CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Burundi

1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.

Section 6 has been updated (information on polio and malaria has been added).

BACK TO TOP

2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Burundi

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to Burundi. The general situation in Burundi has started to stabilize as a result of peace agreements between the National Liberation Forces (FNL) rebel group and the Government of Burundi. From March to April 2009, Burundi worked on the FNL’s disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration.

However, ethnic tensions are still reported, and sudden outbreaks of violence and civil unrest are still likely to take place throughout the country, including around FNL demobilization camps. There are still large amounts of small arms and weapons in circulation, easily available to various groups. Attacks and ambushes by former soldiers, rebel forces, and youth gangs occur frequently. Humanitarian workers, including foreigners, have been victims of violent attacks by armed groups. These incidents included robbery and murder. The presence of refugees returning from Rwanda and Tanzania also continues to exacerbate tensions.

Elections are scheduled to take place in Burundi between June 28, 2010 and July 28, 2010. Increased tensions and violent incidents are expected in the period surrounding the elections. Thirty grenade attacks have been recorded in Bujumbura and provincial areas since June 12. Parliamentary and Senate elections are scheduled for June 23 and 28 respectively and incidents of politically motivated violence could occur in areas where the opposition has significant support, including Bujumbura. Any increase in acts of violence and political intimidation in the coming days will have the potential to lead to a rapid deterioration in the overall security environment. Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times and avoid any protests, demonstrations and large gatherings including the Central Market. All public areas including restaurants and bars should be avoided between dusk and dawn.

Canadians should avoid political rallies, monitor local media reports, exercise extreme caution, and maintain close contact with the Consulate of Canada in Bujumbura or the High Commission of Canada in Nairobi, Kenya (see Section 5 below).

Heavy rains have the potential to cause sudden flooding and mud slides throughout the country.

Periodic closure of the border between Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo can occur without notice.

Regional Warning: Provinces of Bujumbura rural, Bubanza, and Cibitoke

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to Bujumbura Rural province, on the outskirts of the capital city, and to Bubanza province, where banditry, small arms trafficking, and clashes between the National Liberation Forces (FNL) and the Burundian government continue to occur. A final peace agreement between the FNL and the government was signed in March 2009, but there is still a risk that the conflict will resume.

Attacks on civilians by former soldiers, rebels, and youth gangs are still occurring in these regions, including in the suburbs of Kinama and Kamenge.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada also advises against all travel to Cibitoke province, as border security is still a concern given the various violent clashes in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and occasional cross-border movement by armed groups.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

BACK TO TOP

3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

Crime

No part of Burundi can be considered secure. Carjacking, purse snatching, pickpocketing, robbery, and theft from vehicles are common. Valuables, travel documents, and cash should be kept in hotel safes. Travellers should keep separate copies of important documents, including passports.

Overland travel after dark should be avoided, especially in the outlying districts of Bujumbura (outside the area bordered by the rivers Muha and Ntahangwa and Boulevard du 28 novembre), as well as in northwest provinces, including Cibitoke. Assaults occur against people walking or jogging alone, particularly on roads around Lake Tanganyika. Crime on the road to and from the airport in Bujumbura is also common.

There is a high risk of kidnapping near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Armed guerrillas operate in this area. Cross-border incursions by rebel groups from the DRC represent a risk.

General Security Information

Tourist facilities are very limited. You should select local accommodation and transportation wisely. Local tour operators, including those offering adventure activities, may not offer safety standards and equipment that correspond to those found in Canada. Telecommunications are poor.

Swimming in lakes and rivers is unsafe because of the possibility of being attacked by wildlife and the risk of catching water-borne diseases. Travellers should check with local authorities for the latest information.

BACK TO TOP

4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with Burundian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Burundi and its consulate for up-to-date information.

Passports

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Burundi. The passport must be valid for the duration of the stay. A return or onward ticket is also required.

Visas

Canadians going to Burundi must obtain a visa well in advance of leaving Canada at the closest Burundian diplomatic mission.

