Burundi: Current Travel and Safety Advice for Visa Applicants

As of early September 2026, updated travel advisories are in effect for travel to Burundi, particularly regarding the northern part of the country. Non-essential travel to the northern part of Bujumbura Province—that is, the former provinces of Cibitoke and Bubanza, as well as the municipalities of Mpanda, Bubanza, Bukinanyana, Cibitoke, and Mugina—is strongly discouraged. The northern part of Kibira National Park is also affected, particularly the area north and east of National Road RN 10 between Rugombo and Kayanza. Anyone planning a trip to these regions should carefully assess the situation in advance and consider alternative routes or destinations.

Since May 2026, there have been repeated major fires at markets and in commercial centers in Burundi. In the event of a fire, travelers should avoid the affected neighborhood if possible so as not to hinder emergency responders. People should quickly evacuate affected buildings and their immediate surroundings and follow the instructions of local security forces. It is advisable to monitor local and international media throughout your trip to stay informed about current developments.

Another sensitive development concerns the border region with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since 2025, there have been regular outbreaks of fighting near Uvira and in the rest of South Kivu near the border with Burundi, causing numerous refugees to seek shelter in Burundi. The border crossing at Gatumba may be closed at any time, even on very short notice. The situation in this region is currently considered extremely volatile and can change rapidly; therefore, travelers wishing to cross this border area should expect sudden restrictions.

In addition to the tense security situation, travelers should also be aware of the health situation in the region. On May 15, 2026, an outbreak of Ebola was reported in Ituri Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which the World Health Organization declared a public health emergency of international concern a few days later. To date, no confirmed cases have been reported in Burundi itself. A vaccine against the affected Ebola Bundibugyo strain is not currently available for travelers anyway, since—unlike with the Ebola Zaire strains—there are neither approved treatments nor vaccines. Anyone traveling to the affected border region should avoid all contact with infected individuals or their bodily fluids, refrain from consuming wildlife products, and seek immediate medical advice if suspicious symptoms develop within 21 days of their stay.

Although the security situation in Burundi is generally considered to be largely stable, isolated incidents—such as hand grenade attacks—and attacks by rebel groups cannot be ruled out. Such incidents usually occur in areas not typically frequented by foreigners; nevertheless, increased vigilance is advisable in crowded places and at large events. The armed conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have additional repercussions for Burundi’s provinces near the border due to refugee movements, increased police checks, and irregular border openings.

Anyone planning a trip to Burundi despite this situation should apply for the necessary entry documents well in advance. You can easily submit your visa application using our application form, while we review the documents for you and guide you through the rest of the process. Our page on visa types also provides an overview of the various categories available, where you can find suitable options depending on the purpose of your trip.