Burundi

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The Republic of Burundi is located in Africa and bordered by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania, and the southwest border on Lake Tanganyika. The population of about 10.3 million people is composed of mainly three Bantu tribes that date back to the 14th century: the Tutsis, the Hutus, and the Twa Pygmies. The government is a republic with a president as chief of state and head of government.

In early 1993, the first democratically elected president took office but was assassinated after serving only 100 days in office. Tribal warfare broke out between the Hutus and Tutsis and continued for about 12 years. About 200,000 people died and hundreds of thousands were displaced or became refugees. In 2003, an agreement allowed for power-sharing between the two groups, and in 2005, a new constitution was established.

One of the poorest countries in the world, Burundi has been adversely affected by the war, government corruption, the impact of HIV/AIDS, and poor educational opportunities.

There are many nature reserves and national parks in Burundi, such as Kibira National Park, Rusizi Natural Reserve, or the Vyanda Natural Reserve. However, tourism is not well-developed in Burundi and the infrastructure for tourists is limited.

Currency	(BIF): Burundian franc
Language	Kirundi; French
Capital	Bujumbura
Recent Alerts	2
Latest Alert	June 22, 2021 - COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Burundi (22 June Update)

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Burundi. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Burundi through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Burundi.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Burundi, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Yellow Fever There is a risk of yellow fever. This country requires all persons 1 year of age and older to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination. It is recommended that all travellers 9 months of age and older have the yellow fever vaccination.
Rabies Rabies occurs in Burundi. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Dengue Fever Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.
Cholera Cholera outbreaks occur in Burundi. The risk to travellers is low unless living or working in poor sanitary conditions, drinking untreated water or visiting remote areas.
Tuberculosis Tuberculosis occurs in Burundi. Travellers to Burundi are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Schistosomiasis This disease is present in Burundi and is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.
Malaria All areas of Burundi are at risk for malaria.
Chikungunya Fever Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.
Zika Fever Sporadic cases of this disease may occur in this country.
Meningitis Burundi lies within the sub-Saharan meningitis belt. Sporadic cases and outbreaks of this disease may occur in this country.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Burundi.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Yellow Fever Vaccine There is a risk of yellow fever. This country requires all persons 1 year of age and older to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination. It is recommended that all travellers 9 months of age and older have the yellow fever vaccination.
Rabies Vaccine Pre-travel vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) since they may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Persons with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Cholera Vaccine The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions. The U.S. CDC recommends the cholera vaccine for travellers who are 18-64 years of age and who plan to travel to areas of active cholera transmission. CDC notes that most travellers do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission, and that safe food and water practices can prevent many cholera infections.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Burundi.

Anti-malarial Drugs Recommended anti-malaria medications include atovaquone-proguanil, mefloquine or doxycycline. Resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxime-pyrimethamine has been reported.

Safety and Security in Burundi

Emergency Numbers

112

Emergency services are extremely limited and do not exist outside of the capital.

Personal Safety

There is a high risk of petty crime such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, etc. in Burundi. Be particularly careful when withdrawing money from ATMs. There are high levels of serious crime in Burundi such as carjackings, robbery, muggings, and burglaries. Armed groups are reported operating in Burundi, and violence and use of weapons are common.

Avoid public transportation and taxis. If hiring a taxi is necessary, attempt to get a “recommended” taxi.

Exercise extreme caution when driving. Roads are not well maintained and are not well marked or lit. Keep doors locked and do not stop if flagged down by pedestrians. Avoid travelling at night due to the unpredictable security situation, the risk of robbery, and poor road conditions throughout Burundi. Some countries advise against all overland travel outside Bujumbura. Do not use public transportation. Always travel with a convoy of vehicles.

The presence of landmines may put the traveller at high risk.

All travellers must register their visit to Burundi with the police in Bujumbura.

Same-sex relations are illegal in Burundi.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid areas near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (Bubanza and Cibitoke provinces) due to the unpredictable security situation, including the risk of kidnapping, armed violence and robbery, and/or cross-border armed clashes between rebel groups and government forces.

Extreme Violence

There is a high risk of terrorism in Burundi and extreme violence occurs frequently in Bujumbura.

Political Unrest

There is a high level of civil unrest and political tension in Burundi. To minimize safety risk, always avoid public gatherings or demonstrations.

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Updated: June 22, 2021