Vaccinations

Travellers must provide proof of vaccination for yellow fever.

---

A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

BACK TO TOP

5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Burundi - BUJUMBURA, Consulate of Canada
Address: 4708, Boulevard de l'UPRONA, Bujumbura, Burundi
Postal Address: P.O. Box 7112, Bujumbura, Burundi,
Tel.: 257 22 24-58-98
Fax: 257 22 24-58-99
E-Mail: bujumbura@canadaconsulate.ca

The High Commission of Canada in Nairobi, Kenya, has consular responsibility for Burundi. The address is as follows:

Kenya - NAIROBI, High Commission of Canada
Address: Limuru Road, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1013, Nairobi, 00621, Kenya
Tel.: 254 (20) 366-3000
Fax: 254 (20) 366-3900
E-Mail: nrobi@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/kenya/

For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Nairobi, Kenya, and follow the instructions. You may also wish to call the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

BACK TO TOP

6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends that travellers get vaccinated against poliomyelitis (polio). Polio is a contagious disease, spread from person to person and through contaminated food and water, that can attack the nervous system and destroy the nerve cells that activate muscles.

Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease. It is caused by a parasite which is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. There is no vaccine available against malaria. Travellers can reduce their risk by following the Public Health Agency of Canada’s recommendations.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

BACK TO TOP

7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical care, medication, and prescription drugs are extremely limited. Hospitals and health facilities are constantly deteriorating. Travellers with specific health conditions and victims or serious accidents or trauma would require evacuation to Nairobi, Kenya, or to South Africa.

Water used for consumption should be boiled or otherwise sterilized. Milk is unpasteurized and should also be boiled.

As the level of HIV/AIDS infection in Burundi is high, you should be cautious about activities involving the transmission of bodily fluids.

BACK TO TOP

8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Homosexual activity is illegal.

Penalties for the possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe.

You should request permission before taking photographs of military installations, airports, government buildings and local residents.

BACK TO TOP

9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Driving Conditions

Travel conditions have greatly improved throughout the country, yet there is still a need for strict adherence to security rules and procedures. Information on road security must be checked on a daily basis.

There are few traffic signals and signs. Roads are not marked and street lights are almost non-existent, which makes driving at night especially dangerous. Roads are damaged, and it is recommended that travellers carry multiple spare tires. During the rainy season, many roads are only accessible with four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Driving habits are often more erratic and reckless than in Canada.

Service stations are rare and roadside assistance is not available outside the capital. In the event of an accident, leave the scene without stopping and go to the nearest police station or, if necessary, to the hospital.

Travellers should cooperate with the local authorities when stopped at roadblocks.

It is recommended that road travel be undertaken in a convoy of at least two vehicles. Overland travel outside of Bujumbura should be avoided, especially on roads leading to or from the capital, where ambushes occur. Roads are often closed when the military carry out operations against rebels. 

Public Transportation

The use of public transportation, particularly taxis, is discouraged, as drivers often operate within a criminal network. If the use of a taxi is unavoidable, a recommended taxi should be identified. Public buses (matatus) should not be used, as vehicle and road conditions are the cause of frequent serious accidents. There is no rail network in operation.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

---

The currency is the Burundian franc (BIF). The economy is cash-based. Credit cards are not widely accepted. While some automated banking machines (ABMs) can be found, they are unreliable and not secure to use.

A counterfeit network has been identified. Billions of counterfeit Burundian francs could be in circulation.

Most shops will not accept or exchange U.S. dollars printed before the year 2003.

BACK TO TOP

10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The dry season extends from mid-May to early October.

The rainy season begins in February and continues through mid-May. During the rainy season, heavy downpours are common and can result in flash floods. Infrastructure and transportation routes may be damaged and secondary roads may become impassable. Canadians should exercise caution, monitor local news and keep informed of regional weather forecasts, and plan accordingly.

BACK TO TOP

11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

BACK TO TOP

12. ANNEX

N/A

BACK TO TOP