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Government advisories for Burundi
US State Department
US L3 · Reconsider travelReconsider Travel
Reconsider travel to Burundi due to political violence , crime , and health . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. The possibility for political violence exists throughout Burundi. Police and military checkpoints are common and can limit movement. Police may search private homes for weapons. The…
Official notice Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs (travel.state.gov) · updated Apr 29, 2025
UK Foreign Office (FCDO)
UK · regionalAdvises against all travel to parts
Latest change: Addition of information about a declaration of an Ebola outbreak in DRC on 15 May (‘Health page’).
Official notice Source: gov.uk · updated May 21, 2026
Local scams and street crime
- Crime: The crime rate in Burundi is high. There is a risk of muggings at gun and knifepoint, bag-snatching, pickpocketing, burglary, car break-ins and armed carjackings.
- Protecting yourself and your belongings: You can take steps to reduce your personal risk, by: not walking in the streets or using public transport after dark, even in Bujumbura city centre not carrying large amounts of money taking care when withdrawing or exchanging cash, and not doing so at night staying in hotels that have good security using hotel safes…
Official notice Source: UK FCDO travel advice (Open Government Licence v3.0) · updated May 21, 2026
LGBT+ and women travellers: what the UK FCDO says
- LGBT+ travellers: Same-sex sexual acts are illegal. Punishment includes a prison sentence of between 3 months and 2 years and a fine. Burundi is a socially conservative society and LGBT+ people are not accepted. Showing affection in public may receive unwanted and negative attention.
Official notice Source: UK FCDO travel advice (Open Government Licence v3.0) · updated May 21, 2026
Women, children and family: what governments say
- Women's safety (Government of Canada): Sexual assaults, including rape, are frequent in Burundi. Pervasive staring, verbal abuse, inappropriate touching and other forms of sexual harassment may occur anywhere. Local authorities do not always respond adequately to reports of sexual violence and harassment. Always remain vigilant Do not accept offers of transportation from strangers Avoid walking alone after dark
Official notice Source: Government of Canada and UK FCDO travel advice (Open Government Licences)
Pregnancy and children: CDC health notes for Burundi
- Zika: the CDC lists Zika as a risk in Burundi. An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby. CDC on Zika
- Malaria: CDC recommends that travelers going to Burundi take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take. Ask a travel-health provider which medicine suits pregnancy or young children before you go.
- Cholera (children): Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.
- Hepatitis A (children): Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A.
- Measles (children): All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .
- Yellow Fever (children): CDC recommendations: Vaccine is recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old.
CDC health page for Burundi · CDC: pregnant travelers · CDC: traveling with children
Official notice Source: CDC Travelers' Health (US government, public domain). General information, not medical advice: see a doctor or travel clinic before you go.
Government of Canada
CA 3 · Avoid non-essential travelAvoid non-essential travel (some regions differ)
Latest change: Health – editorial change
Official notice Source: travel.gc.ca · updated Aug 25, 2026
US State Department: advisories for specific areas
- Do Not Travel to: The former Central Market located on Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore in Bujumbura due to the risk of violent crime.
Read the official advisory for the exact areas
Official notice Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs (travel.state.gov) · updated Apr 29, 2025
Government of Canada: regional advisories
Regional Advisory - Avoid all travel
Avoid all travel to the following areas, due to clashes between the military and armed groups :
- Cibitoke province
- Bubanza province
- Highway RN5 and the area west of it in the Bujumbura Rural Zone
Read the full Canadian advisory
Official notice Source: travel.gc.ca (Government of Canada, Open Government Licence - Canada) · updated Aug 25, 2026
German Foreign Office
DE · no travel warningNo travel warning
Official notice Source: Auswärtiges Amt · updated Oct 13, 2026
Read the official travel and safety advice
Dutch Foreign Ministry
NL · orangeOrange: travel only if necessary (regions differ, up to red)
De kleurcode van het reisadvies is rood voor het grensgebied tussen Burundi en de Democratische Republiek Congo (DRC). En voor het grensgebied tussen het noordwesten van Burundi en Rwanda. Wat uw situatie ook is: reis niet hierheen. Het is er te gevaarlijk. Lees meer onder Regionale risico’s. Kleurcode oranje geldt voo
Official notice Source: Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken, Nederland Wereldwijd (open data, CC0) · updated Oct 13, 2026
New Zealand SafeTravel
NZ · level 3Avoid non-essential travel
Official notice Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, SafeTravel (CC BY 4.0) · updated 24 July 2025
Japan Foreign Ministry
JP L3 · Avoid all travelHighest level: Avoid all travel
Level 3 in 1 area, level 2 in 1 area. Areas can differ; the highest level applies only where the ministry says so.
