Burundi
About
| Go to the capital port-city of Bujumbura, a bustling town with a population of some 200,000 inhabitants. The area was colonised by Germany at the end of the 19th century, and there is still architecture dating from that period, including the Postmaster’s House. Stare at a beautiful vista of central plains and the expanse of the former royal city, Gitega, from the mountaintops of the Congo Nile range. Gitega has an exquisite charm of its own, from the Chutes de la Kagera waterfall to its National Museum. Be seduced by the scenic and fun pleasures of Lake Tanganyika, where (in normal circumstances) cafes and restaurants line the lake. Here, there are some opportunities for watersports, including sailing, waterskiing and fishing. |
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| Capital: | Bujumbura (BJM) |
| Currency: | Burundi Franc (BIF) |
| Language: | French and Kirundi. English and Swahili are also widely spoken. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 257 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT +2 (same time as South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right |
| Best Time to go: | May - August |
| Best For: | Cultural Exploration, National Parks |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style plugs with two rounded pins are usually used. |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Milk is unpasteurised. |
| Health: | Medical facilities are very limited and not recommended for international travellers. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. If you require any medication on your travels it is best to bring it with you, in the original packaging, with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing exactly what it is and why you need it. |
| Customs: | Normal social courtesies apply. Dress should be conservative. Outside of the major town, visitors are not common and may be treated with curiosity. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | There are no ATM’s in Burundi and credit cards have limited use, however you can use your bank card at some banks. Road travel can be difficult as most roads are sealed, particularly during military operations and during the rainy seasons. Check the local political situation before finalising travel plans. |
| Duty Free: | The following goods may be imported into Burundi without incurring customs duty: • 1,000 cigarettes or 1kg of tobacco. • 1L of alcoholic beverages. A deposit may be required for items such as cameras, video recorders and laptop computers. You should declare currency and cameras upon arrival. |
Issuing Authorities
Embassy of Burundi
318 Albert St, Waterkloof, Pretoria, 0145
Tel: 012 342 4881
E-mail: ambabusa2021@yahoo.com
Web: www.ambabupretoria.mae.gov.bi/
Hours: Mon-Fri 07h00 - 16h30
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Feb 5; Mar 31; Apr 6-7; May 1, 29; Jun 7-9; Jul 1; Aug 15; Oct 13, 21; Nov 1; Dec 25
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Feb 5; Mar 20; Apr 6; May 1, 14, 27; Jun 8; Jul 1; Aug 15; Oct 13, 21; Nov 1-2; Dec 25
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by South African passport holders.
- Complete application form on: migration.gov.bi
- Valid Passport
- Passport picture (to be uploaded)
- Copy of passport (to be uploaded)
- Accommodation details
- Valid international yellow fever certificate
- Certified letter of invitation from Burundi if applicable
- Letter of purpose from Company / Note Verbal for Officials.
Once the application is processed, an email will be sent. Download or print this form and present it on arrival in Burundi.
For questions relating to the online application: contact@migration.gov.bi
Visa Validity
30 days
Visa Cost
90 USD
SA Representative
South African Embassy
Av De la Plage, Parcel number 6510/DIV.A, Quartier Asiatique, Bujumbura
Tel: 00 257 222-48220
E-mail: simelaneb@dirco.gov.za
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever |
| Recommended: | Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
