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.
Burundi
Advice levels
What does this mean?Reconsider your need to travel to Burundi overall due to the threat of terrorism and the risk of civil unrest.
Do not travel to Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces, Kibira National Park, and areas of Bujumbura Rural province west of Gatumba that border with the Democratic Republic of Congo due to the threat of armed attacks.
Overview
Safety
- There's increasing conflict and armed groups active in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on the border with Burundi. Do not travel to areas bordering the DRC, including Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces, Kibira National Park, and parts of Bujumbura Rural province west of Gatumba.
- The security situation is unstable. Violent attacks on individuals are common. Get expert security advice.
- Terrorism is a significant threat. Arrange personal security measures and be alert to threats.
- Violent crime is widespread and often involves weapons. Foreigners can be a target of kidnapping. Be alert to carjacking and other threats. Avoid travelling after dark and take extra precautions if needing to travel during this time.
- Flooding and mudslides are common from February to June. Earthquakes can occur.
Full travel advice: Safety
Health
- Yellow fever is common. You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Burundi.
- HIV/AIDS is widespread. Take precautions to reduce your risk of infection.
- There's currently an outbreak of mpox in parts of Africa, including Burundi. Maintain strict hygiene standards and avoid physical contact with anyone who has mpox.
- Serious outbreaks of cholera and malaria occurred have occurred in the past few years. Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. Use insect repellent. Only drink boiled or bottled water.
- Health facilities are limited. If you're ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated. Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation.
Full travel advice: Health
Local laws
- Penalties for drug offences are severe and include long prison terms and large fines.
- It's illegal to take photos of sensitive buildings in Burundi. Don't photograph airports, military sites or government buildings.
- Same-sex relationships are illegal, and penalties include jail terms. Avoid public displays of affection.
Full travel advice: Local laws
Travel
- You need a visa to enter Burundi. This can be done before travel at any Burundian diplomatic mission. You can also obtain business or tourist visas on arrival at Bujumbura airport and any land or maritime entry points. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest Embassy of Burundi.
- All passengers entering or leaving Burundi via Bujumbura Airport must register online using the incoming/outgoing passenger form before travelling.
- Borders can close without notice. Burundi's land border with Rwanda continues to remain closed.
- Landmines have exploded in areas popular with travellers.
- Road travel is dangerous. Traffic accidents and crime are common. Check local security and road conditions. Get professional security advice.
Full travel advice: Travel
Local contacts
- There are limits to what consular assistance we can provide in high-risk locations. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.
- Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Burundi. Our ability to provide consular services in Burundi is extremely limited. For consular assistance, contact the Australian High Commission in Nairobi.
- You could also get help from the Embassy of Belgium in Burundi.
- To stay up to date with local information, follow the High Commission’s social media accounts.
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Full advice
Safety
Civil unrest and political tension
There are ongoing political tensions in Burundi that can cause sporadic violence. Outbreaks of violence have also 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.
If you travel to Burundi:
- get professional 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:
Border areas
The security situation near the border with Burundi is volatile and there's a risk of cross-border attacks. Increased fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) may affect people on the Burundian side of the border. This includes from potential nearby conflict and movement of military and refugees. Keep up to date with developments through local media.
We advise do not to travel to Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces, Kibira National Park, and areas of Bujumbura Rural province west of Gatumba that border with the Democratic Republic of Congo due to the threat of armed attacks.
Don't cross the border into the DRC. We strongly advise do not travel to the DRC.
More information:
Terrorism
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:
Crime
Violent crime
Violent crime is widespread. It often involves weapons.
Common types of violent crime include:
- assault
- mugging and robbery
- carjacking in traffic, including ambush by armed criminals on the roads, particularly those leading out of Bujumbura
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 advises their staff not to travel during hours of darkness outside Bujumbura Mairie (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
Drink spiking
Methanol poisoning
Cyber security
Kidnapping
Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including destinations that are typically at lower risk.
If despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations is limited.
You are responsible for your own safety. To reduce the risk of kidnapping:
- always be alert to your personal security and surroundings - avoid distractions. Be prepared to stop or take evasive action if you sense danger
- get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk. It is essential to have a contingency plan
- check your accommodation has appropriate security measures
- vary your movements so you don't set predictable patterns
- keep a low profile – including online. Drawing attention to yourself in high-risk areas may signal to criminals that you have something worth taking
- avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone. There is safety in numbers, and you should try to travel with someone else, especially at night
- notify family or friends of planned travel; share your location and emergency contacts that they can rely on if something happens
- avoid talking about your money or business affairs
- use ATMs in public places and during daylight hours
- avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone. Criminals have been known to search social media for victims
- If you are confronted by armed criminals, it is best to surrender and cooperate – resistance tends to make the situation worse
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Ransom payments to terrorist groups are likely to contravene Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.
