Africa
Is Burundi safe?
L3Reconsider travel
Is Burundi safe?
The UK advises against all travel to several communes near the DRC border and parts of Bujumbura's north, plus roads through Kibira National Park. Armed groups are active.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 3: Reconsider travel, updated 2025-04-28.
- Homicide rate: 5.6 per 100,000 people (2016, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 35.5 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 117 · Fire 118.
- Solo women: Conservative; harassment occurs. Solo women should avoid walking at night in Bujumbura.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Armed groups near the DRC border
- Grenade and armed attacks in Bujumbura
- Fuel and foreign currency shortages
- Malaria and limited emergency care
Common scams
- Black-market currency exchange offers
Laws visitors break by accident
- Photographing officials, military sites or government buildings is prohibited.
- Same-sex relations are criminalised.
Quick answers
Is Burundi safe for tourists?
The UK advises against all travel to several communes near the DRC border and parts of Bujumbura's north, plus roads through Kibira National Park. Armed groups are active.
Is Burundi safe for solo female travelers?
Conservative; harassment occurs. Solo women should avoid walking at night in Bujumbura.
What is the emergency number in Burundi?
Police 117 · Fire 118.
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Burundi
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.