Visiting Burundi isn’t easy.
It’s one of the most challenging destinations in Africa, with conflict, poverty, and instability shaping daily life.
This small, landlocked country sits in East Africa’s Great Lakes region, bordered by Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Its history is scarred by ethnic violence, including a brutal civil war that ran from 1993 to 2005, leaving lasting political and social divides.
Today, Burundi remains one of the poorest nations in the world, with limited infrastructure and widespread unemployment.
Adding to the tension is the ongoing conflict in neighboring Congo, where armed groups spill across porous borders and fuel insecurity in rural Burundi.
Tourism here is a fragile and relatively new idea.
Even some of Burundi’s most promising destinations, like national parks, remain off-limits under strict travel advisories.
While there might be potential for Burundi as a tourist destination down the road, for now, it’s largely believed to be too risky to explore.
Keep reading to find out the biggest risks and safety guidance if you must travel here.
Warnings & Dangers in Burundi
OVERALL RISK: HIGH
There's a high risk level in Burundi, and you should avoid traveling here if at all possible. We'll go through the risks in this article, but if you need the TL;DR version, don't visit here.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH
This is another high risk. You really can't find a safe way to get around. If you drive yourself around, you risk everything from being targeted for a crime, being mobbed after an accident, or dealing with massive potholes and washed-out roads. That's if you can even find gas. Public transportation is dangerous due to a lack of regulation, bad roads, and shoddy vehicles. Unless you can hire a vetted private driver, this is just another red flag reason to reconsider travel.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
Theft is one of the biggest risks here, and Westerners are often targeted due to the assumption that they are wealthy. However, this is also a country where "only" getting pickpocketed might be a victory, since there's also so much violent crime.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
Burundi faces risks from heavy rains, flooding, and landslides, especially in the wet seasons from March to May and September to November. Earthquakes also occur due to its location in the East African Rift Valley. Poor infrastructure means even moderate disasters can disrupt roads, homes, and essential services.
MUGGING RISK: HIGH
This is another high risk. Most crimes, even violent ones, are about getting your money or valuables. The already high risk goes up at night or if you're traveling alone. Kidnapping is also a risk you'll face in Burundi.
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
Terrorism in Burundi doesn’t look like the international plots you might picture. The real risk comes from civil unrest and armed groups operating near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Cross-border attacks, protests, and political tensions can quickly flare up, making this a high-risk area for instability.
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
Scams are a real concern in Burundi, especially since there’s little oversight of tourism. With no strong consumer protections or official tourism body keeping businesses in check, you’re basically flying blind.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
Women travelers in Burundi face higher risks than in many destinations. Harassment can happen in public spaces, and sexual violence remains a serious issue. Solo travel is not advised. Dress conservatively, avoid moving around at night, and arrange trusted drivers or guides. Also, it is worth noting that some jurisdictions in Burundi have a law that if a woman accuses a man of sexual assault, she has to pay for his meals in prison.
TAP WATER RISK: HIGH
The tap water also comes with a high risk. It's not safe to drink, nor are ice cubes made from tap water. Stick to bottled water and drinks. Stock up when you can, since shortages are all too common.
Safest Places to Visit in Burundi
I’ve mentioned that there isn’t much of a tourist industry in Burundi, and here’s what that means.
The Burundi Tourism Bureau was only created in 2020, and as of late 2025, it doesn’t even have a website.
There’s hope tourism could one day play a role in peacebuilding, but that’s a long game, not a quick fix.
For now, I can’t really point to any guaranteed “safe” spots.
Still, the few people who do visit tend to head for a handful of highlights.
Lake Tanganyika is the big draw, with sandy beaches near Bujumbura offering a surprisingly relaxed escape.
Karera Waterfalls showcase a series of dramatic cascades in Rutana Province.
In Gitega, the National Museum helps make sense of Burundi’s history, and performances by the Royal Drummers are considered unmissable.
For geography buffs, the Source of the Nile marker near Rutovu is another point of interest.
Do note that some national parks remain under the sternest travel warnings from the U.S., the U.K., and Canada, so check the latest advisories before you plan anything.
For peak baggers, Mount Heha is the highest point in Burundi at 8,806 feet.
The challenge here is more about safety than technical challenges, but some guides will take you there, at your own risk.
Places to Avoid in Burundi
While government advisories don’t encourage anyone to visit Burundi, some regions are at the highest risk level possible.
The concerns about these regions are echoed in warnings throughout the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
They all agree that the Cibitoke and Bubanza Provinces should be off limits.
That includes Kibira National Park.
Also, avoid Bujumbura Rural Province.
While each country has a different take on the extent of high risks in this region, it’s better to err on the side of caution or read all the advisories before making a decision.
The US also notes that the “former Central Market located on Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore” should be avoided.
It’s also worth noting that the Do Not Travel areas aren’t just because of petty theft or even armed robberies.
They’re keeping tourists away from rebel group territory, where there could be heavy weaponry and fighting between groups.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Burundi
- Burundi’s police handle law enforcement, but don’t expect much in terms of rapid medical or fire response. The official emergency number is 117 for police, but service is inconsistent. There’s no dependable ambulance system, so if you need urgent medical help, you’ll need to contact a doctor or hospital directly.
- Burundi doesn’t have a nationwide alert system. Locals turn to radio, TV, or word of mouth for news. Some mobile providers may send SMS updates, but it’s spotty. The most reliable step is registering with your embassy so you’ll get messages about security changes, protests, or natural disasters directly.
- Visitors can drive with both their home country license and an International Driving Permit. Local insurance is required. Roads outside of cities are poorly maintained, and driving at night is risky for many reasons. One of the biggest risks when visiting Burundi is that there isn’t a guaranteed safe way to get around. Plus, heavy rain can flood or wash out roads.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Burundi if you’re over one year old. Other strongly recommended vaccines include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies. The CDC also advises malaria chemoprophylaxis for all travelers, even for short visits. Plan ahead, since treatment options are extremely limited if you fall sick locally.
- Kirundi is the everyday language for nearly everyone. French is common in government and business. English is officially recognized but rarely spoken outside of hotels or NGOs. Don’t expect to get by on English alone. A few words of Kirundi or French will make daily interactions far smoother.
- It’s normal for police or military to stop vehicles or even search residences, including those of foreigners. These inspections usually happen in daylight hours, with officers showing ID and a warrant. Stay calm, have your documents ready, and comply politely. Resisting or challenging the search will only make the situation worse.
- Checkpoints are a daily reality in Burundi. Some travelers report harassment, requests for bribes, and rare cases of intimidation. The best approach is to carry clear ID, remain polite, and avoid confrontational behavior.
- Electricity is unreliable, and outages often disrupt water supplies, banking systems, and even hospital equipment. Bring a flashlight and portable chargers, keep bottled water on hand, and plan for downtime. Gas and other essentials can also experience shortages without any notice.
- Air pollution is moderate in cities and worsens during dry months. Seasonal smog and dust can trigger breathing problems, especially for those with asthma or allergies. If that’s you, bring medication, consider a mask, and limit outdoor time on poor air days.
- It’s unsettling, but even children are sometimes involved in street crime in Burundi. Poverty and instability push kids into theft or worse. Always stay aware of your surroundings, keep valuables out of sight, and avoid wandering alone at night. It’s not about paranoia, it’s about being realistic and prepared.
So... How Safe Is Burundi Really?
The government travel advisories issued for Burundi aren’t a matter of safe vs. not safe.
It’s more “from bad to worse.”
Countries like Australia, the United States, and Canada use a four-tiered scale to measure risk levels.
They all put Burundi at Level 3: Reconsider Travel.
Some parts of the country are at the highest risk level, which means “Do Not Travel.”
The reasons for the elevated risk levels range from health concerns to political unrest to crime targeting tourists.
It is worth noting that the Canadian Advisory has the Bujumbura Mairie Province at Level 2: Exercise a high degree of caution.
However, the US doesn’t follow suit.
On top of the risks, there’s the bigger issue that even if you run into trouble, your Western government likely won’t be able to help you.
We encourage you to read about other African countries that might be safer to visit for now.
How Does Burundi Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
 Burundi | 30 |
 Djibouti | 38 |
 Croatia | 83 |
 Mexico | 65 |
 France | 64 |
 Puerto Rico | 34 |
 Somalia | 16 |
 United Kingdom | 77 |
 Peru | 50 |
Useful Information
Visas
Many nationalities can get a visa on arrival in Burundi or online (eVisa) for short stays, usually up to 1 month. Some countries are visa-exempt for up to 3 months. Always check your country’s rules and have a passport valid for at least six months.
Currency
The official currency is the Burundian Franc (BIF). Carry cash outside Bujumbura’s nicer hotels and restaurants. U.S. dollars in excellent condition (and printed after 2009) may sometimes be accepted for certain services. Only exchange currency at local banks. The airport ATM will only dispense BIF.
Weather
Burundi has a tropical wet-and-dry climate. Dry season is roughly May through August, with a shorter dry spell around January-February. Rainy seasons fall around September-November and March-May. Temperatures stay warm year-round; cooler in the highlands.
Airports
The main international gateway is Melchior Ndadaye International Airport (IATA: BJM, ICAO: HBBA) in Bujumbura. It has the country's only paved runway and handles most international arrivals. There are no direct flights from North America or most of Europe. Expect to connect through hubs like Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), Nairobi (Kenya Airways), or Kigali.
Travel Insurance
With all the risks in Burundi, don't skip travel insurance. However, the same elevated risk levels might make it hard to find a policy that will cover you, from theft to emergency evacuation. Plus, even if you find a doctor to cover your health issues, you'll be expected to pay in cash upfront.
Burundi Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 31 | 30 | 28 | 28 |
| Low °C |
16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 19 |
| High °F |
81 | 81 | 81 | 81 | 81 | 81 | 81 | 82 | 88 | 86 | 82 | 82 |
| Low °F |
61 | 61 | 61 | 61 | 61 | 57 | 55 | 57 | 68 | 68 | 66 | 66 |
Very inaccurate
This review is so inaccurate. I have been in Burundi several times and i have never encountered anything bad! I have never heard of any foreigner targeted in any attack for a long time. Robberies do happen some times , as it is in countries like USA. If you want to travel in Burundi, I personally would advice you to do so!
That is really dumb for you to say and now you’re going to have unsuspecting travelers in danger due to your comment. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. Stop intentionally trying to lead people astray.
You need to hear both the good and the bad when traveling in order to make a good adult decision
I agree. It might be too early to say that Burundi is safe and I think everyone generally needs to exercise caution. This article is definitely informative if you don’t want to sugarcoat anything, and want the facts as they are… straight up and unfiltered, which is great.
The figures don’t lie! However, coming from someone who’s lived there for nearly a year, I’d say that it’s not too bad for now.
I’ve met literally the nicest people I’ve ever met in my life and honestly haven’t heard a SINGLE gunshot in months. But that’s just my personal experience.
When traveling anywhere, you need to hear both the good and the bad, whether you like what you hear or not and this article gives an honest review which is precisely what you need to make a decision.
What how u durtify my country
Finally there is not even anyone in burundi why people are like that we will build our country the raison of that hate is that u dont get what u want but keep calm we dont have visa to live in our country visit burundi or dont it still my country and u better be careful also in watever is the fakest news u spread. Cool man watch ur steps ,better watch out
Thanks for the balanced look. I found it funny how your gauge of safety was “I haven’t heard a SINGLE gunshot in months”.
ALL Countries Fit your profile of Burundi
Go to ANY city in the World and tell me there are NO gunshots. Hypocrites!
@Elisheva – what are you talking about? The world is not America and Africa. You go to any place in Europe, and you will not hear any gunshot for years. Go to the most of Asian countries, same thing. Gunshots are common for Americas and some African countries only.
Burundi is Safe
Stop lying. I was there for 2 says ago . Was there for 5 weeks and i dint not see all that are written. Burundi is a wondeful country with good people . A specially too much enjoyiment in Bujbura city. Its safe . u can even go out to the club and go home whenever u want .
Terrible lies
whoever wrote this article. We can tell you’ve never been to Burundi because your article is full of lies ,everything you wrote is so exaggerated .Burundi is like any country in the World: There are some good and bad.
Fake information
I agree with the other posts here. All the things listed here re: being unsafe are lies. Why would you boycott this beautiful country and it’s beautiful people? Is there a country in this world now, (2021) that is not subject to the things mentioned here?? Burundi is wonderful, stop blackballing it please…
Burundi is safe and much enjoyiment in Bujumbura
I agree with u . I was in Burundi for 2 days ago . Its very wonderdul and much enjoyiment there
Burundi a developing country
All the things that are said here arn’t true! The current sitution in Burundi its safe, and the one who wrote this may be as enemy of progress cause what he/she said its totally wrong! Burundi its a safe place to visit, it has nice weather,nice environemnt as well. So stop telling people lies.
Burundi its a developing country for now after what happened in 2015 whereby some enemies of progress wanted to demolish our peace but unfortunetly couldn’t get what they planned to do.
That’s all about our beloved BURUNDI.
BURUNDI_in_developement.
Burundi is safe. Visitors have to be careful with mentioned points.
What has been written here is common in any African country.
I think everyone traveling to Burundi or any other country in Africa should be aware of this. Thanks for reminding me about this.
I am sure I will be fine too since soon I will be traveling to Burundi.
no
my friend was shot and killed, not a fun trip
THATS HORRIBLE
BURUNDI: THE UNSAFE COUNTRY FOR TRAVELLERS
As researcher i have red a lot about Burundi and its has always been the same result……Not a safe place at all for travelles.
So be careful if your making a trip to Burundi.
Burundi is safe above the average. and safer for westerners.
