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
Overview
Security status
Do Not Travel
Travel to Burundi
In weighing decisions to travel to Burundiat this time, Irish citizens should take into consideration the risk of restrictions being introduced during their travel and, also, the impact which responding to COVID-19 may have on local health care systems over the course of their proposed visit.
All passengers entering or leaving Burundi must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test carried out within 72 hours of boarding, regardless of vaccination status.
Travellers to and from Burundi are required to also book arrival and departure COVID-19 tests through the Ministry of Health before their arrival/departure. Passengers arriving in Bujumbura airport are required to show the QR code from their COVID-19 arrival test booking before testing at the airport. The cost of PCR testing at Bujumbura airport is 100 US dollars (in cash) for non-Burundians. At land and maritime border crossings, non-Burundians are required to pay US $15 for a test.
Screening and quarantine measures are also in place at land border crossings.
General Travel Advice
There has been a general deterioration of the security situation in Burundi in recent years. Although the security situation has stabilised somewhat, the political situation remains tense and the risk of violent incidents persists. Regions neighbouring the Democratic Republic of Congo should be avoided. If travellers have to undertake essential travel, they should do so after seeking permission and support from the authorities. In a deteriorating situation, we cannot guarantee that we will be in a position to offer consular assistance to Irish citizens should they decide to remain there.
Travel after dark should be avoided, with the Kanyosha, Musaga, Mutakura, Kamenge, Cibitoke, Bwiza, Ngagara, Nyakabiga, Gatumba and Bujumbura-rural areas of Bujumbura being considered particularly dangerous at night.
All travel to the Provinces of Bubanza (including Rukoko Natural Park) and Cibitoke (including travelling by car along the R5 from Bujumbura to Bukavu) should be avoided.
As there is no resident Irish Embassy in Burundi, we are limited in the help we can offer to Irish citizens in an emergency. However, if travellers need assistance, please contact our Embassy in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania or the Consular Assistance Unit at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin on +353 1 408 2000.
The Belgian Embassy is able to provide consular assistance to Irish nationals. All visitors or long term residents should register with the Belgian Embassy: Boulevard de la Liberté, 9, Bujumbura; telephone: + 257 22 22 32 66 or + 257 22 22 61 76; email: Bujumbura@diplobel.fed.be.
Safety and Security
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
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
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
Additional information
Entry requirements (visa/passport)
A visa is required to enter Burundi. Travellers are advised to contact the nearest Burundian Embassy to organise a visa before arrival. The nearest Burundian Embassy for visitors resident in Ireland is the Burundian Embassy in London. A business or tourist visa can be obtained on arrival at Bujumbura airport.
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.
You should contact the Embassy in Dar es Salaam to find out what you need to do to apply for a emergency travel document. They will also be able to advise you 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.