Travel Vaccines and Advice for Burundi

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Burundi. 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 and influenza.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.

Zika virus is a risk in Burundi. The virus can cause severe birth defects. Pregnant women are highly advised not to travel to Burundi.

Medical facilities are limited throughout the country. Hospital Bumeric in the capital provides emergency care.

Medicare and most insurance companies do not cover costs overseas. Money must be presented before treatment is performed.

For more see our vaccinations page. Or, make an appointment with your local Travel Medicine Specialist. To book your appointment at one of our 270+ locations call or book online now.

Cholera is a food- and water-borne disease found throughout Africa. It is prevalent and a risk for travelers to Burundi. Health agencies recommend all travelers get a cholera vaccine before traveling to the country.

The best protection against cholera is through vaccination. Passport Health clinics offer the cholera vaccine. Book your cholera vaccination appointment today!

To travel to Burundi you must have your passport, tourist visa and a yellow card with proof of yellow fever immunization.

A tourist visa is required to enter Burundi and must be acquired before the trip.

Burundi Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to Burundi?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of Burundi and U.S. State Department

All non-Burundian residents of one year or more must register their presence at the main office of the Migration Police Police de l’Air, des Frontiereset des Etrangers (PAFE) in Bujumbura. Contact the PAFE office at +257 22 25 79 00 for more information.

Burundi has an equatorial climate with the average temperature varying by region:

• The central plateau has cool weather around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
• The Lake Tanganyika is fairly mild, around 70 as well.
• The mountain regions are cooler, averaging around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Rain is irregular in Burundi and there are often long periods of drought. Burundi receives 50 to 60 inches of rain a year.

There are four seasons in Burundi: the long dry season (June–August), the short wet season (September–November), the short dry season (December–January), and the long wet season (February–May).

Due to the unstable political climate since 2015, security is unpredictable in Burundi.

Violent crimes continue to occur throughout the country, but are mostly concentrated in Bujumbura. These crimes include: grenade attacks, political assassinations, armed clashes between protesters and security and extrajudicial killings.

Police are authorized to conduct home and car searches, but must present identification and a warrant. There are also police checkpoints throughout the country.

Harassment and physical violence has been reported, especially near the Burundi-Rwandan border.

Power outages are a frequent and may affect access to safe drinking water.

It is also illegal to take photographs of government buildings, airports and border patrols are prohibited.

Do not take photographs of Burundians without their permission.

In 2009, the Burundian government criminalized homosexuality.

Burundi is home to three national parks: Kibira, Rusizi and Ruvubu.

Kibira is located in northwestern Burundi and is a forest-region ideal for bird watching.

Rusizi is on the Rusizi River and is home to many hippos and an infamous man-eating alligator named Gustave.

Ruvubu is the largest national park is is located in northeastern Burundi. Founded in 1980, it’s a space meant to help preserve wildlife. There are no human inhabitants.

These national parks provide a place to bird watch and see a variety of local wildlife such as hippos and reptiles.

If you’re planning to go to a national park, remember to bring bug spray and boots to prevent bug bites and wear long sleeves to protect yourself from long grass.

If you’re planning a trip to Burundi, it’s important to pack some essential items. Make sure you have a valid passport and visa. Burundi has a hot and humid climate, so pack lightweight clothes like shorts and t-shirts. It can get cooler in the evenings, so pack a light jacket or sweater too.

Mosquitoes can be a problem in Burundi, so bring mosquito repellent with DEET, mosquito nets, and protective clothing. Sun protection is also important, so pack sunscreen with a high SPF, a hat, and sunglasses. Bring a basic first-aid kit with band-aids, pain relievers, antiseptic, and any prescription medications you need.

Burundi uses the Burundian franc (BIF), bring cash in US dollars or Euros to exchange upon arrival. French and Kirundi are the official languages of Burundi, bring a language dictionary to help you communicate.

Don’t forget your camera to capture your experiences and a water bottle to stay hydrated.

All Americans visiting Burundi should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.

The U.S. embassy in Burundi offers many services to American travelers visiting or living in Burundi. Some of these services include help with replacing a passport and emergency services if there is a crisis.

U.S. Embassy Bujumbura
Avenue Des Etats-Unis
Bujumbura, Burundi
Telephone: +(257) 22-20-7000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(257) 79-938-841
Fax: +(257) 22-24-3467
Email: bujumburac@state.gov

Visit the Embassy to Burundi website before departure to confirm correct contact details for the office.

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