Burundi travel advice

Risk level

Disclaimer

The features in this map do not constitute an authoritative source of geographical information. This map is solely intended to assist Canadians by illustrating the risk levels contained in the Travel Advice and Advisories for this destination. The features in this map do not necessarily represent the views of the Canadian government on international boundaries, nomenclature or political status. The text under the Risk levels section takes precedence over this map.

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Burundi travel advice

Disclaimer

The features in this map do not constitute an authoritative source of geographical information. This map is solely intended to assist Canadians by illustrating the risk levels contained in the Travel Advice and Advisories for this destination. The features in this map do not necessarily represent the views of the Canadian government on international boundaries, nomenclature or political status. The text under the Risk levels section takes precedence over this map.

Safety and security

Bubanza and Cibitoke provinces and Kibira National Park

Border areas in Bubanza and Cibitoke provinces and Kibira National Park may be affected by spillover from ongoing conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), military operations, and cross-border paramilitary and criminal activity. The risk of armed attacks and kidnappings is high in these areas.

Land border crossings with the DRC may close at short notice due to the volatile security situation. Those with Rwanda are closed.

Political tensions

Burundi is experiencing recurring episodes of political violence involving the use of small arms and grenades, including in Bujumbura.

Security searches, roadblocks and identification

Security forces have the authority to conduct searches at any time in homes and vehicles, allegedly to recover weapons. Vehicle searches are usually conducted at roadblocks set up throughout the country, including in Bujumbura.

To search a house, officers must present their identification card, but no search warrant is required. Cooperate with the authorities in the event of a search. If you encounter problems, request to contact the High Commission of Canada in Rwanda, in Kigali.

Local authorities may request to see your identification documents at any time.

• Always carry a photocopy of your photo identification
• Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place in case it’s lost or seized
• Keep a digital copy of your identification and travel documents

Crime

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs frequently.

Theft is common in:

• hotel rooms
• vehicles
• crowded places, such as markets

During your stay in Burundi:

• keep your personal belongings, including your passport and your other travel documents, in a secure place
• avoid unnecessary travel after dark
• avoid showing signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewellery
• do not carry large sums of cash or valuables unnecessarily
• keep your vehicle’s doors and windows closed and locked at all times

Violent crime

Violent crime occurs frequently throughout the country, including in Bujumbura and on the roads around Lake Tanganyika. Incidents include:

• armed robberies
• burglaries
• carjackings
• assaults

During your stay:

• stay in accommodations with adequate security measures
• use only reputable companies for long-term accommodations
• keep your accommodation and vehicle doors and windows closed and locked at all times
• keep valuable objects out of sight and reach
• avoid isolated areas
• be extra cautious when withdrawing cash from ATMs
• do not resist an attack

Kidnapping

Most kidnappings are committed for ransom. They occur frequently and can occur anywhere in the country. The risk of kidnapping is high in the provinces of Bubanza and Cibitoke, as well as in Bujumbura Mairie. These crimes, often committed by armed groups, target both Burundian nationals and foreigners.

Water and fuel shortages

During the long dry season from June to September, water shortages can occur throughout the country, including in Bujumbura.

Fuel shortages occur regularly and can last for extended periods. This can lead to reduced essential services and long lines at gas stations.

• Always keep your gas tank at least half full
• Ensure access to water and fuel
• Monitor local media to stay informed about the situation

Power outages

Power outages occur regularly, especially outside of Bujumbura. They can last for long periods of time. Buildings are not generally equipped with generators.

Power outages could impact essential services, such as:

• the public water supply
• telecommunications
• banking transactions

Telecommunications

The telecommunications network is not always reliable, especially in remote areas.

Demonstrations

Prior authorization from the authorities is required for any demonstration. Demonstrations occur frequently, especially in Bujumbura. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

National parks and nature reserves

Many national parks and nature reserves are in remote areas with limited emergency services.

If you decide to visit national parks and reserves:

• use only reputable and professional guides or tour operators
• follow the advice and warnings of local tour guides and camp employees
• do not walk around at night
• never leave children unattended

Travelling in remote areas

Tourist infrastructure, including hotels, restaurants, and transportation networks, is limited outside major cities. The telecommunications network operates intermittently, particularly outside Bujumbura.

• Travel only during daylight outside of urban centres
• Keep a supply of water, food, fuel and an emergency kit on hand
• Bring reliable means of communication
• Use reputable tour operators

Women’s safety

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

Advice for women travellers

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Burundian law criminalizes sexual acts and relationships between persons of the same sex.

Convicted offenders could face up to 2 years of imprisonment.

2SLGBTQI+ persons should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Burundi.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Roads

Road safety

There are major road safety issues in Burundi. Fatal accidents are common and often involve pedestrians. Police and emergency services assistance is limited or unavailable in rural areas.

Road conditions

Road conditions vary throughout the country. During the rainy season, usually from February to mid-May, driving can become hazardous due to road conditions deteriorating during flash floods.

Roads are poorly maintained and can be dangerous due to:

• potholes
• stray animals
• numerous motorcycles and bicycles
• lack of traffic signs
• pedestrians on the road
• insufficient lighting and vehicles not using their headlights
• poorly maintained vehicles

Driving habits

Drivers often disregard traffic laws, and speeding is common. Pedestrians and other drivers’ rights of way are not respected.

Consider hiring a car with a driver instead of driving yourself if you are not familiar with local conditions.

If you choose to drive in Burundi:

• always drive defensively
• avoid driving after dark outside of urban centres
• always keep doors and windows closed and locked
• consider using a four-wheel-drive vehicle outside urban centres
• during the rainy season, confirm with local authorities that the chosen route is passable

Traffic accidents may attract large crowds that could become hostile. Remain calm if a dispute arises. If you do not feel safe, go to the nearest police station.

