Welcome to Burundi

You may not have tiny Burundi on your travel radar, but give it a look. The Burundian people are unabashedly joyful and hospitable, eager to show off their lakeside villages and beautiful mountains.

Ten natural attractions throughout the country are on the UNESCO tentative list, including Lake Rwihinda Natural Reserve, Lake Tanganyika, Rusizi National Park and the Kagera waterfalls. The ritual Burundian drum dance is on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Give Burundi a chance, for its culture, wildlife and eco-tourism opportunities.

Unique Facts

• Burundi’s Lake Tanganyika is the world’s longest freshwater lake, the second-deepest and the second-largest in volume.
• Gustave, the man-eating crocodile responsible for hundreds of deaths, lives in Lake Tanganyika. It is thought to be over 60 years old. It is unknown if it is still alive.
• Melchior Ndadaye was the nation’s first Hutu ruler when he was elected president in 1993.
• Cows are a vital part of national culture and considered a symbol of health, happiness and prosperity. You may hear, “Amashyo,” which translates to “May you have herds of cattle.”
• Burundi is the third most densely populated country in Africa after Mauritius and Rwanda.

Language

Burundi’s official language are French, English and Kirundi.

When To Go

The best time to go to Burundi is between May and September.

Airports

Melchior Ndadaye International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Yes

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for all travelers when visiting Uzbekistan: Measles, routine vaccinations and Yellow Fever. Most travelers should get Hepatitis A, Malaria and Typhoid vaccinations. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Cholera, Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C and E. Standard voltage: 220V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Burundian Franc

Getting Around

The national highways throughout Burundi are in fair to good condition. Most roads lack lighting, functioning traffic signals, road signs and shoulders.

Public transportation is unregulated and generally unsafe. If using a taxi, negotiate the fare beforehand.

Driver’s License

An international driving permit is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Bujumbura
Avenue Des Etats-Unis
Bujumbura, Burundi
Telephone: +(257) 22-20-7000
(Monday – Thursday 2 p.m. – 5 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. – 12:30p.m.)
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(257) 79-938-841
Fax: +(257) 22-24-3467
bujumburac@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

https://www.burundiembassy-usa.org/tourism.html

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Ambulance: 112
Police: 117
Fire: 118

Safety and Security

The crime rate is high in Burundi, with theft, robbery and burglary being the most common crimes. Petty crime occurs at all hours. Take standard safety precautions.