Burundi

Översikt

Burundi’s recent political history has been dominated by instability, ethnic violence and civil conflict. Although a fractious peace has been restored to the small mountainous country, ethno-political divides persist, affecting domestic stability and international relations with Rwanda and Congo-Kinshasa.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Burundi. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip to Burundi. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

Mosquito-borne diseases, including Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika virus are present in Burundi. Travellers should take meticulous anti-mosquito bite measures during the daytime. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to the country.

Cholera occurs in Burundi and recent confirmed cases have been reported in Rumonge and Cibitoke provinces.

Risk for Sleeping Sickness is present throughout the country. Travellers going on safari and rural areas should avoid getting bitten by tsetse flies.

Schistosomiasis is endemic along Lake Tanganyika, the Rusizi Plain, in the villages around Lake Cyohoha Sud and Lake Rwihinda, the provinces of Chibitoke and Ruyigi. Avoid swimming in fresh water, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands and eating raw foods which have not been washed with purified water.

Burundi has a generalised HIV epidemic with an estimated prevalance rate at 1.1 percent. There are some 78.000 people living with HIV/AIDS in the country.

In addition to these health risks, travellers diarrhoea is the most common travel-related medical problem affecting travellers to Burundi. It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been boiled.

Tuberculosis is highly endemic in Burundi.

Medical facilities are extremely limited in Burundi and medication is not always available, even if it is, it may not be genuine or within its sell by date. The majority of hospitals are in Bujumbura, but facilities are limited and not always sterile. Outside of Bujumbura, facilities are generally rudimentary. Payment in advance is often expected even if you have travel insurance.

Travellers should bring their own medication, which should be packed in the original boxes and clearly labelled in generic not brand names. It is also advisable to bring your own needles, particularly if you have a relevant medical condition such as diabetes.

In the situation of serious medical problems it is advisable to leave the country for better medical treatment and insurance policies must include medical repatriation as a matter of course.

Pass

Passports valid for at least six months and at least one blank page is required by all nationals.

Visum

Passengers arriving from a country where Burundi does not have a diplomatic mission can obtain a visa upon arrival in the country if entering through the standard channels at Bujumbura International Airport. However, it is necessary to pre-inform your travel agency of your passport number, identity and flight details.

Travellers arriving from countries where there are Burundian consular services can get a transit visa on arrival provided they are leaving to a third country again within 72 hours.

Business visas valid for up to 30 days are issued for single- or multiple-entry. A letter of responsibility is required for business travellers. The letter must be addressed to the Embassy of Burundi, explain the purpose of the visit, be on company letter headed paper and be signed by somebody of your company other than yourself.