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Please be advised that the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Travel Advice is now available at Ireland.ie/travel. Travel Advice on this webpage is no longer being updated. To ensure you receive the latest Travel Advice for Burundi, please see Ireland.ie.

Burundi

If you’re travelling to Burundi, our travel advice and updates give you practical tips and useful information.

Security Status

  • Normal precautions
  • High degree of caution
  • Avoid non-essential travel
  • Do not travel
  • Overview
  • Safety and Security
  • Local Laws and Customs
  • Health
  • Additional Information
  • Embassy Contact

Overview

Overview

Security Status

Do Not Travel

General Travel Advice

Irish citizens require a visa to enter Burundi. Visas (business or tourist) can be obtained on arrival at Bujumbura Airport, and any land or maritime entry points. A month-long visa costs $90 and a 3 day-long visa costs $40. For further information on visas, contact the Burundi Embassy in London or the Burundian Embassy in Kigali (+250 252 575512) if you are travelling from Rwanda.

A valid passport is required for travel to Burundi. Irish passports should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. Passport cards cannot be used.

For more information on visa and passports, please see the Additional Information tab.

Visitors to Burundi are advised to follow the guidance of national and local authorities and stay fully informed of what's going on by monitoring local news and social media.

Citizens can also follow the Embassy on social media (Twitter @IrlEmbTanzania)to ensure access to relevant updates and alerts.

Emergency Assistance

The best help is often close at hand so if visitors have problems, try talking to local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.

Visitors can contact the emergency services in Burundi by dialling 112 for medical assistance or 113 for police.

Our tips for Safe Travels:

  • Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers all your planned activities.
  • Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there’s an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
  • Follow us on twitter @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates.
  • Read our ‘Know Before You Go’ guide.

As there is no Irish Embassy in Burundi, we are limited in the help we can offer you in an emergency. However, if you need assistance, you can contact the Irish Embassy in Tanzania. 

Safety and Security

Safety and security

Civil unrest

Burundi has experienced political instability in recent years. The situation remains volatile and sporadic outbreaks of violence and civil unrest continue to occur. Grenade attacks are common, and often politically motivated. Travellers should limit their movements, avoid large gatherings and remain vigilant at all times.

Terrorism

There's a general threat from terrorism in Burundi. Al-Shabaab has previously made public threats against Burundi and has claimed responsibility for attacks in Kenya and Uganda.

Kidnapping

There's a high risk of kidnapping near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Armed groups operate in this area. Cross-border incursions by rebel groups also occur.

Crime

Crime levels are increasing in Burundi and muggings at gun and knife point, burglary, and armed car hijackings have all been reported. Travellers should take sensible precautions: 

  • Arrange guards for homes and stay at hotels that have good security
  • Don't carry credit/debit cards, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place.
  • Don't carry your passport unless absolutely necessary. Keep copies of important documents, including your passport and visa, separately and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.
  • Avoid showing large sums of money in public and don't use ATMs after dark, especially if you're alone. Check no one has followed you after conducting your business.
  • Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, and arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible.
  • Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as internet cafés, train and bus stations.
  • Avoid walking in the streets after dark, even in Bujumbura city centre

Reporting crime

If you're a victim of a crime while in Burundi, report it to the local police immediately. And you can contact us at the Irish Embassy in Dar es Salaam if you need help.

Driving

If you're planning to drive in Burundi, you should be extremely careful and avoid driving outside of Bujumbura after dark. Any travel outside Bujumbura should take place in a convoy of at least two vehicles.

If you want to drive:

  • Bring your full Irish driver's licence and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and you risk being detained, fined or banned from driving if caught
  • Keep your vehicle doors locked and your bags kept out of sight to prevent opportunistic bag-snatching if you're stopped at traffic lights

Hiring a vehicle

If you're hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you're allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

 

Local Laws and Customs

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drug use (no matter what the drug) carries stiff penalties, including fines and long prison terms.

Homosexuality

Homosexual acts are illegal. We advise travellers to exercise caution and discretion.

Photography

You should request permission before taking photographs of military installations, airports, and government buildings.

 

Health

Health

Get travel and medical insurance

Before travelling, the Department strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Vaccinations

Check what vaccinations you may need for your trip at least eight weeks before you travel. We can't advise you on vaccinations, but you can get information about vaccinations from your local GP or an International Health and Travel Centre.

Evidence of vaccination (in the form of a certificate) can be a requirement for entry to some countries.

Medication

Make sure you bring enough medication for your entire trip and for any unexpected delays. You may wish to also bring copies of your prescription in case you lose your medication.

 

Additional Information

Additional information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

Visas (business or tourist) can be obtained on arrival at Bujumbura Airport, and any land or maritime entry points. A month-long visa costs $90 and a 3 day-long visa costs $40. For further information on visas, contact the Burundi Embassy in London or the Burundian Embassy in Kigali (+250 252 575512) if you are travelling from Rwanda.

Passports

Your passport should be valid for the duration of your proposed stay. Check with your travel provider to ensure your passport and travel documents meet their requirements.

It's advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you when travelling to Burundi and you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times during your stay.

If your passport is lost or stolen while you’re abroad, we can help by issuing you an emergency travel document that will get you home.

We'll do our best to help you as quickly as possible but this can take some time. Your location and circumstances may limit the help we can give you. As Ireland does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Burundi there may be additional complications in issuing an emergency travel document.

Irish citizens should contact the Embassy in Dar es Salaam to find out what is needed to apply for an emergency travel document. They Embassy can advise on the fees which apply.

Money

The economy in Burundi is cash-based and credit cards are not widely accepted. While some ATMs can be found, they are unreliable and not secure to use. Euros and US dollars printed after the year 2003 are the most easily-exchangeable currencies.

Embassy contact

Embassy Contact

Embassy of Ireland
Toure Drive
Plot No. 353
Masaki
P.O.Box 9612,
Dar es Salaam
Tanzania

Tel: +255 22 221 3800
Fax: +255 22 2602 362

Monday to Thursday 08:00 - 16:30, Friday 08:00 - 14:00

In cases of an emergency outside of regular office hours, the Embassy can be contacted by calling the Duty Officer directly on +255 754 783 455.

Contact us