Passport/Visa Requirements: Both a passport, valid for at least six months after scheduled departure, and a visa are needed by Australian, Canadian, U.K. and U.S. citizens. Proof of onward passage and sufficient funds are also required. Reconfirm travel-document requirements with carrier before departure.
Population: 5,735,935.
Languages: French, Kirundi, Swahili..
Predominant Religions: Christian (Roman Catholic), traditional African..
Time Zone: 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+2 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is not observed.
Voltage Requirements: 220 volts.
Telephone Codes: 257, country code; 22,city code for Bujumbura; 42,city code for Bubanza;
Monday-Friday 8-11:30 am.
10%-15% if a service charge is not already included.
Burundi is not far from the equator, and in Bujumbura and the lower areas near the lake, it can be hot and humid. The higher altitudes are generally comfortable year round (usually in the 70s F/22-27 C during the day and the 60s F/16-21 C at night—expect frost in the high mountains). The year is broken up into one distinct dry season and two rainy seasons. A short rainy season begins in October and ends in December. A long rainy season begins in February and continues through mid May. The long dry season extends from mid May to early October. During the rainy seasons, heavy downpours are not uncommon, but after the shower is over, the rest of the day may be sunny. Take rain gear and a sweater or light jacket year round.
Bujumbura International Airport (BJM) is located 7 mi/11 km northwest of the capital. Taxis provide transportation into the city. (Negotiate taxi fares before getting into the cab.)
A ferry serving Bujumbura provides transportation across Lake Tanganyika, with stops at Kigoma, Tanzania, and Mpulungu, Zambia.
Be aware that travel can be hazardous throughout the country. Most transportation is via taxi and rented car (we prefer a rented car with a driver who is familiar with local road conditions). Rental cars can be obtained by the day or by the hour. The once-serviceable roads from Bujumbura to most of the provincial capitals have fallen into disrepair. Minibus service between Bujumbura and the provincial capitals is cheap but uncomfortable and undependable. Carry your passport with you at all times. Avoid the city bus service in Bujumbura.
Tourist Offices
Burundi does not have tourist offices in Australia, Canada, the U.K. or the U.S.
Embassies of Burundi
Canada: Embassy of the Republic of Burundi, 325 Dalhousie St., Suite 815, Ottawa, ON K1N 7G2. Phone 613-789-0414. Fax 613-789-9537.
U.S.: Embassy of the Republic of Burundi, 2233 Wisconsin Ave. N.W., Suite 212, Washington, DC 20007. Phone 202-342-2574.
Burundi does not have diplomatic representation in Australia or the U.K.
Foreign Embassies Serving Burundi
Australia: Australia is represented by its high commission in Kenya: Riverside Drive (400 meters off Chiromo Road), P.O. Box 39341, Nairobi. Phone 254-20-444-5034. Fax 254-20-444-4718.
Canada: Canadian Consulate, 4708 Blvd. de L'Uprona, Bujumbura.Phone 257-24-5898. Fax 257-24-5899.
U.K.: The United Kingdom is represented by its embassy in Rwanda: Parcelle No. 1131, Boulevard de l'Umuganda, Kacyira-Sud, BP 576 Kigali. Phone 250-58-4098. Fax 250-58-2044.
U.S.: U.S. Embassy, Avenue des Etats-Unis, Bujumbura (mail address: B.P. 34, 1720 Bujumbura, Burundi). Phone 257-223-454. Fax 257-222-926.