Burundi

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

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.

More information:

• Terrorism

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
• assault
• mugging
• burglary
• 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 (typically 6pm to 6am).

If despite the risks, you travel to Burundi:

• 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.

More information:

• Kidnapping

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.

More information:

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Burundi can experience natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• flash flooding
• mudslides
• 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
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in contact with your friends and family

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

Flooding

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.

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.

Confirm:

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

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.

More information:

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

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

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

More information:

• Medication

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:

• filariasis
• plague
• 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

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:

• cholera
• meningococcal disease
• tuberculosis
• COVID-19

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.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities

Health facilities are 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.

Drugs

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

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

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

• airports
• military installations
• government buildings

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.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

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

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

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

More information:

• Dual nationals

Visas

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.

Border measures

Border closures can occur without notice.

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.

More information:

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

Validity

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.

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.

Landmines

Landmines have exploded in areas popular with travellers.

Road travel

Traffic accidents are common.

Road safety and driving hazards include:

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

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

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, including with the United Nations Office in Burundi on (+257) 22 21 93 42 or contact the Office of the Special Envoy for Burundi (OSEB).
• get security advice from an expert
• arrange personal security measures
• 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 areas

Border closures can occur without notice.

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

Air travel

The international airport can close without warning.

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

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire, rescue and medical services

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

Outside the capital, there are no emergency services.

Police

Contact the local police.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

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
Fax: +254 20 4277 139
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: Bujumbura@diplobel.fed.be
Website: Embassy of Belgium in Burundi (French)

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