Burundi

Burundi is scheduled to hold elections in May 2020. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Parts of Burundi experienced high levels of violence following the disputed election in 2015. This led to many deaths, and the situation is still very unstable.

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

Violent attacks are common. 

If despite our advice, you travel to Burundi:

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

Leave Burundi as soon as possible.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a significant threat. An attack could occur at any time.

Burundi, and in particular Bujumbara, is a target of the Somali terrorist group Al-Shabaab. This is due to Burundi's role in the African Union 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 our advice, 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

Foreigners can be a target of kidnapping.

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

The risk of crime increases after dark. The United Nations (UN) and US Embassy tell their staff not to walk or use public transport alone after dark. US Embassy staff aren't allowed to travel outside Bujumbura at night.

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

If despite our advice, 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

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.

This advice predates COVID-19 and the Australian Government's travel ban for all Australians.

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.

You'll probably need a specialised insurance policy that covers travel to high-risk destinations. Most Australian policies won't cover you for travel to Burundi.

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 1000s 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.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health (WHO)

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 and a dated letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medications are
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medications

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 accomodation 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

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 are a dual national, you might be liable for military service.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

The following information may not apply while COVID-19 travel restrictions are in place.

Visitor visas

If you plan to enter Burundi despite our advice, you'll need to get a visa before you travel.

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.

COVID-19

The Burundi international airport in Bujumbura is closed for an indefinite period, except for cargo flights. Visas will only be renewed for people already in Burundi. 

If you're staying in Burundi, follow the advice of local authorities, make preparations for an extended stay and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe. 

Border Crossings

Burundi's international airport is closed due to COVID-19 for an indefinite period. Tight restrictions are in place at Burundi’s land borders: entry and departure is subject to additional screening. You may not be able to cross borders, but if you are able to you should expect delays. Land borders can close without warning, usually due to the volatile security situation.

Contact your airline for the latest information on any departure options.

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)

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.

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

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

Border areas

Border crossings with Rwanda are often closed due to armed thieves and conflict between armed groups.

Public transport

Avoid public transport, especially after dark.

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.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

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, even 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: Australia in East Africa
Twitter @AusHCKenya

Embassy of Belgium, Bujumbura

Boulevard de la Liberte, 9. 
Bujumbura, Burundi
Phone: (+257) 2222 3266 or (+257) 2222 6176
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