Burundi

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens Reconsider Travel to Burundi due to crime, health, and political violence. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.

US Embassy/Consulate

[257] 22-207-000; US Embassy in Bujumbura, B.P. 1720, Avenue Des Etats-Unis, Bujumbura, Burundi; https://bi.usembassy.gov/; BujumburaC@state.gov

Telephone Code

257

Local Emergency Phone

Local numbers only

Vaccinations

An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for all travelers. See WHO recommendations.

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Equatorial; high plateau with considerable altitude variation (772 m to 2,670 m above sea level); average annual temperature varies with altitude from 23 to 17°C but is generally moderate as the average altitude is about 1,700 m; average annual rainfall is about 150 cm; two wet seasons (February to May and September to November), and 2 dry seasons (June to August and December to January)

Currency (Code)

Burundian francs (BIF)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E

Plug Type CPlug Type E

Major Languages

Kirundi, French, Swahili, English

Major Religions

Roman Catholic 62.1%, Protestant 23.9%, Muslim 2.5%

Time Difference

UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Suggested

Road Driving Side

Right

Tourist Destinations

Bujumbura; Kigwena Natural Reserve; Gitega; Gishora; Mount Heha; Saga Beach; Chutes De La Kerera

Major Sports

Soccer, basketball, track and field

Cultural Practices

Dress is taken seriously, and therefore jeans, t- shirts, and running shoes are considered very casual and are only acceptable for outdoor activities and on weekends.

Tipping Guidelines

A 10% tip at restaurants is customary. Porters should be tipped a few francs. Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, but if the ride was pleasant you should round up. Tipping bartenders is not common.

Souvenirs

Wicker baskets, pottery, jewelry, leather goods, other native handicrafts

Traditional Cuisine

Boko Boko — a porridge made from shredded meat, bulghur or cracked wheat, and spices; sometimes flavored with sugar, honey, milk, or lemon juice


Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Wednesday, October 05, 2022