More information:
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Burundi can experience natural disasters and extreme weather, including:
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
Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.
Flooding
The rainy season begins in February and continues to mid-May. During the rainy season, heavy downpours are common and can result in flash floods. Infrastructure and transportation routes may be damaged, and secondary roads may become impassable.
To reduce your risks:
- Keep informed of regional weather forecast
- Avoid the affected areas
- Follow the instructions of local authorities
Earthquakes
Earthquakes can occur in Burundi. Check earthquake response procedures for each place you stay.
Health
Travel insurance
Physical and mental health
Medications
Health risks
Mpox
There's an outbreak of mpox in parts of Africa, including Burundi.
Mpox can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with an infectious person, infected animals or contaminated materials.
Symptoms include:
- rash
- fever
- sore throat
- headache
- muscle aches
- back pain
- low energy
- swollen lymph nodes
Seek professional medical advice on mpox vaccines.
Maintain strict hygiene standards. Avoid physical contact with anyone who has mpox.
See a doctor if you feel unwell and isolate from others if you develop any mpox symptoms.
More information:
Insect-borne diseases
Yellow fever is common in Burundi. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Burundi. 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:
- 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:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
To protect yourself from illness:
- drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
- don't swim in fresh water, including at Lake Tanganyika
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.
More information:
Medical care
There’s no agreement between Australia and Burundi for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
Health facilities are basic and 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. Check that your travel insurance covers medical evacuations.
Local laws
Local law
When you travel to another country, you must follow their laws. Even if they seem strict compared to Australia's. Before you go, learn about the local laws in that country.
The Australian Government is limited in how and when we can help if you're arrested overseas. We can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.
More information:
Drugs
Penalties for drug offences are severe, including long prison terms and large fines.
More information:
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 LGBTQIA+ travellers being harassed by the public or police.
More information:
Australian laws
Some Australian laws still apply even if you’re in another country. You could be charged in Australia if you break these laws overseas.
More information:
Dual nationality
Burundi laws recognise dual nationality. If you're a dual national, you might be liable for military service.
More information:
Travel
Visas and border measures
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 single or multiple entry visa upon arrival at the Bujumbura Airport for a fee.
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.
Registration
All passengers entering or leaving Burundi via Bujumbura Airport must register online using the incoming/outgoing passenger form before travelling.
Border measures
Border closures can occur without notice. The land border with Rwanda has been closed since January 2024.
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:
Passport
Validity
Lost or stolen passport
Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier
Money
The local currency is the Burundian Franc (BIF). You’ll need approval to take more than BIF 200,000 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.
Local travel
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.
Recurrent fuel shortages and long queues to access fuel are common across the country.
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
- 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. The Burundi land border with Rwanda is currently closed.
There have been armed incursions from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into neighbouring border areas of Burundi, including Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces.
Power outages
Power cuts occur regularly, especially outside the capital. Power cuts can also affect water availability, internet connectivity, mobile phone network coverage, fuel availability, residential security features and food supply.
Be prepared for issues that may arise from power cuts:
- have a communications plan for when there is no or limited power (landline locations, external mobile phone battery/power banks, additional charging cords, hard copies of important numbers)
- maintain several days’ worth of non-perishable food, drinking water, and other essential items, including medicine and first aid supplies
- store torches, batteries, radios and basic tools in quick-access locations
- identify safe areas around the city, including hotels, hospitals or police stations that may not lose power
- monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities
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
Bujumbura International airport can close without warning.
DFAT doesn’t give advice about how safe different airlines or flight paths are.
Safety risks and weather events may cause flight delays and cancellations. Contact your travel agent or airline to confirm your plans.
Check Burundi's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Local contacts
Emergencies
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.
Consular contacts
There are limits to what consular assistance we can provide in high-risk locations. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist 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. You’ll need to register with them by emailing on bujumbura@diplobel.fed.be
Australian High Commission, Nairobi
Limuru Road, Rosslyn
Nairobi, Kenya
Phone: +254 20 4277 100
Website: kenya.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission, Kenya
X: @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
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
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