Burundi

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 112 for police or go to the nearest police station.
• Dial 113 for the Fire Department.
• Dial 109 for ambulance (Red Cross).

Demonstrations 

Demonstrations are not common. However, they sometimes take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations. 
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

Crimes of opportunity for financial gain are the most reported incidents of crime against U.S. citizens in Burundi. In recent years, there have been two violent crimes reported to the Embassy against U.S. citizens.

• Most criminal incidents involve theft, burglary, and robbery.
• Petty crime may be more likely in public places.
• Criminals usually don’t target U.S. citizens specifically but may see them as easy targets based on perceived wealth or vulnerability.

Safety tips:

• Keep doors and windows closed and locked at home and in vehicles.
• If threatened, particularly by an armed assailant, do not refuse or resist. Your life is worth more than your belongings.
• Before leaving, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
• Avoid being out alone late at night.
• Exercise caution when carrying or displaying possessions, especially valuable ones.

Political Violence

• Armed rebel groups operating in the region have been known to use grenades and small arms in isolated acts of violence in and targeting Burundi.

Armed Rebel Groups

Armed groups opposed to the Burundian government are known to operate in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).  In the past, they have launched attacks against and inside of Burundi.

The Burundi National Defense Force (BNDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) continue to fight various armed rebel groups operating in eastern DRC.  As a result, the northwest regions of Cibitoke and Bubanza, located in Bujumbura province, which borders DRC, are assessed to be more vulnerable to armed violence.

• Armed groups may use borders and forested areas between Burundi, the DRC, and Rwanda for illegal activities.

Safety tips

U.S. Embassy employees follow increased security protocols when visiting the following areas:

• The northwest regions of Cibitoke and Bubanza, located in Bujumbura province;
• Kibira National Park.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• Church property or conference scams
• Money transfers

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 112.

• Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care. 
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault or domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Drones

Drone registration is required for many intended purposes.

• It is illegal to photograph government buildings, military installations, airports, border posts, and other sensitive infrastructure, including via a drone.

Tourism safety

No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place:

• Tourists participate in activities at their own risk. 
• Emergency response and medical treatment are not available. 
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.  

• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Burundi seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.

Detention conditions

A detention facility may not provide you with essential medications or medical care.

• Detainees in Burundi often can’t get their prescribed or over the counter medications.
• Detainees may also miss out on emergency and routine medical care.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith-based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

Same-sex relations are a crime under the law. Penalties range from fines to imprisonment of three months to two years, but prosecutions are rare.

• People have been detained based on their perceived sexual orientation.
• There have been reports that members of the gay and lesbian community have been threatened, beaten, and arrested by local administrators and other citizens with the support of security forces.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

• The law in Burundi prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities. The law is rarely enforced.
• Some groups report that discrimination is common.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in transportation, lodging, and public buildings with few sidewalks and no curb cuts. Most buildings lack functioning elevators.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers 

Sexual and domestic violence, including rape, is a common problem.

• Center Seruka and Center Nturengaho provide shelter and counseling to survivors of rape and domestic violence.
• Several international NGOs provide free medical care for survivors, mostly in urban areas. 
• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information on Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C).
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Burundi Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency numbers

• Dial 109 for emergency medical services.

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are not present or unreliable in most areas.

• Ambulances are not equipped with advanced medical equipment. 
• Ambulances are not staffed with trained paramedics. They often have little or no medical equipment.
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Burundi. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient. 
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

The majority of health facilities available in Bujumbura and throughout the country are below U.S. standards. Public medical clinics often lack basic resources and supplies.

• Hospitals and doctors often require cash payment up front, prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not available.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• In general, minimal staffing is available overnight in non-emergency hospital wards. Consider having family spend the night with patients, especially a minor child.
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities.

The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Common diseases

• Cholera
• Dengue
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Malaria
• Measles
• Rabies
• Schistosomiasis
• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Typhoid
• Chikungunya
• Flu (influenza)
• Yellow Fever
• Zika

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

• Check with Burundi Ministry of Public Health to ensure the medication is legal in Burundi. 
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Non-traditional medicine

• U.S. citizens have had serious complications or died while getting care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in Burundi. We strongly recommend against participating in occult rituals or ceremonies. Make sure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

If you are considering traveling to Burundi to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.

• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Burundi with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents.  Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Burundian courts.
• According to current guidance from civil authorities, if a child were born through surrogacy in Burundi, the surrogate mother would be listed as the birth mother on the birth certificate. She could then decide whether to give the child up for adoption.

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water is not safe to drink.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Burundi.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• Respiratory issues have been reported more frequently when the air quality is worse, particularly in the drier months. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:
  • Infants, children, and teens.
  • People over 65 years of age.
  • People with lung disease, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
  • People with heart disease or diabetes.
  • People who work or are active outdoors.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

Road conditions across the country range from good to very poor. Large potholes are common. From February to May, heavy rains make many roads impossible to drive on. Flooding and landslides can wash out bridges and block routes. Many outside of the main cities are poorly maintained.

Safety tips:

• U.S. embassy employees are prohibited from driving outside of Bujumbura before 5:00 a.m. and after 6:30 p.m.
• There are few traffic lights and signals, road signs, and shoulders.
• Be extra careful if you are walking on or near a road.
• Fuel shortages are common. Gas stations can have lines lasting hours or even days. Fuel is allocated via a digital registration and allocation system which may not be accessible for visitors.  Outside Bujumbura, gas stations are rare. Fuel may not be available at all. It’s also hard to find help if your car breaks down outside the capital.

Always carry these items in your car:

• Spare tires
• Food and water
• Methods of communication
• Maps and navigation equipment
• A first aid kit

Traffic laws 

An International Driving Permit and third-party insurance are required. Long-term residents can apply for a Burundi driver’s license.

• It is against the law to use your cell phone while driving.
• Stay far away from buses and taxis. They stop and start suddenly, often without pulling over. Some buses have doors that open on the side facing traffic. Many passenger doors on buses open on the side facing the road and passengers may emerge into traffic.
• Burundi drives on the left side of the road, but many cars there are built for right-side driving. This can make it harder to see other vehicles safely.
• In case of a car accident, call the police.

Taxis and ride-shares

International ride-sharing apps do not operate in Burundi, but local ride-shares exist.

• Taxis are generally safe in big cities like Bujumbura.
• If you use a taxi, negotiate the fare before beginning your journey. Taxis are not metered, so confirm the fare with your hotel or before entering a taxi.
• U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from using public transportation, including taxis, taxi-motos, taxi-bikes.

Public and commercial transportation

The bus depots near the former Central Market are also off-limits to U.S. Embassy personnel due to security concerns.

• Buses are affordable but safety is an issue.
• Visit the website of Burundi’s national tourist office.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Burundi for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Weather and natural disasters

Helpful resources

• Burundi Geographical Institute (IGEBU): Provides official weather forecasts, meteorological monitoring, and climate information.
• Burundi Red Cross: Provides emergency response, disaster relief, first aid, and humanitarian support during floods, storms, and other emergencies.

Weather Conditions

Heavy rain and flooding

These are common from March to May and October to December:

• Flooding is one of the most significant natural hazards in Burundi. Heavy rainfall can cause river flooding, flash floods, damage to homes and infrastructure, crop losses, road disruptions, and displacement.
• Flooding may occur in low-lying areas around Bujumbura, the Rusizi plain, and Lake Tanganyika shoreline communities.

Landslides and mudslides

These are common from March to May and October to December:

• Burundi’s steep mountainous terrain makes some regions vulnerable to landslides during intense rainfall.
• Landslides can destroy homes, block roads, disrupt transportation, and isolate communities, particularly in hilly areas.

Drought and water shortages

These are common from December to February and June to September.

• Periods of below-average rainfall can affect agricultural production, livestock, food security, and water availability.
• Rural farming communities are most vulnerable to prolonged dry conditions.

Severe thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds

These are common from September to February:

• Thunderstorms occur frequently during rainy seasons.
• They can cause localized flooding, lightning injuries, crop damage, and damage to buildings and electrical infrastructure.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates