Foreign travel advice

Burundi

Warning FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Burundi.

Health

Before you travel check that:

  • your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
  • you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 112 and ask for an ambulance.

You can also request help from the Red Cross by calling 109.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:  

See what health risks you’ll face in Burundi, including:  

  • Zika
  • malaria and dengue 
  • yellow fever

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Burundi. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

HIV and AIDS

UNAIDS estimated that in 2019 there were around 76,000 adults aged 15 or over in Burundi were living with HIV. The prevalence percentage was estimated at around 1% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.25%. Follow normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.

Other health risks

An outbreak of cholera continues in Burundi. Take precautions and get urgent medical attention if you become unwell.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.

Healthcare facilities in Burundi

There are 3 hospitals in Bujumbura that provide medical care for serious accidents:

  • Kira Hospital
  • Hôpital Militaire de Kamenge
  • Médecins Sans Frontières in Prince Régent Charles Hospital

Outside Bujumbura, there is a lack of adequate medical facilities and medical evacuation to Kenya or Rwanda may be needed.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Burundi where some staff will speak English.

COVID-19 healthcare in Burundi

If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms, the government of Burundi’s advice is to get a test at a testing facility. Healthcare facilities in Burundi do not match UK standards.

Testing capacity in Burundi is extremely limited and results can be subject to significant delay.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.