ブルンジの危険情報【一部地域の危険レベル引き下げ】
Official notice Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Overseas Safety Homepage · updated Sep 27, 2022
Each government uses its own scale. Read the full advisory before you book or travel; regional differences inside a country can matter more than the headline level.
Where in Burundi the UK advises against travel
Parts of Bujumbura Province
FCDO advises against all travel to Mugina, Cibitoke, Bukinyayana, Bubanza and Mpanda communes due to the risk of the presence of a rebel group in the Kibira National Park and possible armed incursions from the Democratic Republic of the Congo ( DRC ).
FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Ntahangwa commune, specifically the RN5 road north of Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura towards Cibitoke and west of the Rusizi river towards the border with DRC , including Rusizi National Park (also known as Rusizi Delta Nature Reserve). This is due to possible armed incursions from DRC .
Parts of Butanyerera Province
FCDO advises against all travel on the main RN6 and RN10 roads running west from Kayanza through the Kibira National Park towards Cibitoke, due to the risk of the presence of a rebel group and possible armed incursions from DRC .
Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel .
Official notice Source: UK FCDO travel advice, areas where it advises against travel (Open Government Licence v3.0) · updated May 21, 2026
Entry requirements for Burundi
🇬🇧 British passport holders
- Visa: You must have a visa to visit Burundi.
- Passport: To enter Burundi, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have one blank page. Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
Read the full UK entry requirements
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Burundi’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Burundi set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Burundi Embassy in the UK.
Passport validity requirements
To enter Burundi, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have one blank page.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Dual nationals
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
Visa requirements
You must have a visa to visit Burundi.
Applying for a visa
You should apply for a visa online ahead of travelling. Visas are issued on arrival in Burundi. A one-month visa costs $90 which can be paid online or in cash on arrival and is valid for single and multiple entries.
All travellers without a valid settlement visa or permanent residence must complete the Airport entry visa or Transit visa application before arriving in Burundi. Once the application is submitted, you will receive a validation certificate. This certificate will be needed to get your visa upon arrival.
Vaccine recommendations
To enter Burundi, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination, due to a risk of yellow fever transmission.
For more details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Burundi guide.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Burundi. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Official notice Source: UK Foreign Office · updated May 21, 2026
🇨🇦 Canadian passport holders
- Tourist visa: required
Read the full Canadian entry requirements
Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.
The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Passport
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Burundi and have at least one blank page.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Passport with “X” gender identifier
While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Useful links
- Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
- Foreign Representatives in Canada
- Canadian passports and other travel documents
Visas
Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Transit visa: required
You can obtain a visa either from the Burundian Embassy in Ottawa or by applying online for a “visa certificate.” This certificate will allow you to receive your visa upon arrival at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura.
Entry visa application – Burundian General Commission for Migration
Border closures
The border between Burundi and Rwanda has been closed since January 2024.
Local authorities regularly close the border between Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo without prior notice. Check the status of border crossings before travelling there.
Other requirements
Visitors entering Burundi must have a return ticket or an onward ticket if they’re in transit.
Children and travel
Learn about travelling with children.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Official notice Source: Government of Canada · updated Aug 25, 2026
Other passports
Rules depend on your nationality, so we do not guess. Before you book:
- Read your own government's travel advice first (US travellers: State Department page for Burundi).
- Not sure what your passport needs? Check the visa rules for your nationality (eVisas visa checker) or compare with VisaHQ. These are affiliate links: if you use their application service we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Official government sites are usually cheaper and are linked above where we have them.
- Check your passport: many countries want it valid for 6 months after arrival and with blank pages.
- Check for an e-visa, travel authorisation or digital arrival card, and any vaccine rules (yellow fever is the common one).
- Ask your airline: they can refuse boarding if your documents do not match the rules.
