Burundi Travel Risk Level

Updated to reflect the end of ordered departure of eligible family members and authorized departure for non-emergency employees and updates to U.S. government employee movement restrictions. Reconsider travel to Burundi due to political violence, crime, and health . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel to : The former Central Market located on Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore in Bujumbura due to the risk of violent crime . Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces and Kibira National Park due to potential armed violence . Country Summary: The possibility for political violence exists throughout Burundi. Police and military checkpoints are common and can limit movement. Police may search private homes for weapons. The borders may close without notice. Violent crimes like assault, carjacking, home invasion, grenade attacks, and armed robbery are possible. Criminals may target foreigners and residents suspected of having large sums of cash. Local police lack the resources and training to respond effectively to crimes. Medical services in Burundi fall well below U.S. standards, and there are no adequate trauma services in the country. Emergency medical and fire services are limited or non-existent in some areas of the country. Even relatively minor health problems may necessitate a medical evacuation at the traveler’s expense. Medical evacuation insurance valid for travel to Burundi is strongly recommended. Due to the risks, the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens throughout Burundi. U.S. Embassy staff are subject to restrictions when traveling in certain areas of Burundi and may be subject to other constraints as security conditions warrant. U.S. government employees working in Burundi are prohibited from travelling outside Bujumbura Mairie during hours of darkness (typically 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.). Due to the risks, the U.S. government may be unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citi

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against travel Parts of Bujumbura Province FCDO advises against all travel to Mugina, Cibitoke, Bukinyayana, Bubanza and Mpanda communes due to the risk of the presence of a rebel group in the Kibira National Park and possible armed incursions from the Democratic Republic of the Congo ( DRC ). FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Ntahangwa commune, specifically the RN5 road north of Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura towards Cibitoke and west of the Rusizi river towards the border with DRC , including Rusizi National Park (also known as Rusizi Delta Nature Reserve). This is due to possible armed incursions from DRC . Parts of Butanyerera Province FCDO advises against all travel on the main RN6 and RN10 roads running west from Kayanza through the Kibira National Park towards Cibitoke, due to the risk of the presence of a rebel group and possible armed incursions from DRC . Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel . Burundi- DRC border Armed group activity and conflict along the border between Burundi and DRC has increased. Be cautious and keep up to date with developments through local media, given heightened insecurity. Armed group activity and the movement of military and refugees in Democratic Republic of Congo ( DRC ) could affect people on the Burundian side of the border, in Bujumbura Province. The security situation in DRC near to Burundi’s border is unstable (see Democratic Republic of the Congo’s travel advice for more information). The only international airport in Burundi is the Melchior Ndadaye International Airport. In the event that flights were not available at the airport, there are currently limited land border options to exit Burundi. The DRC border area is unstable and the Rwandan border is closed. The Tanzania-Burundi border continues to operate normally, alt