Burundi is a unique destination in East Africa, with a rich culture and varied landscapes. However, a good trip starts with proper preparation. Here's everything you need to know before setting off for Burundi.
1. What to bring
- Mosquito repellent Essential for protection against bites.
- Medication and first-aid kit : Always useful in times of need.
2. Travel documents
- Passport and visa : A visa is required to enter Burundi. Make sure your passport is valid.
3. How do I get there?
- There is no no direct flights from the United States.
- Connections available via Brussels, London, Rome, Paris, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Kampala and Kigali.
- The main airlines serving the country are Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and Brussels airways
4. Customs
- No currency restrictions on entering or leaving the country.
5. How to get around
- Public transport Bus, van and truck services to Kigali (Rwanda), the Democratic Republic of Congo and Dar-es-Salaam (Tanzania).
- Driver's license : A International Driving Licence is required to drive on site.
6. Spoken languages
- Kirundi, French and Swahili are the main languages used.
7. Food and beverages
- Main meals Lunch and dinner are the heaviest meals.
- Common dishes Sauces with beans, vegetables, potatoes, bananas, rice and bugari (a paste made from cassava or corn flour).
- Beverages Water, juice, local beer, wine, liqueurs and soft drinks are available.
8. Tips
- Tips are expected, but there is no fixed percentage. It's up to the customer to decide.
9. Climate and clothing
- Mild temperatures during the day, cooler evenings.
- Bring light clothingand a sweater for the evenings.
10. Electricity
- Voltage voltage: 220 volts.
- Sockets Two round pins, as in Europe.
11. Currency and payments
- Exchange rates varies from day to day but remains around 2500 to 3500 Burundi Francs (BuFrs) = 1 USD.
- Payments Credit cards are rarely accepted. Cash withdrawals possible in some banks.
- Travellers cheques : Can be cashed at local banks.
12. Telephone and communication
- International calls available via Office National des Télécommunications (ONATEL) and other local operators ( Lumitel, Econet leo ).
- Internet connection: 3G, 4G and Wifi connection available in some establishments.
13. Post and mail
- Postal service provided by Office National de la Poste.
- DHL is also available
14. Opening hours
- Administrative offices : 7:30am - 12:00pm, 2:00pm - 5:00pm (Monday to Friday).
- Banks : 7:30am - 12:00pm, 2:00pm - 5:00pm (Monday to Friday, some open on Saturday mornings).
- Stores : 7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (Monday to Saturday).
15. Security
- We recommend that you contact its embassy in Bujumbura or United Nations representations for information on the country's security situation.
16. Health and medical care
Medical facilities in Bujumbura :
- Prince Regent Charles Hospital - Avenue du Port, Tel. +257 22 8435
- Prince Louis Rwagasore Clinic - Avenue Pierre Ngendandumwe, Tel. +257 22 3881
- Kamenge University Hospital - Boulevard du 28 Novembre, Tel. +257 23 2048
- Kamenge Military Hospital - Boulevard du 28 Novembre, Tel. +257 22 2082
17. Vaccinations and preventive health care
- Yellow fever Mandatory vaccination.
- Malaria High risk, plan preventive treatment.
- Cholera Vaccination required in case of epidemic.
18. Policy numbers
- Public Security Police : +257 22 3777
- Air and Border Police : +257 22 5427
- Public Prosecutor's Office : +257 22 8750
- Police Spéciale de Roulage : +257 22 5125
19. Bookshops and printing works
- Saint Paul Bookshop - Chaussée Prince Louis Rwagasore, Tel. +257 22 2331
- IMPARUDI - Avenue du 18 septembre, Tel. +257 22 3125
- Imprimerie Moderne du Burundi (IMOBU) - Avenue du 18 septembre, Tel. +257 22 2214
- New Flash - Tel. +257 22 4189
- SOMECA - Chaussée Prince Louis Rwagasore, Tel. +257 22 2530
- Burundi Stationery (BURSTA) - Tel. +257 23 1358
- SASCO PRINT - Tel. +257 22 5971
20. Pharmacies
- Pharmacie de la Mutuelle - Avenue des États-Unis, Tel. +257 22 7661
- Pharmacie du Lac - Chaussée Prince Louis Rwagasore, Tel. +257 22 5723
- Pharmacie Inter-Lacustre - Avenue Patrice Lumumba, Tel. +257 21 4843
- Pharmacie de la Concorde - Avenue du Zaïre, Tel. +257 21 4558
- Pharmacie de la Permanence - Place de l'Indépendance, Tel. +257 21 3081
- Pharmacie Le Capitan - Chaussée Prince Louis Rwagasore, Tel. +257 21 3906
- Neopharma Pharmacy - Chaussée Prince Louis Rwagasore, Tel. +257 22 2626
- Pharmacie Socophar - Avenue du Commerce, Tel. +257 22 6056
- Unipharma Pharmacy - Chaussée Prince Louis Rwagasore, Tel. +257 22 9049
By preparing your trip with this information in mind, you'll be able to make the most of your stay in Burundi and avoid the unexpected.