Checkpoints

There are frequent checkpoints throughout the country, especially in urban areas and along major roads.

• Be prepared to show your identification
• Follow the instructions of security forces
• Remain calm and courteous

Some individuals impersonate law enforcement officers and set up unofficial roadblocks to solicit money.

Be vigilant in remote areas.

Public transportation

Avoid using public transportation due to overcrowding, poor vehicle maintenance, and the risk of theft and armed attacks.

Taxis

Most taxis and vehicles associated with ride-sharing services are unsafe. Passengers are frequently mugged or robbed by drivers.

Avoid using these means of transportation.

However, if you must use a taxi or a ride-sharing application:

• avoid hailing taxis on the street
• only use reputable taxi companies through establishments such as hotels
• confirm the driver's identity and licence plate before getting into the car
• note the driver’s name on their photo identification card and licence number  
• never share a taxi with strangers
• make sure the driver does not pick up other passengers on the way to your destination
• confirm the fare in advance and have small bills available for payment

Buses

Bus drivers don’t always respect traffic laws.

Buses are poorly maintained and overcrowded, and theft is frequent.

Air travel

We don't make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit 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.

Official travel

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).

Health

Routine vaccines

Make sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel, no matter where you’re going.

These may include vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, varicella (chickenpox), meningococcal disease, seasonal flu, and others.

Provincial and Territorial Immunization Information

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

When travelling in this destination, you might be at risk for diseases that can be prevented with vaccines or medications. Talk to a travel health care provider about which ones are right for you based on your travel plans.

The highlights below will also tell you if your destination may require that vaccine for entering or exiting.

Safe food and water precautions

Eating or drinking unsafe food or water, or swimming in contaminated water can make you sick while travelling. Take precautions by following these tips:

• Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it (only eat food that is prepared safely)
• Avoid, if possible, getting water in your eyes, mouth, or nose when swimming in freshwater (like streams, lakes, or canals), especially after heavy rain or flooding - the water might look clean but can still be contaminated 
• Don’t swallow water when bathing, showering, swimming in pools, or using hot tubs 

Eat and drink safely abroad

Tick and insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by bites from infected ticks and insects like mosquitoes, fleas, or flies. Before you travel, find out what types of ticks or insects are in the area, when they’re most active, and what diseases they can spread.

To protect yourself from bites:

• use an approved bug spray (insect repellent) on exposed skin
• wear light-coloured, loose clothing made of tightly woven materials like nylon or polyester
• wear socks and closed-toe shoes
• sleep under mosquito netting if you’re outdoors or staying in places that aren’t fully enclosed
• do a full body tick check on yourself, your children, your gear, and any pets you’re travelling with when you return from outdoor activities

Insect bite and pest prevention
Personal insect repellents

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies, spread through direct contact with animals. Others, such as hantavirus infections and avian influenza, can also spread indirectly when people come into contact with areas contaminated by animal droppings or other animal waste.

Certain activities can increase your chances of coming into contact with animals, their droppings, or their body fluids, like:

• travelling in rural or forested areas
• camping, hiking, or visiting caves
• visiting places where live animals are sold or killed for food, like wet markets

To reduce your risk of getting sick:

• avoid contact with animals like stray dogs, livestock (such as pigs and cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats.
• stay away from places where animal waste can build up, such as caves
• avoid eating undercooked meat

Make sure to closely watch children; they are more likely to try to touch animals.

Person-to-person infections

When travelling, you can reduce your risk of getting or spreading respiratory infections, like the flu or COVID-19, by:

• staying at your accommodation and limiting contact with others if you’re sick
• wearing a well-fitting mask, especially: 
  
  • if you’re sick and need to be around others 
  • when you’re at large indoor events or in crowded settings, like sporting events, concerts, and airports
• cleaning your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
• covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, not your hands

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Clean your hands to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases
Respiratory infectious diseases: How to reduce the spread with personal protective measures

To lower your risk of getting sexually transmissible infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox, you can:

• get vaccinated against mpox if you’re eligible
• practise safer sex methods
  • use barrier protection during sexual activity, like condoms and dental dams.

Mpox vaccines
Sexual health and travel
HIV and AIDS: Travel health advice

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities and services are not up to Canadian standards. Access to healthcare and medical supplies may be limited.

Public and private medical facilities generally require an initial cash deposit.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe.

Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and lengthy jail sentences.

• Pack your own luggage
• Don’t agree to carry packages that are not your own

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Photography

Photography of sensitive installations is prohibited. This includes:

• ports
• military sites
• government buildings
• people in uniform

Always ask permission before photographing official buildings or individuals.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Burundi.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Burundi, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Burundi.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Burundi by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Burundi to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Driving

You must have an International Driving Permit along with your valid Canadian driver’s licence and proof of insurance to drive in Burundi.

International Driving Permit

Money

The currency is the Burundian franc (BIF).

Cash is the preferred method of payment. Large shops and hotels generally accept major credit cards as well as payments in euros and US dollars; however, it is best to confirm when making a reservation. Outside of these establishments, the use of credit cards remains very limited.

ATMs are available at certain banks and hotels in Bujumbura and Gitega.

Natural disasters and climate

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Burundi. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local media for the latest information.

Rainy season

The rainy season begins in February and continues to mid-May. During this period, flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce access to essential services. Roads may become impassable due to landslides. Infrastructure may be damaged.

• Monitor local media for the latest information, including on road conditions 
• Monitor weather reports
• Stay away from flooded areas
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders