Burundi

Recommended Vaccinations For Burundi

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.

Polio Vaccine

Travellers who intend to visit this country for 4 weeks or more are recommended to take a polio vaccination at least 4 weeks to 12 months prior to arrival in the country. Unvaccinated travellers may have to take the vaccine upon arrival at the entry ports. Childhood vaccinations, including polio, should be up-to-date prior to travel.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Cholera Vaccine

The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions. The U.S. CDC recommends the cholera vaccine for travellers who are 18-64 years of age and who plan to travel to areas of active cholera transmission. CDC notes that most travellers do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission, and that safe food and water practices can prevent many cholera infections.

Rabies Vaccine

Pre-travel vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) since they may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Persons with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

This country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers **9 months** of age or older.

Recommended Medications For Burundi

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Recommended anti-malaria medications include atovaquone-proguanil, mefloquine or doxycycline. Resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxime-pyrimethamine has been reported.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Burundi

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Burundi through contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Burundi.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

Cholera

Cholera outbreaks occur in Burundi. The risk to travellers is low unless living or working in poor sanitary conditions, drinking untreated water or visiting remote areas.

Dengue Fever

Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.

For Some Travellers

Measles

There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

There is a risk of acquiring Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in this country through specific insect, bug or tick bites or by coming in close contact with a person or animal infected with this disease. Travellers involved in activities like hiking, camping, working with animals, and visiting farms and forested areas are at a higher risk. There are no vaccinations (or medications) to prevent Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever.

Sleeping Sickness (Type 1)

African trypanosomiasis occurs in this country. Travellers to urban areas are not at risk.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

West Nile Fever

The virus is transmitted to animals, birds and humans by mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, nausea, and skin rash.

Rift Valley Fever (RVF)

Sporadic outbreaks of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) may occur in this country. Commonly spread via contact with domesticated animals infected with the virus. These include cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and camels, among others.

African Tick Bite Fever

This disease may occur in this country. Ticks that cause this disease are usually most active from November through April. Travellers engaging in outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and game hunting in wooded, brushy, or grassy areas may be at a higher risk.

Polio

Vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 was detected in this country, with the potential risk of global circulation. Unvaccinated or under-vaccinated travellers are at a higher risk if they come in direct contact with an infected person or through contaminated food and water, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas with poor hygiene standards.

Zika Fever

Sporadic cases of this disease may occur in this country.

Meningitis

Burundi lies within the sub-Saharan meningitis belt. Sporadic cases and outbreaks of this disease may occur in this country.

Malaria

All areas of Burundi are at risk for malaria.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in Burundi. Travellers to Burundi are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Burundi, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Yellow Fever

There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in all areas of this country. This country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 9 months of age or older.

Schistosomiasis

This disease is present in Burundi and is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Burundi. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Burundi

Personal Safety

Burundi has a high crime rate with violent incidents occurring throughout the country. You face risks from armed robbery, muggings at gunpoint or knifepoint, bag snatching, pickpocketing, burglary, car break-ins and armed carjackings. Grenade attacks are common and have targeted crowded areas in Bujumbura, including two attacks in central Bujumbura on 10 May 2024 that targeted bus stops. These attacks can be carried out by criminal gangs or have political motivations. The crime rate in Burundi is high. Avoid walking in the streets or using public transport after dark, even in Bujumbura city center. Police and military checkpoints are common and can limit movement. You may encounter both official and unofficial roadblocks. Carry copies of your passport and visa, though you may need to produce originals. Access into and out of Bujumbura is controlled by police at night. Local police lack resources and training to respond effectively to crimes. You should avoid all large gatherings, protests and demonstrations as they can turn violent.

Extreme Violence

Armed groups pose a significant threat in western Burundi. The RED-Tabara armed group, based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has renewed attacks since late 2023. Between December 2023 and February 2024, at least 28 people including 11 children were killed in two attacks in border areas of western Burundi. On 22 December 2023, at least 20 people died in an attack near Vugizo close to the DRC border. In February 2024, nine people including six women and a soldier were killed in Buringa, Bubanza province. The RED-Tabara attacks have targeted civilians. In April and May 2024, at least three grenade explosions in Bujumbura injured at least 38 people. The Imbonerakure, the ruling party youth league, has been involved in killings, arbitrary detention, beatings and harassment of suspected opponents. They continue to commit abuses against the population with near-total impunity. Armed persons and groups exploit porous borders and forested areas between Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo for movement and activities. Bodies bearing signs of violence are regularly found in public places throughout the country. Between January and August 2024, 85 bodies were found in Cibitoke Province alone.

Political Unrest

Burundi has experienced ongoing political instability since 2015. The possibility for political violence exists throughout the country. The ruling party has consolidated control over institutions and continues to suppress opposition, independent media and civil society. The June 2025 legislative and local elections saw the ruling party win 96.5 percent of votes amid reports of intimidation, harassment and electoral irregularities. The main opposition party has been effectively sidelined. The Imbonerakure youth league operates as an auxiliary to local law enforcement and the military, taking part in beatings, harassment, arbitrary detention and killings of suspected opponents. Government officials and ruling party members use inflammatory rhetoric to suppress dissent. There are reports of arbitrary arrests, detentions and enforced disappearances targeting civil society members, independent media and those perceived to be anti-government. Between January and June 2024, 34 cases of enforced disappearance were documented, primarily of political opposition party members. Police and military checkpoints are common and police may search private homes for weapons. Borders may close without notice. Burundi closed its land border with Rwanda in January 2024 following tensions over rebel group support. Demonstrations and mass gatherings occur occasionally, particularly in Bujumbura, and have the potential to turn violent.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces, Kibira National Park and areas of Bujumbura Rural province west of the Rusizi river due to the threat of armed attacks from groups operating from the Democratic Republic of Congo. US government employees are prohibited from travelling to these areas without special permission. The former Central Market area located on Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore in Bujumbura poses a risk of violent crime. On 10 May 2024, a grenade attack targeted the bus stop in this area. Consider whether travel to this area is necessary. Border areas with the Democratic Republic of Congo are vulnerable to armed violence. Increased fighting in eastern DRC may affect people on the Burundian side of the border through potential nearby fighting and movement of military and refugees. The security situation near the DRC border is volatile with risk of cross-border attacks. Landmines have exploded in areas popular with travellers. The RN5 road in Bubanza province has been a site of attacks, with rebels killing two individuals in September 2023. The security situation is unstable throughout Burundi with violent attacks on individuals common.