Burundi

The Land of Hills
and Resilience

Flag of Burundi
Travel Documents

Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is required for entry into Burundi.
  • Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Burundi.

Visa Requirements

  • Visa-exempt countries: No countries are fully visa-exempt for Burundi. All travelers require a visa unless otherwise specified.
  • Visa-required countries: Travelers must possess a valid passport and obtain a visa prior to entering Burundi, either through an embassy or via the e-Visa system.

Special Entry Provisions

  • Holders of valid, multiple-entry visas from the East African Community (EAC) countries (e.g., Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda) may use them for entry if previously used in the issuing country.
  • No specific provisions exist for Schengen, US, or UK visa holders; a Burundi-specific visa is required.
  • Holders of residence permits from EAC countries may enter with additional documentation but still require a visa.

ID Card Entry

  • No countries are permitted to enter Burundi using only a national ID card. A passport is mandatory for all travelers.

Visa Types

  • Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for up to 30 days (extendable to 90 days with approval). Can be single or multiple entry, with validity up to 1 year.
  • Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 90 days. Valid for one year, allowing application for a residence permit.

Important Links

Additional Considerations

  • Length of stay: Visa durations vary; tourist stays are typically capped at 30 days unless extended.
  • Purpose of visit: Different rules apply for work, study, or long-term stays; contact the nearest Burundian embassy.
  • COVID-19 measures: Check for current health-related entry requirements (e.g., vaccination certificates or testing) via the Ministry of Health.
Toll

Driving in Burundi

Current Toll Roads

  • As of 2025, Burundi has no official toll roads. Major routes like RN1 (Gitega to Bujumbura) are publicly funded but may require maintenance fees in the future.

Toll Rates and Payment

  • Toll rates: Not applicable yet; monitor updates from the Burundi Road Agency.
  • Payment Methods:
    • Cash: Burundi Franc (BIF) would be accepted if tolls are introduced.
    • Credit/Debit Cards: Unlikely to be accepted initially; cash is king.
    • Electronic Toll Collection: No system currently exists.

Driving in Burundi

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants.
  • Speed limits:
    • Urban areas: 40 km/h
    • Rural roads: 60 km/h
    • Highways: 80 km/h (e.g., RN1)
  • Road conditions: Poor outside major cities; unpaved roads and flooding are common.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national driver’s license.

Important Considerations

  • Vignette System: Burundi has no vignette system, but road taxes may apply at borders—check locally.
  • Road Safety: Roads can be hazardous due to poor maintenance, livestock, and unpredictable driving habits.
  • GPS and Maps: GPS is unreliable in rural areas; carry a physical map.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 117 for police or 118 for medical emergencies (response times vary).

Useful Links

Burundi Currency

The official currency of Burundi is the Burundi Franc (BIF).

Key Information

  • Banknotes: 100, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000 BIF
  • Coins: 1, 5, 10, 50 BIF
  • Symbol: FBu

Currency Exchange

  • Exchange services available at banks, Bujumbura Gitega International Airport, and licensed forex bureaus.
  • ATMs are limited but available in Bujumbura and Gitega for direct BIF withdrawals.

Payment Methods

  • Cash is preferred, especially outside urban areas.
  • Credit/debit cards are rarely accepted, limited to major hotels and businesses in Bujumbura.

Travel Tips

  • Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card issues.
  • Carry sufficient cash for small purchases and rural areas.
  • Check for currency conversion fees when exchanging or using cards.
  • For current exchange rates, visit the Bank of Burundi website: https://www.brb.bi/
Laws

Legal Essentials for Traveling in Burundi

Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travellers in Burundi, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

  • Drugs: Severe penalties for possession or trafficking, including life imprisonment. No tolerance for small amounts.
  • Alcohol & Smoking:
    • Public intoxication is illegal and punishable by fines or detention.
    • Smoking is banned in public buildings and transport.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Avoid discussing the 1993-2005 civil war or ethnic tensions (Hutu-Tutsi issues).
  • LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships are illegal, with penalties up to 2 years in prison. Discretion is advised.
  • Photography: Prohibited near government buildings, military sites, or police stations. Ask permission for photos of people.

Duty-Free Limits

  • Alcohol: 1L spirits | Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
  • Cash: Declare amounts over $10,000 USD (or equivalent).

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics, firearms, and counterfeit goods.
  • Endangered species products (e.g., ivory).

Luggage Issues

  • Report lost/damaged luggage within 7 days at the airport via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).

Complaints

  • Submit grievances to the Burundi Tourism Office or local police stations.

Beach Access

  • Lake Tanganyika beaches are public; no specific legal distance is mandated, but access is generally free.

Key Resources

Burundi Travel Safety

Burundi is generally safe for travellers, with low crime rates and a reputation for hospitality. However, travellers should remain aware of health precautions, road safety, and emergency protocols. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in Burundi.

Safety Overview

  • Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) occurs in Bujumbura markets and bus stations. Violent crime against tourists is rare but possible near borders.
  • Solo/Female Travelers: Generally safe in urban areas; avoid walking alone at night in rural zones.

Road Safety

  • Driving is risky due to poor roads, lack of signage, and reckless drivers.
  • Avoid night driving outside cities due to limited lighting and banditry risks.
  • Helmets (for motorbikes) and seat belts are mandatory but enforcement is lax.

Health Risks

  • Food/Water Safety:
    • Tap water is unsafe; use bottled water.
    • Eat well-cooked food to avoid diarrhea or cholera.
  • Vaccinations:
    • Recommended: Hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever (mandatory for entry), malaria prophylaxis.
    • COVID-19: Vaccination or testing may be required—check updates.
  • Insect-Borne Diseases: Malaria is widespread; use repellent and bed nets.
  • Altitude Sickness: Minimal risk unless climbing Mount Heha (2,670m).

Medical Facilities

  • Hospitals: Limited quality; private clinics in Bujumbura (e.g., Kira Hospital) are better equipped. Rural care is basic.
  • Pharmacies: Available in cities; stock essential medications.
  • Insurance: Get coverage with medical evacuation options.

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: 112 (patchy service).
  • Police: 117 | Ambulance: 118 | Fire: 119.
  • Tourist Assistance: Contact local police or your embassy.

Travel Tips

  • Roads: Rent a 4x4 for rural travel; confirm insurance coverage.
  • Hiking: Use guides for remote areas like Kibira National Park.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid political topics.
  • Air Quality: Generally good, but monitor in Bujumbura during dry seasons.

Key Links

Flying to Burundi