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.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
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
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Telephone Code
257
Local Emergency Phone
Police 117, Ambulance 112
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Burundi: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Equatorial in nature, and is marked by high mean annual temperatures, small temperature ranges, and rainfall throughout the year.
Currency (Code)
Burundian francs (BIF)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E
Major Languages
Kirundi, French, Swahili, English
Major Religions
Roman Catholic, Protestant, Muslim
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: Thursday, May 09, 2024