You have read but have not been there. Well, I cannot say that everything written is not right hence let’s rely on oral transmission, however, I wish I can know whose book you lead. as you can see through these comments most people are surprised with these political correctiveness speeches painting Burundi as they want. I am also surprised.
first, whether Burundi is safe or not, it unlikely (almost never) that any form of attack in Burundi would target a stranger. Burundi fights against themselves, I am from DRC, I remember even in the time of wars, I visited there, when you say you are from DRC, automatically they would not consider you as part of the conflict. So far in my trips around the world they are many countries painted peaceful that do not even have the same level of tranquility that is in Burundi now.
I think the best conclusion for someone who has never visited Burundi and who is not political involved in any part would be a neutral conclusion. Yes, If you feel it is not safe from the sources you trusted, you should not go, however, you cannot use that to thrown your conclusions on someone else. Hope this is a fair review on your comment
safe & Cool Burundi
I have traveled to Burundi – not only the capital – Bujumbura, but have lived in Muyinga and Cibitoke. I have found this country to be very safe and lovely with mild temperatures and very cordial people. Rare to find muggers or cheats here. At least, I did not find any during my frequent journey- literally every month for 7 months for 15 days trips. I have many Ministers – including the President of the country and attended public functions and found all the people very cordial and soft speaking. It is common to see the Army moving around in open Pick-up vans and trucks with guns in their routine check ups and safety drills. None have obstructed or questioned us badly even a single time.
With the new Presidential office in the foot hills (reportedly built by Chinese), I hope things only improve in this country. I am looking forward to work again in Burundi in the hilly region.
Mixed
Bit Peak, I got shot in the foot when I needed a taxi driver for trying to kidnap me but lady in the hospital was well nice so all in all a decent trip 👍
such a liar
why are you lie?
Not A Bad Place
Burundi Is Kinda Safe For Travelers
I´m living in Burundi since a year ago. I have lived their earlier in 2014-15. Why these very exaggerated list of risk ? As European i have only one case of discomfort to report, a theft attempt by a pickpocket As in most country in the world, to hire a taxi without a taximeter is like playing Russian roulette. Never sit in before you agree of the price. Otherwise think that is like every where outside Europe you must negotiate the price of everything you want to buy. People is friendly, but under election time it can be dangerous to be at the wrong place on the wrong time. It is wise to avoid all political discussion and public assembly, under the political campaign.
This is lie. Burundi is safe
i died lol
Burundi is one of the best place I ever visit so far.
Fake News, I was in Burundi for 3 months I never come across to anything like that is mentioned above. AlI can say is don’t listen to people, if it’s in you to visit Burundi please do so.
Stop giving stupids information about where you’ve never been. I’m not a burundian but I live in Burundi for almost 3 years and I’ve never hear a gun’s sound. We are living our best life here you because you guys are stupid and racists you always try to give our counties a bad image
Confused
Am Confused wanted to travel to Burundi.
Welcoming
Warm welcome to Burundi. You will be surprise about everything. It is a nice place to be
Get your vaccination against malaria first, before anything else
I love to visit burundi
I dont know what to say i,m from nigeria i want to vist burundi.please i hope the country is good.
Burundi is currently ruled by a bunch of criminals who compete for anything and the least they care about is the safety of travellers! They have a killing machine that operates around the clock and their barbaric actions are costing lives of thousands!
I am Burundian and I strongly recommend any who cares about their safety to avoid Burundi
If you care about your life, why would you travel there?
In every life most of the people will love you if you like but a few will hate you. I don t follow few people who hate Burundi. Burundi is a good country. There, there is no industry of missile, of war cars, grenade, guns, atomic bomb, …/no air pollution, no water pollution, etc. You will find lovely nature and lovely people ready to share with you the everyday life.
Burundi is a safe area for any traveller
Thank you dear Peter for your addition.Shame on people who have betrayed their nation by reporting lies on it. God will never forgive such an abomination. In fact, I would tell everyone who has read those insane words above: Burundi is rather a safe country to stay in, of course for non wicked humans. Those who intentionally criticize it know why. They would love to be there,but just because of what they accuse themselves of, they can’t dare set foot on it’s nice soil. Therefore, they indurge in negativism against their mother nation. Come and see such a lovely country,a country where citizen are educated to hospitality, love, care and respect. A country where even through language barriers,sign language works with thousands smiles and loving looks. Christians and Muslims get along with each other. A country where discrimination on whatever basis is never recorded. I cannot exhaust the features of this country. Just come, you will next back me up with a formal descriptive writing to the globe’s population, and you shall unexpectedly get inspired to sing a new song on the beauty of Burundi. Come on!!!
Exceptional place
Barundi is a beautiful country full of polite friendly people. I have no idea why the safety index is so low. I worked in the capital for just over a year in the import export business and there is plenty of money to be made. You can easily bribe the border guards with cigarettes or coloured beads and they will turn a blind eye to your business transactions. We used to ship bus loads of women to Saudi and import betamax video recorders, they just couldn’t get enough.