Entry rules are set by each government and change without notice. This summary is for planning only and is not legal or immigration advice. Confirm on the official government website and with your airline before you book or travel. Voyaggora is not a government agency and does not process visas.
Essentials for travelers
Emergency 112 Police 117 FCDO lists 112 for all services; Wikipedia lists fire 118 (not confirmed by Google data)
- Plugs: type C, E
- Power: 220 V, 50 Hz
- Traffic drives on the right
- Tap water: not recommended
- Calling code: +257
Compiled by Voyaggora from IEC World Plugs, government and consular sources. Confidence: medium. Check with your embassy or hotel before you rely on it in an emergency.
Local language
Uburundi Rundi · Burundi French
Essential phrases in French
| Hello | Bonjour | |
|---|---|---|
| Thank you | Merci | |
| Help! | Au secours ! | |
| Where is the hospital? | Où est l'hôpital ? | |
| I need the police | J'ai besoin de la police | |
| I need a doctor | J'ai besoin d'un médecin | |
| How much is it? | C'est combien ? | |
| Where is the toilet? | Où sont les toilettes ? |
Country names come from the Unicode CLDR. Phrases are short standard translations; show them on your phone to ask for help.
Official weather warnings
- IGEBU Burundi Des precipitions sur une petite partie du Pays ·
Des précipitations modérées, comprises entre 30 et 100 mm, sont prévues dans certaines parties des régions naturelles de Buyenzi, de Mugamba . Agency website
Live feed Source: national weather service via WMO Register of Alerting Authorities (its own public CAP feed) · checked · shown in the service's own words
More live hazards and notices
- Latest official air temperature readings: Bujumbura Aero (Earth Network) 23.0 °C (06:00 UTC). Source: l'Institut Géographique du Burundi through WMO WIS2 (core data, free and unrestricted under the WMO data policy). Checked .
- Globe at Night campaign running 2026-11-01 to 2026-11-10: look for Cygnus, Grus, Pegasus. Join in: globeatnight.org.
Live feed Sources: NOAA / NWS (ash advisories from the ICAO Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres, aurora from the Space Weather Prediction Center), USGS, GeoNet New Zealand (CC BY 3.0 NZ) · checked
Health and vaccines
Vaccines, malaria and yellow-fever certificate rules: TravelHealthPro country pages (UK Health Security Agency), CDC destination pages, UK Foreign Office health advice. Ask a travel clinic 6 to 8 weeks before you go.
Money
1 US dollar ≈ 2998 BIF · 1 euro ≈ 3367 BIF
Central-bank reference rate for Oct 18, 2026. Your card or exchange desk will differ.
Live feed Source: Frankfurter · checked
Voyaggora destination guides
Quick answers: is it safe to travel to Burundi?
- Is it safe to travel to Burundi right now?
- It depends on where you go. As of Oct 18, 08:28 UTC. The US State Department rates Burundi Level 3 of 4, "Reconsider travel". Canada says "Avoid non-essential travel", with regional advisories. The UK FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Burundi. Advisory levels change and can vary by region within a country: check the official page before you travel. Sources: US State Department Canada UK FCDO.
- Which parts of Burundi do governments warn about?
- Governments warn about parts of Burundi rather than the whole country. The UK FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Burundi. Canada lists regional advisories. The US State Department page lists area-specific levels. Open each official page for the exact areas and routes.
- Are there any active weather or hazard alerts in Burundi right now?
- As of Oct 18, 08:28 UTC, Travel Live shows these live hazard and alert sections for Burundi: official weather warnings, more live hazards and notices. Each one on this page names its official source and the time it was checked. Worldwide storms, earthquakes and disasters are on the Travel Live hub.
- What do the advisory levels mean?
- US State Department: Level 1 exercise normal precautions, Level 2 exercise increased caution, Level 3 reconsider travel, Level 4 do not travel. Canada: take normal security precautions, exercise a high degree of caution, avoid non-essential travel, avoid all travel. UK FCDO: it advises against all travel, or all but essential travel, to the whole country or to parts of it, or has no warnings. Each government uses its own scale, so the levels are not directly comparable.
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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Voyaggora summarises official sources and is not a government service; always confirm with the official advisory before you travel.