Check current flight, airport, entry, border and travel warning information that could affect a trip to Burundi.
Burundi Status
DISRUPTION
Travel to Burundi is significantly affected by border restrictions, regional insecurity and fuel shortages. International flights continue, but the land border with Rwanda remains closed and serious security warnings apply to parts of western Burundi near the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Current Travel Conditions
What Travellers Should Know
Rwanda border closed
Burundi’s land border with Rwanda remains closed. It was closed in January 2024 and travellers should not plan an overland journey between the two countries. Flights between the two capitals remain possible.
DRC border security
Security has deteriorated along parts of Burundi’s border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Armed-group activity, military movements and instability in eastern DRC can affect areas on the Burundian side of the border.
Tanzania border
The Tanzania-Burundi border continues to operate. However, transport options can be affected by Burundi’s ongoing fuel shortages.
Visa requirements
Visa requirements depend on nationality. Travellers who require a visa should complete the relevant application before travelling. Visas can be issued on arrival after the required pre-arrival application process has been completed.
Passport requirements
Travellers should have a passport valid for at least six months after arrival with at least one blank page.
Yellow fever
Travellers must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Burundi.
Fuel shortages
Burundi is experiencing severe fuel shortages. Fuel availability cannot be guaranteed, and long queues can occur when supplies are available. This can disrupt taxis, buses and long-distance road travel.
Road travel
Road conditions and driving standards can present additional risks. Travellers are advised to avoid road journeys outside Bujumbura after dark, and police or other checkpoints are common.
Latest Travel Changes
Increased insecurity near DRC
Armed-group activity and conflict along the Burundi-DRC border have increased. Current UK guidance advises against all travel to several western areas because of possible armed incursions and rebel activity.
Rwanda border remains closed
The Burundi-Rwanda land border remains closed. This significantly reduces overland options for travellers entering or leaving Burundi.
Ebola outbreak in neighbouring DRC
Current travel guidance was updated in May 2026 following the declaration of an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Travellers should check the latest health requirements and screening procedures before travelling.
Fuel shortages continue
Severe fuel shortages continue to affect transport within Burundi and can make overland journeys less predictable.
Before You Travel
Check your airline, Burundi’s immigration requirements, current border conditions, health requirements and the travel advice issued by your own government before departure.
Travellers planning to leave Burundi overland should pay particular attention to their route. The Rwanda border is closed, the DRC border area is unstable, and the Tanzania border currently provides the main operating overland alternative.
Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.