Burundi Travel Risk

Reconsider travel to Burundi due to political violence, crime, and health. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

The possibility for political violence exists throughout Burundi. Police and military checkpoints are common and can limit movement. Police may search private homes for weapons. The borders may close without notice.

Violent crimes like assault, carjacking, home invasion, grenade attacks, and armed robbery are possible. Criminals may target foreigners and residents suspected of having large sums of cash. Local police lack the resources and training to respond effectively to crimes.

Medical services in Burundi fall well below U.S. standards, and there are no adequate trauma services in the country. Emergency medical and fire services are limited or non-existent in some areas of the country. Even relatively minor health problems may necessitate a medical evacuation at the traveler’s expense. Medical evacuation insurance valid for travel to Burundi is strongly recommended.

Do Not Travel to:

• The former Central Market located on Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore in Bujumbura due to the risk of violent crime.
• Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces and Kibira National Park due to potential armed violence.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Parts of Bujumbura Province

FCDO advises against all travel to Mugina, Cibitoke, Bukinyayana, Bubanza and Mpanda communes due to the risk of the presence of a rebel group in the Kibira National Park and possible armed incursions from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Ntahangwa commune, specifically the RN5 road north of Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura towards Cibitoke and west of the Rusizi river towards the border with DRC, including Rusizi National Park (also known as Rusizi Delta Nature Reserve). This is due to possible armed incursions from DRC.

Parts of Butanyerera Province

FCDO advises against all travel on the main RN6 and RN10 roads running west from Kayanza through the Kibira National Park towards Cibitoke, due to the risk of the presence of a rebel group and possible armed incursions from DRC.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Burundi.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Burundi

Terrorist attacks in Burundi cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals.

Follow the advice of local authorities and exercise caution while travelling around the country.

Political situation

Armed group activity and conflict along the border between Burundi and DRC has increased. Be cautious and keep up to date with developments through local media, given heightened insecurity. The only international airport in Burundi is the Melchior Ndadaye airport. In the event that flights were not available at the airport, there are currently limited land border options to exit Burundi. The DRC border area is unstable and the Rwandan border is closed. The Tanzania-Burundi border continues to operate normally, although transport options may be limited by the ongoing fuel shortages.

Burundi closed its land borders with Rwanda on 11 January 2024 because of escalating bilateral tensions. It is still possible to fly between the two capitals.

There are reports of arbitrary arrests, detentions and disappearances of Burundians, most often from civil society, independent media and pockets of society perceived to be anti-government.

Grenade attacks are common in Burundi. On 10 May 2024, there were two grenade attacks in central Bujumbura targeting crowded areas. Attacks of this kind can be used by criminal gangs or have a political motivation.

Avoid all large gatherings, stay alert and follow the instructions of local authorities.

This section has safety advice for regions of Burundi. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Burundi-DRC border

See advice for the Burundi-DRC border on the Warnings and insurance page.

In December 2023, rebel militia group Red-Tabara attacked the town of Vugizo, near the DRC border (and 20km from Bujumbura). Local reports suggest up to 20 people died, including one police officer.

In September 2023, in Gihanga commune, Bubanza province, Red-Tabara rebels killed two individuals on the RN5 road and reportedly damaged a guidance antenna for Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura.

Contact your destination before you set off and make sure you allow enough time to complete your journey during daylight hours.

Former Central Market and bus station located on Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore in Bujumbura

Exercise increased caution around the former market and bus station area located on Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore in Bujumbura due to the risk of violent crime. On 10 May 2024, a grenade attack took place targeting the bus stop. Consider whether travel in this area of Bujumbura is necessary, avoid all large gatherings and stay alert at all times.

Partial regional extract; read the full official section.

Risk level

BURUNDI - AVOID NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL

Avoid non-essential travel to Burundi, due to the ongoing conflict in neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo, violent crime, and the risk of political violence.

Regional risks

Regional Advisory - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to the following areas, due to clashes between the military and armed groups :

• Cibitoke province
• Bubanza province
• Highway RN5 and the area west of it in the Bujumbura Rural Zone

Security situation in Bujumbura Mairie Province

The security situation in Bujumbura Mairie Province is volatile and unpredictable due to the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

If you are in Bujumbura Mairie Province or the surrounding area:

• be vigilant
• follow the instructions of local authorities

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

布隆迪风险等级为橙色（高风险）。

外交部和中国驻布隆迪使馆提醒中国公民近期谨慎前往布隆迪，特别是包括布琼布拉在内的布隆迪与刚果（金）交界地区，已在当地人员和机构密切关注局势发展，保持高度警惕，加强安全防范和应急准备，确保人身和财产安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并同使馆取得联系。