Contents
Summary
Entry and exit requirements
Safety and security
Local travel
Laws that apply to you
Health issues
Where to get help
Additional information
Summary
- We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Burundi at this time because of high levels of serious crime, possible civil unrest and risk of terrorist attack.
- We strongly advise you not to travel to the provinces of Bujumbura Rural, Bubanza and Cibitoke because of the risk of armed violence, banditry, kidnapping and cross-border attacks by rebels. On 18 September 2011, gunmen killed more than 30 people in a crowded bar in Gatumba, several kilometeres from Bujumbura and near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- If you do decide to travel outside of the capital, Bujumbura, we advise you to contact the United Nations (UN) office in Burundi for the latest security advice prior to travel.
- Al-Shabaab, the group claiming responsibility for the July 2010 bombings in Uganda, has issued threats against Burundi, specifically the capital Bujumbura. If you do decide to travel to Bujumbura, you should exercise extreme caution.
- In 2011 a cholera outbreak has spread from Cibitoke province to Bujumbura Mairie province. A number of people have died.
- Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Burundi. The Australian High Commission in Kenya provides consular assistance to Australians in Burundi.
- Because of the unpredictable security situation we strongly recommend that you register your travel and contact details with us, so we can contact you in an emergency. If you intend to travel to, or are a resident in, Burundi you should also register your presence with the Belgian Embassy, which is in charge of an evacuation plan for Australians. See Where to Get Help for further information.
- Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
- organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
- subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it's reissued.
Entry and exit
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Burundi for the most up to date information.
A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required for entry into Burundi.
Burundi is listed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as endemic for yellow fever. Some airlines may require passengers to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate before being allowed to board flights out of the country. If in doubt, check with your airline.
If you have visited Burundi in the last six days prior to your date of return to Australia, Australian Customs officials will ask you to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate on entry into Australia.
Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
Safety and security
Terrorism
Al-Shabaab, the group claiming responsibility for the July 2010 bombings in Uganda, has issued threats against Burundi (specifically the capital, Bujumbura) because of Burundi’s participation in the African Union Mission in Somalia. You should evaluate your personal security situation in the light of these threats.
In planning your activities consider the kinds of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. Possible targets include Burundian government buildings and commercial and public areas such as clubs, restaurants, cafes, bars, hotels, and markets. Australians could be caught up in attacks directed at others. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
Civil unrest/political tension
We advise you reconsider your need to travel to Burundi at this time because of the high levels of serious crime and possible civil unrest. While the security situation has stabilised in recent years you should exercise extreme caution. Outbreaks of violence can occur without warning. Bandits are a security risk across the country. We recommend you monitor the media and other local sources for information about possible new safety or security risks.
You should avoid all demonstrations and large public gatherings as they may turn violent.
In September 2006, a ceasefire agreement between the Government and the last remaining rebel group, the Forces Nationales de Liberation (FNL), was signed. Tensions remained high during the ceasefire and sporadic fighting between rebel and government forces continued until a cessation of hostilities agreement was signed in May 2008. In April 2009 the FNL renounced the use of arms, registered as a political party and some of its members have been integrated into the security forces and government. However the FNL has not completely disarmed. A number of opposition groups boycotted the 2010 elections and some of their leaders remain in hiding. The security situation remains tense and there is a risk that the conflict could start again at short notice.
The United Nations no longer has a peacekeeping role in Burundi, but it does maintain an integrated office that focuses on reconstruction and development. If you must travel outside Bujumbura, we advise you to contact the UN office on +257 22 21 93 42 for the latest security advice.
Provinces of Bujumbura Rural, Bubanza and Cibitoke: We strongly advise you not to travel to the provinces of Bujumbura Rural, and Bubanza because of the risk of banditry and armed clashes between FNL and Burundi government. On 18 September 2011, gunmen opened fire on a crowded bar in Gatumba, several kilometres from Bujumbura and near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). More than 30 people were killed in the attack.
We strongly advise you not to travel to Cibitoke province because of the risk of cross border violence. On 19 July 2011, nine people were killed in clashes between the police, military and unidentified gunmen. The lack of strong border controls means there is a high risk of armed violence, banditry, kidnapping and cross-border incursions by rebel groups from the DRC.
Crime
There are high levels of serious crime throughout Burundi. Crime, such as muggings, burglaries, carjackings and armed banditry are common and the risk increases after dark. Foreigners have been targeted. The use of weapons and violence is common.
On 8 June 2011, a foreign national was kidnapped for ransom in Bujumbura during daylight hours. The kidnapping was violent and the victim had to be medically evacuated. This type of crime is rare. For more information about kidnapping, see our Kidnap Threat travel bulletin.
Since May 2011, there have been targeted attacks on local residences and businesses in Bujumbura Rural (a province that surrounds Bujumbura) by armed groups. These attacks are increasing and expected to continue.
Armed criminals ambush vehicles, particularly on the roads leading out of Bujumbura.
Assaults have been reported against people walking or jogging alone, particularly on roads around Lake Tanganyika.
Money and valuables
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money in Burundi, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas.
There are limited numbers of ATMs in Burundi and most hotels and businesses do not accept credit cards. You should check payment options with your hotel beforehand. Payment may be accepted in US dollars or Euros.
Most shops and businesses will not accept or exchange US dollars dated pre-2003.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
Local travel
We strongly advise you to avoid travelling at night given the unpredictable security situation and risk of banditry throughout the country. The US Embassy advises its staff against walking or driving after dark.
If you must travel outside of Bujumbura, we advise you to telephone the UN office in Burundi on +257 22 21 93 42 for the latest security advice. It is recommended by the UN and US Embassy that you travel in a convoy of at least two vehicles.
Driving between the hours of 5pm and 9am on main roads leading to and from Bujumbura is not recommended, due to the threat from armed bandits.
Most roads and vehicles are in poor condition. Traffic accidents are common due to excessive speed, poor driving habits and insufficient lighting. See also our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety.
Roads throughout Burundi, including in Bujumbura, may be subject to police roadblocks.
Landmines have exploded in areas frequented by travellers.
The safety standards you might expect of transport and tour operators, including adventure activities, are not always met. Sufficient safety equipment may not be provided and recommended maintenance standards and safety precautions may not be observed.
Heavy rains, especially between February and May, can cause flooding and landslides. These may cut roads and damage infrastructure.
Airline Safety
Please refer to our travel bulletin for information about Aviation Safety and Security.
Local laws
When you are in Burundi, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include lengthy imprisonment and heavy fines.
We recommend that you do not take photos of airports, military installations and government buildings.
Homosexual acts are illegal in Burundi.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism, child pornography, and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism and child pornography laws. These laws provide severe penalties for up to 25 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in child sexual exploitation while outside of Australia.
Information for dual nationals
Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information.
Health issues
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.
Medical facilities are very limited throughout the country. In the event of an accident or illness, medical evacuation by air ambulance to Nairobi would be necessary and, if serious, a medical evacuation from Kenya to a destination with the required facilities would be recommended. A medical evacuation from Burundi could cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Malaria occurs widely and throughout the year in Burundi. Other insect-borne diseases (including yellow fever, filariasis, plague and African sleeping sickness) also occur. We encourage you to take prophylaxis against malaria and take measures to avoid insect bites, including using insect repellent at all times, wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and ensuring your accommodation is mosquito proof.
There has been a recent outbreak of cholera in Burundi. It has been repored that the outbreak originated in the province of Cibitoke in August 2011, and has since then spread to Bujumbura Mairie. Reports indicate at least 12 people have been killed and over 60 people hospitalised since the outbreak.
Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS, cholera, meningococcal and tuberculosis) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. We recommend you boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Do not swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to certain water-borne diseases such as bilharzia (schistosomiasis). Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For more information on see our travel bulletin on avian influenza .
Where to get help
Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Burundi. You can obtain consular assistance from the nearest Australian High Commission which is in Kenya:
Australian High Commission
Riverside Drive (400 metres off Chiromo Road)
Nairobi, Kenya
Telephone: (254 20) 277 100
Facsimile: (254 20) 277 139
Australian High Commission Kenya
If you are travelling to Burundi, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we strongly recommend that you register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
If you intend to travel to, or are resident in, Burundi you should also register your presence with the Belgian Embassy. They are in charge of an evacuation plan, including for Australian and British citizens. The Belgian Embassy contact details are:
Boulevard de la Liberte, 9. Bujumbura
Tel: + 257 22 22 32 66 or + 257 22 22 61 76
Email: Bujumbura@diplobel.org
In a consular emergency, if you are unable to contact the High Commission or the Honorary Consulate, you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
Additional information
Natural disasters, severe weather and climate
The rainy season in Burundi is from February to mid-May, when flash flooding is common. Roads may become impassable during this time.
Earthquakes can occur in Burundi.
If a natural disaster occurs you should pay attention to warnings and follow the advice of local authorities. Information on natural disasters, including earthquakes, can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service.
Wildlife
Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
Swimming in lakes and rivers is unsafe because of the possibility of being attacked by wildlife and the risk of catching water-borne diseases.
For parents
For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling Parents brochure.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities in Burundi we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments.
Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.