Canada
Avoid non-essential travel
Avoid non-essential travel to Burundi, due to the ongoing conflict in neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo, violent crime, and the risk of political violence.
Burundi
Burundi’s highland lakeshores and vibrant drumming traditions offer a glimpse into a culture shaped by resilience and rhythm.
Overview
Kirundi and French are spoken across Burundi’s Great Lakes setting, where daily life is anchored by Bujumbura’s lakefront and Gitega’s cultural pulse. The country’s highland terrain and rich musical heritage—especially its celebrated drumming—underscore a sense of community and continuity, even amid ongoing challenges.
At a glance
Languages
- French(Official)
- Kirundi(Official)
- Swahili(Widespread)
Population13,689,450
CurrencyBurundian Franc (BIF)
1 BIF = 0.0003356 USD
1 USD = 2979.44 BIF
Popular places
Cost of living
Numbeo publishes these source indexes relative to New York City.
Cost of LivingPotentially much less expensiveSource category: All | 2026
RentPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Rent | 2026
GroceriesPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Grocery | 2026
RestaurantPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Restaurant | 2026
Local Purchasing PowerMuch weaker local purchasing powerSource category: Purchasing Power | 2026
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Quality of life
SafetyMixedSource category: Safety | 2026 | Safety index (100 = safest)
HealthcareLimitedSource category: Healthcare | 2026 | Healthcare quality index (100 = best healthcare)
PollutionHighSource category: Pollution | 2026 | Pollution index (100 = most polluted)
TrafficHighSource category: Traffic | 2026 | Overall traffic index (considers time + inefficiency + CO2)
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Entry requirements
Visa and residency reference data is available for Official / Diplomatic Visa, Student, Official / Diplomatic Visa, and 6 more.
Official / Diplomatic Visa
- Courtesy Establishment Visa
Burundi courtesy establishment visa route for qualifying official or institutional applicants using a note verbale and Interior Ministry approval.
- 2 years
- Diplomatic Establishment Visa
Burundi diplomatic establishment visa route for diplomatic passport holders, supported by note verbale and migration service approval requirements.
- 3 years
Student
- DRC Study Visa
Burundi study visa route for DRC students, with the migration service listing student evidence, current visa or entry stamp, passport copy, and one-year validity.
- 1 year
- No work rights
Tourist / Visa Waiver
- Entry Visa
Burundi ordinary entry visa route for foreign visitors, with the official tourism page listing an entry visa price of USD 70 per month.
- 1 month
- No work rights
- Multiple Entry Visa
Burundi multiple-entry visa route for foreign nationals with a current visa, with the migration service listing one- to three-month validity and USD 90, USD 180, or USD 270 fees for one, two, or three months.
- 3 months
- No work rights
Temporary Residence
- Establishment Visa
Burundi ordinary establishment visa route for longer stays after at least six months in Burundi, with the migration service listing employment or commercial registration evidence and a two-year validity.
- 2 years
- Stay Visa
Burundi stay visa route for foreign nationals with a current visa, with the migration service listing validity from five days to three months and fees ranging from USD 10 for five days to USD 210 for three months.
- 3 months
- No work rights
Permanent Residency
- Permanent Resident Visa
Burundi permanent resident visa route requiring Interior Ministry authorization, previous establishment visas, and meeting published long-residence, investment, or family connection conditions.
- 99 years
- Path to residency
Transit Visa
Burundi transit visa route for short transits through the country, with the official tourism page listing a 72-hour transit visa priced at USD 40.
- 3 days
- No work rights
Languages
- French(Official)39,600 speakers
- Kirundi(Official)3,920,400 speakers
- Swahili(Widespread)26,400 speakers
Sources
- Country language reference
Safety
3 source-backed travel advisories are available for Burundi.
United Kingdom
FCDO advises against all travel
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Parts of Bujumbura Province. FCDO advises against all travel to Mugina, Cibitoke, Bukinyayana, Bubanza and Mpanda communes due to the risk of the presence of a rebel group in the Kibira National Park and possible armed incursions from the Democratic Republic of the Congo ( DRC ). FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Ntahangwa commune, specifically the RN5 road north of Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura towards Cibitoke and west of the Rusizi river towards the border with DRC, including Rusizi National Park (also known as Rusizi Delta Nature Reserve). This is due to possible armed incursions from DRC. Parts of Butanyerera Province. FCDO advises against all travel on the main RN6 and RN10 roads running west from Kayanza through the Kibira National Park towards Cibitoke, due to the risk of the presence of a rebel group and possible armed incursions from DRC.
United States
Level 3Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travel to Burundi due to political violence, crime, and health. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do Not Travel to:
- The former Central Market located on Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore in Bujumbura due to the risk of violent crime
- Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces and Kibira National Park due to potential armed violence
Country Summary: The possibility for political violence exists throughout Burundi. Police and military checkpoints are common and can limit movement. Police may search private homes for weapons. The borders may close without notice. Violent crimes like assault, carjacking, home invasion, grenade attacks, and armed robbery are possible. Criminals may target foreigners and residents suspected of having large sums of cash. Local police lack the resources and training to respond effectively to crimes. Medical services in Burundi fall well below U.S. standards, and there are no adequate trauma services in the country. Emergency medical and fire services are limited or non-existent in some areas of the country. Even relatively minor health problems may necessitate a medical evacuation at the traveler’s expense. Medical evacuation insurance valid for travel to Burundi is strongly recommended. Due to the risks, the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens throughout Burundi. U.S. Embassy staff are subject to restrictions when traveling in certain areas of Burundi and may be subject to other constraints as security conditions warrant. U.S. government employees working in Burundi are prohibited from travelling outside Bujumbura Mairie during hours of darkness (typically 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.).
Due to the risks, the U.S. government may be unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the following areas:
- The provinces of Bubanza
- Cibitoke and Kibira National Park (including the park’s southernmost part in Muramvya province)
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