23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 112 in Bujumbura. The number is often not answered.
Outside the capital, there are no emergency services.
Contact the local police.
Do not travel to Burundi.
Do not travel to Burundi due to:
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
There are ongoing political tensions in Burundi that can cause sporadic violence. Whilst elections in May 2020 were largely peaceful, there were reports of violent incidents.
You should avoid all large gatherings and remain vigilant. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Violent attacks are common.
Clashes between police and the public are common in Bujumbura and other parts of Burundi.
Leave Burundi as soon as possible.
More information:
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:
If, despite our advice, you travel to Burundi:
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:
Violent crime is widespread. It often involves weapons.
Common types of violent crime include:
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. 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).
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:
Burundi can experience natural disasters and severe weather, including:
To protect yourself if a natural disaster occurs if, despite our advice, you travel to Burundi:
Check the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System for updates on natural disasters around the world.
Flash flooding and mudslides are common in the rainy season from February to mid-May. Roads may be blocked during this time.
Earthquakes can occur in Burundi. Check earthquake response procedures for each place you stay.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
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:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
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:
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Burundi. Monitor the media for latest developments and follow the advice of local officials.
You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
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:
To protect yourself from disease:
Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.
HIV/AIDS is widespread. Take precautions if you engage in activities that may expose you to the virus.
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur. Severe outbreaks of malaria and cholera occurred in 2017 and 2018.
To protect yourself from illness:
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
More information:
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.
Penalties for drug offences are severe, including long prison terms and large fines.
More information:
It's illegal to take photos of sensitive buildings in Burundi. Don't photograph:
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:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Burundi laws recognise dual nationality. If you are a dual national, you might be liable for military service.
More information:
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.
Land and sea borders in Burundi are mostly closed except for the movement of goods. There are limited commercial flights into and out of Bujumbura International Airport.
You must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of boarding your flight.
On arrival, you must take a COVID-19 test and self-isolate at a hotel of your choice for 24 hours until you receive the test results. If you test positive you'll be transferred to a treatment centre at your own cost. You will also need to pay for the COVID-19 test.
You may need to take a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departing Burundi if it is a requirement of a transit or destination country to have a negative result.
Visas can be renewed if you're already in Burundi.
If you're staying in Burundi:
Land and sea borders are mostly closed except for the movement of goods. Border closures can occur without notice.
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:
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.
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:
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 have exploded in areas popular with travellers.
Traffic accidents are common.
Road safety and driving hazards include:
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:
Have a contingency plan in case you can't travel by road.
All land and maritime borders are mostly closed, with the exception of goods and cargo. Border closures can occur without notice.
Border crossings with Rwanda are often closed due to armed thieves and conflict between armed groups.
There have been armed incursions from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into neighbouring border areas of Burundi, including Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces.
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
The international airport can close without warning.
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 112 in Bujumbura. The number is often not answered.
Outside the capital, there are no emergency services.
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:
The Belgian Embassy can give you consular help, even in an emergency. It can't issue Australian passports.
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
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.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.