. Landslides have destroyed road bridges, making some routes impassable. Check local advice on road conditions when planning travel by road and have a contingency plan in case your preferred route is blocked.

Air travel

Commercial flights to Burundi are now operating at a reduced capacity. Please check with carriers for more information. See Coronavirus.

A number of carriers normally fly in and out of Burundi including: Rwandair, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenyan Airways and Brussels Airlines.

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the EU.

Burundian rebels claimed a series of mortar attacks on Bujumbura International Airport (BJM) on 18 September 2021. Travellers should be aware that the security situation can change without warning and should follow the instructions of local authorities.

Political situation

There have been violent attacks, including on opposition supporters. There are reports that arbitrary arrests, detentions and disappearances of Burundians, most often from civil society, independent media and pockets of society perceived to be anti-government, continue. The police have used live ammunition and tear gas against demonstrators.

Grenade attacks are common in Burundi, and can be politically motivated.

In September 2021, there was a suspected mortar attack against Bujumbura’s International Airport (the Melchior Ndadaye International Airport). Also in September there was a grenade attack at a bus parking area near the Bujumbura’s old central market, and a grenade attack in the city of Gitega. Previously there have been grenade attacks on buses and a bus station in Bujumbura. There was also a grenade attack in a café in Muramvya, capital of Muramvya Province, in May 2021, and an attack on vehicles on the main highway (National Route 2) linking Bujumbura to Gitega, in June.

You should avoid all large gatherings, remain vigilant at all times and follow the instructions of local authorities given security and health risks.

Consular assistance

The British Embassy Office in Bujumbura can offer limited consular assistance to British Nationals in Burundi. The British High Commission in Kigali, Rwanda, can provide additional consular support to British nationals in Burundi.

If you’re in Burundi and you need advice which is not covered by reading our travel advice then you can contact us online.

If you need urgent help (for example, you’ve been attacked, arrested or someone has died), call +250 252 556 000.

Terrorist attacks in Burundi can’t be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

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 to 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.

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

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. You should remain vigilant 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.

There are severe penalties for drug offences.

Homosexual acts have been criminalised since 2009. Punishment includes a prison sentence of between three months and two years, and a fine, although there have been no prosecutions to date. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people are not accepted at all in local culture. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.

This page 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 unsure how Burundi’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.

All travellers

Visitors to Burundi must get a visa to enter.

See Visas section below for more information on how to obtain a visa.

Passengers arriving in Burundi are no longer required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test or to book a test at Bujumbura airport upon arrival. You do not need to present proof that you have been fully vaccinated to enter Burundi. The same measures apply to vaccinated and non-vaccinated travellers.

Burundi closed its land border with Rwanda on 11 January 2024 amid escalating tensions.

Check your passport and travel documents before you travel

Passport validity

If you are visiting Burundi, your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is needed.

Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Registration

For all passengers arriving at Bujumbura airport, physical arrival and departure cards are no longer valid. All passengers entering or leaving Burundi via Bujumbura Airport must register this online before travelling.

Visas

Visitors to Burundi must get a visa to enter. All visitors can obtain their visa (business or tourist) on arrival at Bujumbura Airport, and any land or maritime entry points. A month-long visa costs $90 and a 3 day-long visa costs $40.For further information on visas, contact the Burundi Embassy in London or the Burundian Embassy in Kigali (telephone: +250 252 575512, fax: +250 576418) if you are travelling from Rwanda.

Carry a photocopy of your passport and visa at all times.

Yellow fever

Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.

If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.

General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or brought in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).

Other health risks

Since April 2022, Burundi has been facing the first ever Rift Valley Fever (RVF) outbreak in the country, a disease which primarily affects livestock. In response, the government has prohibited the slaughter of cattle, goats and sheep. To date, there are no report of humans contracting the disease in Burundi, though human infection remains a possibility, through mosquito bites or for people in direct contact with infected animals.

Visitors should be aware of confirmed cases in October of Ebola in Beni, North Kivu province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in the same province as a previous outbreak. North Kivu province borders Uganda and Rwanda. Further information and updates on Ebola can be found on the WHO website and the Public Health England (PHE) website. These are the first Ebola cases reported since ‘Outbreak 12’ in North Kivu was declared over on 3 May 2021. No cases have been reported in Burundi.

UK health authorities have classified Burundi as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For information and advice about the risks associated with Zika virus, visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website.

An outbreak of cholera continues in Burundi. You should take necessary precautions and seek urgent medical attention if you become unwell.

Malaria is endemic throughout Burundi.

Avoid swimming in Lake Tanganyika due to the risk of being attacked by wildlife and waterborne diseases.

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%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.

Medical treatment

If you become ill during or immediately after travelling to the country, seek medical advice immediately. Kira Hospital, Hopital Militaire de Kamenge or Medecin sans frontieres, which operates from Hospital Prince Regent Charles, are able to provide appropriate medical care for most serious accidents within Bujumbura. Outside Bujumbura, there is a lack of adequate medical facilities and medical evacuation to Kenya or Rwanda may be necessary.

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation; this should specifically include the very high costs of evacuation by air ambulance.

For further information, check Burundi’s list of medical facilities.

The list is not exhaustive.

Previous earthquakes in the region have been felt in Burundi, but there have been no fatalities or damage to infrastructure.

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

Take US dollars dated post-2006. Most outlets and individuals will not accept or exchange older currency. Euros may also be exchanged. There’s a shortage of foreign exchange currencies in Burundi.

Credit and debit cards are accepted in some places, (including Bon prix shops,Roca Golf, Kiriri Garden and Club du Lac and most of the major and modern hotels) but rarely outside Bujumbura. Mobile money is also often used in these hotels. ATMs are available, mainly in Bujumbura.

Foreign travel checklist

Read our foreign travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe while you’re there.

Travel safety

The FCDO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we can’t provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you’re concerned about whether or not it’s safe for you to travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information from other sources you have identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it’s safe for you to travel.

When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, we’ll state on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advise against all or all but essential travel. Read more about how the FCDO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice.

Our crisis overseas page suggests additional things you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.

Refunds and cancellations

If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that you have booked, you should contact your travel company. The question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or can’t offer a refund to their customers.

For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau website. For help resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority. For questions about travel insurance, contact your insurance provider and if you’re not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Registering your travel details with us

We’re no longer asking people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.

Previous versions of FCDO travel advice

If you’re looking for a previous version of the FCDO travel advice, visit the National Archives website. Versions prior to 2 September 2020 will be archived as FCO travel advice. If you can’t find the page you’re looking for there, send the Travel Advice Team a request.

Further help

If you’re a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that isn’t covered in our foreign travel advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry, or contact us on Twitter or Facebook. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips.