Africa
Burundi
Small, landlocked and little visited: Lake Tanganyika beaches in Bujumbura and Gitega's culture are the draw. The DRC border is unstable and the Rwanda border is closed.
- US travel advisoryLevel 3Reconsider travelDetails
- Visa6 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyBIFUS$1 ≈ FBu3,002.60Details
- Price level34%of US prices (World Bank PPP)
- English1/5Rare
- PlugsType C, E220 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency117Police 117 · Fire 118
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+CriminalizedPublic hostility is strong; no scene exists.Details
- DrivingOn the rightForeign licence with IDP; roads are poor and police checkpoints frequent. Avoid night driving.
When to visit Burundi
June-August is dry. September-May is rainy; Lake Tanganyika is warm all year.
Good to know
Entry
- Visa required; available on arrival or by e-visa for most nationalities. Confirm before booking.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
- The Rwanda land border is closed; confirm other crossings before travel.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Photographing officials, military sites or government buildings is prohibited.
- Same-sex relations are criminalised.
Etiquette
- Greet people before asking for anything.
- Dress modestly.
Tipping
Small tips are appreciated.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.