Burundi: main airports
Burundi has a single international airport: Bujumbura Airport, the country's largest city, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
Burundi: recommended activities
Burundi: visa and entry requirements
A visa on arrival is available for most Western nationalities, both at the airport and at land and lake border crossings, at an indicative cost of 40 USD for 72 hours or 90 USD for 30 days. It is mandatory to register online before travelling through the entry/exit passenger form, obtaining a certificate needed to issue the visa on arrival.
Burundi: safety
The situation is uneven: several Western governments maintain a high level of alert for the country as a whole, but Bujumbura, Gitega, the beaches of Lake Tanganyika and Kibira National Park are generally considered safe for tourists with the usual precautions. It is advisable to limit travelling alone after sunset and to avoid areas near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The situation has improved considerably compared to the past: nonetheless check the most recent updates before departure.
Burundi: health situation
A yellow fever certificate is required for entry into the country. Burundi is a malaria risk area: prophylaxis is strongly recommended together with mosquito protection. Recent Ebola virus (Bundibugyo) outbreaks have been reported in the region, in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, declared a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO: expect more thorough health checks at regional borders. Health facilities are limited even in Bujumbura: insurance with possible medical evacuation is strongly recommended.
Burundi: currency, payments and connectivity
The currency is the Burundian franc (BIF); cash remains essential in most situations, with credit cards accepted only at a few international hotels in Bujumbura. There are no widespread Western ride-hailing apps: local taxis are the main means of transport, generally at an agreed rate. For connectivity, the operators Econet Leo and Lumitel sell prepaid SIM cards. For driving, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally also required alongside the national one.
