Genvisec advises against all travel te all areas within 1 km of the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo,the Kibiria and Ruvubu forests, and all areas within 10km of these two forests

Rukoko National Park in Rusizi nature reserve, Bubanza

Genvisec advises against all but essential travel to all remaining parts of Burundi, except for Bujumbura.

 

Genvisec does not advise against travel to Bujumbura, but you should take extra precautions in the areas of Kanyosha and Kamenge, where the risk to foreign travellers – particularly of opportunistic crime – is judged to be higher.

 

Avoid travelling by road outside of Bujumbura between 5:30pm- 8am. This is due to the security situation and road safety concerns.

 

Crime

 

There is a high risk of crime. Muggings at gun and knife point, bag snatching, pick-pocketing, burglary, car break-ins, and armed car hijackings have all been reported. Avoid walking in the streets or using public transport after dark, even in Bujumbura city centre, and don’t carry large amounts of money. Take care when withdrawing or exchanging cash, and avoid doing so at night. Arrange guards for homes and stay at hotels that have good security. Safeguard valuables and cash. Use hotel safes, where possible. Keep copies of important documents, including your passport and visa, separately. Be wary of who you plan to meet and where, and inform colleagues or family members of your plans.

 

Terrorism

There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

 

Al Shabaab, although based in Somalia, poses a threat across the East Africa region. Al Shabaab has made public threats against Burundi because of its support to the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia. Al Shabaab have claimed responsibility for attacks in Kenya (September 2013) and Uganda (July 2010). The group linked the attack to Uganda’s presence in Somalia as part of the African Union peacekeeping mission.

 

Follow the advice of local authorities and exercise caution while travelling around the country.

 

Local travel

 

The security situation across Burundi stabilised when the last remaining rebel group was officially disarmed in 2009. However, there have been incursions and clashes between armed groups, including an armed attack on civilian vehicles since that time. This has been in areas where Genvisec advises against all travel.

 

The threat of ambush by bandits remains high. If you are travelling in rural areas check the latest security situation with the UN office in Burundi (tel: + 257 22205598) and make contact with your destination before you leave.

 

Road travel

 

You may drive in Burundi on a full UK driving licence for the first six months after you arrive. You will then need to get a Burundi driving licence. The standard of driving and roads is poor and there are many serious accidents. Take great care at all times, especially at night as many vehicles do not use lights. Genvisec advises avoiding road travel outside of Bujumbura between 5.30pm and 8am. Keep car doors locked and windows closed when driving.

 

Avoid travelling by road outside of Bujumbura between 5:30pm and 8am. This is due to the security situation and road safety concerns. Access in to and out of Bujumbura city is controlled by police at night.

 

The standard of driving and roads is poor and there are many serious accidents. Take great care at all times, especially at night as many vehicles do not use lights. Keep car doors locked and windows closed when driving.

 

Road blocks and document checks are common, and not always official. Genvisec advise you carry a copy of your passport and visa, but you may be required to produce the originals.

 

Avoid travelling on collective and public transport (buses and motorbike taxis), due to poor maintenance and low driving standards.

 

Air travel

 

Five carriers fly in and out of Burundi: Rwandair, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenyan Airways, South African Airways, Uganda Airlines and Brussels Airlines.

 

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the EU.

 

Political situation

 

Burundi held a series of elections in 2010, which were mainly peaceful. Pierre Nkurunziza was returned as president with a large share of the vote, and his CNDD-FDD Party occupy a majority position in the government. Presidential elections are due to be held in mid 2015. Political demonstrations and protests may become more frequent in the run up to the elections. These demonstrations may become violent. The police have used live ammunition and tear gas against demonstrators in the past. You should therefore avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings.

 

Consular assistance

 

Not all foreign governments are represented in Bujumbura. Burundi is covered by the British High Commission in Kigali, Rwanda. However, the British Embassy Liaison Office (telephone: +257 22 24 64 78 or + 257 22 25 03 66; address: Building Old East, Place de L’Independence, Bujumbura), can provide limited advice and assistance. The Belgian Embassy in Burundi is able to provide consular assistance toorter european 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.org.

 

Health

Contact your doctor around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. 

 

Since October 2012, nearly 1000 cases of cholera, including several fatalities, have been reported in Burundi (including Bujumbura) has caused several fatalities during 2013. You should take necessary precautions and seek urgent medical attention if you are unwell. 

 

Genvisec advises against swimming in Lake Tanganyika due to the risk of being attacked by wildlife and waterborne diseases.

 

The UNAIDS 2013 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic estimated that around 72,000 adults aged 15 or over in Burundi were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 1.3% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.25%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.

 

Money

Take US dollars dated post-2006. Most outlets and individuals will not accept or exchange older currency. Euros may also be exchanged.

 

Credit and debit cards are rarely accepted. ATMs are available, but unreliable and increase the risk of robbery.

 

Local laws and customs

Homosexual acts were criminalised in 2009. Punishment includes a prison sentence of between three months and two years, and a fine.

 

There are severe penalties for drug offenses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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