Destination Guides
Burundi

 
assport/Visa
 
Passport/Visa

Yes Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes

 
Passports

Valid passport for at least six months required by all.

 
Visas

Required by all except nationals of Rwanda and Uganda. Passengers arriving at Bujumbura airport from countries where Burundi does not have diplomatic representation can obtain visas on arrival, providing they have previously informed their travel agency of their passport number, identity and flight details. Those who are continuing onto a third country within 72 hours may also obtain a visa upon arrival. It is better to obtain a visa in advance from the nearest Burundi embassy.

 
Types of visa and cost

Tourist or Business (valid for up to 30 days): US$80 or US$40 (non-US citizens); single- or multiple-entry. Visas cost US$160 for stays exceeding 30 days. The validity of the visa is at the discretion of the Immigration Department. A transit visa is not required for passengers continuing their journey to a third country if staying up to 24 hours, provided holding valid onward documentation and not leaving the airport. If staying up to 72 hours, a fee of US$10 is required. A Re-entry Permit is required for all alien residents.

 
Application to

Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Passport/Visa Information.

 
Application requirements

(a) Valid passport. (b) Three application forms (requests for application forms should be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope). (c) Three passport-size photos. (d) Return ticket or copy of flight itinerary, plus proof of accommodation. (e) Fee, payable in cash, postal order or company cheque. (f) Stamped, self-addressed envelope for recorded delivery. (g) Yellow fever vaccination certificate. Business: (a)-(g) and, (h) Letter from the applicant’s employer and the sponsoring company in Burundi. Letter must state the nature of business, name and address of referee to be visited, guarantee of return transport, sufficient funds for duration of stay and must be signed by the officer of company. Visitor: (a)-(g) and, (h) Invitation letter from family members or friends.

 
Working days required

Two. Applications should be made as far as possible in advance of the intended date of departure. A rush fee of US$25 is available.

 
Passport/Visa Information

Embassy of the Republic of Burundi in Belgium
46 square Marie-Louise, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Tel: (2) 230 4535.

Embassy of the Republic of Burundi in the USA
Suite 212, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
Tel: (202) 342 2574.
Website: www.burundiembassy-usa.org

 
 
 
ontact Addresses
 
Office National du Tourisme

2 avenue des Euphorbes, BP 902, Bujumbura, Burundi
Tel: 222 023 or 229 390.

 
Embassy of the Republic of Burundi in Belgium

46 square Marie-Louise, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Tel: (2) 230 4535.

 
Embassy of the Republic of Burundi in the USA

Suite 212, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
Tel: (202) 342 2574.
Website: www.burundiembassy-usa.org

 
 
 
ealth
 
Health

Yes 1
Yes 2
3 N/A
4 N/A

 
1

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving from infected areas. The country is officially considered endemic for yellow fever. Travellers arriving from non-endemic zones should note that vaccination is strongly recommended for travel outside the urban areas, even if an outbreak of the disease has not been reported and they would normally not require a vaccination certificate to enter the country.

 
2

Despite WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate may still be a condition of entry to Burundi. Cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential; there was a serious outbreak in the Rumonage District in 1999, and there were several clusters of cholera cases in 2004. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness; see the Health appendix.

 
3

Vaccines against poliomyelitis and typhoid are advised.

 
4

Malaria risk exists throughout the year, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, in the whole country. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported. The recommended prophylaxis is mefloquine.

 
Food & drink

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Avoid food from street vendors. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

 
Note

Visitors may be asked to show proof of vaccination against meningococcal meningitis. The following vaccinations should be up-to-date: tetanus (for those over 10 years); flu (for those over 50 years); hepatitis B; mumps, measles and rubella; and chickenpox.

 
Other risks

Hepatitis A and E, dysentery and typhoid fever are widespread. Hepatitis B is hyperendemic. Meningitis is present all year (see note above). Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present; avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Swimming pools that are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. It is advised not to go barefoot, even on beaches. Onchocerciasis (river blindness) is present, as is human trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) in certain areas. HIV/Aids is prevalent.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

 
Health care

Full medical insurance, including repatriation, is essential. Medical supplies are limited. In the event of a serious accident, evacuation by air ambulance may be required.

 
 
 
ublic Holidays
 
Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2006-June 2007 period.

Jan 1 2006 New Year’s Day. Feb 5 Unity Day. Mar 12 Labour Day. May 25 Ascension. Jul 1 Independence Day. Aug 15 Assumption. Oct 13 Anniversary of Rwagasore’s Assassination. Oct 21 Anniversary of President Ndadaye’s Assassination. Nov 1 All Saints’ Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day.
Jan 1 2007 New Year’s Day. Feb 5 Unity Day. Mar 12 Labour Day. May 17 Ascension.