The Burundian land border with Rwanda is temporarily closed.
Entry into Burundi is permitted through airports only:
Effective from January 11, 2024.
We will promptly update this page with any changes to the current situation.
Safe travels,
Burundi the heart of AFrica, officially the Republic of Burundi, is a landlocked country in the Great Lakes region of East Africa. It is bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. Burundi is a small country, with a total area of 27,834 square kilometers (10,747 sq mi), making it the 147th-largest country in the world.
The population of Burundi is estimated to be 13,365,541 as of 2023. This makes Burundi the 78th most populous country in the world. The population density of Burundi is 473 people per square kilometer, making it one of the most densely populated countries in Africa.
Burundi is a culturally rich country with a vibrant tradition of music, dance, and storytelling. Burundi is home to a number of natural attractions, including Lake Tanganyika, the second-deepest lake in the world.
Here are some of the key aspects of Burundian culture:
Burundi is a country with a lot to offer visitors, from its stunning scenery to its vibrant culture.
Burundi has one international airport, Melchior Ndadaye International Airport, located in Bujumbura, the country’s former capital city. The airport is served by international airlines such as:
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If you don’t have a Burundian passport, a visitor visa is mandatory to enter Burundi.
There are 3 ways to apply for a visitor visa:
Your passport should be valid for the duration of your proposed stay.
For more informations visit the General Commissariat of Migration website.
There are many different types of lodging options available in Burundi, ranging from budget-friendly houses for rent to luxury hotels. The best option for you will depend on your budget, preferences, and destination.
Here are some additional tips for finding accommodations in Burundi:
Burundi has a growing telecommunications industry, with several mobile network operators offering coverage throughout the country. The quality of internet and mobile networks can vary depending on location, but in general, it is possible to find 3G and 4G coverage in most major cities and towns.
Here are the major mobile network operators in Burundi:
To obtain a local SIM card, you will need to visit a mobile network operator’s store or an authorized dealer. You will need to provide your passport or other identification, and you may also be asked to pay a deposit.
Once you have a SIM card, you can purchase data and voice packages from your mobile network operator. Data packages typically start at around 1,100 Burundian francs (about $0.50 USD)
The Ministry of public health and the fight against aids informs burundians and travelers to Burundi of the following:
Travel and medical insurance is not mandatory to visit BURUNDI. But The IZY TRIP 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.
Get informations about vaccinations you may need from your local General Practitioners or an International Health and Travel Centre. You should travel with copies of your prescriptions in case you need medications.
Burundi is a safe country to visit with proper precautions. Travelers should be aware of the health and safety risks and take steps to protect themselves.
Burundi has a tropical climate, with two distinct seasons: a dry season from June to September and a wet season from October to May. The average temperature in Burundi is 21 degrees Celsius. However, the temperature can vary depending on the altitude. The highlands are cooler than the lowlands.
The dry season (June to September) is the best time to visit Burundi for hiking, trekking, and exploring the country’s natural beauty. The weather is warm and sunny, and there is little rain. During this time, you can enjoy activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating on Lake Tanganyika.
The wet season (October to May)is a good time to visit Burundi if you want to experience the country’s lush vegetation and waterfalls. However, be prepared for heavy rain and muddy roads. During this time, you can enjoy activities such as birdwatching and visiting local markets.
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 even be illegal.
Drug use is illegal and carries stiff penalties, including fines and long prison terms.
Homosexual acts are illegal. We advise travellers to exercise caution and discretion.
It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when taking photographs in Burundi. Here are some guidelines for photography, especially in sensitive or sacred areas:
The official currency is the Burundian Francs (BIF/FBU). It was first introduced in 1960.
Burundian francs are available in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10 000.They are used for all transactions in Burundi, including for the purchase of goods and services, for the payment of wages and salaries.
The monetary transactions in Burundi is cash-based. ATMs are widely available in Burundi, they are reliable and secure to use, especially in major cities and towns. Euros and US dollars printed after the year 2003 are the most easily-exchangeable currencies. However, they can be less common in rural areas. Most ATMs accept international cards, such as Visa and Mastercard. However, it is always a good idea to have some local currency on hand, as not all businesses accept credit cards.
Burundian francs can be exchanged for other currencies at banks, currency exchange bureaus
When traveling to Burundi, it is advisable to bring a small amount of cash in EUR or USD, as these currencies are widely accepted. It is also important to be aware of the current exchange rate before making any transactions because it varies sometimes.
Credit cards are not as widely accepted in Burundi as they are in some other countries. However, they are becoming more accepted, especially in tourist areas. Most major hotels, restaurants, and shops accept credit cards. However, it is always a good idea to ask before making a purchase.
Here are some tips for using ATMs and credit cards in Burundi:
The native language is Kirundi and there are some key words a traveller should know such as greetings terms. There are also other languages spoken by different people in different areas such as French, English and Swahili but these ones are not used everywhere, they are most used in towns.
For greetings you can use ¨AMAHORO (A-MA-HO-RO)¨
There are a variety of transportation options available for travelers in Burundi. The best option for you will depend on your budget, time constraints, and destination.
To move from a destination to another you can use:
Bring your full driver’s licence. It is only valid for 6 months if you don’t have an international driver’s license.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and you risk being detained, fined or banned from driving if caught.
Check if the rented vehicle has adequate insurance.
In case of an emergency, the following contact information is helpful:
