Burundi
Last update 16 January 2025Diplomatic missions
Risk index
Level 3: Avoid non-essiential travel (Do not travel in certain areas of the country unless necessary)
3
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Republic of Burundi
The Republic of Bulgaria does not have a functioning embassy in Bujumbura. Bulgarian citizens residing in Burundi on a short or long-term basis may address consular matters to the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria
Address: 10 Euphrates Crescent, Maitama, Abuja
Telephone: +234 9038600017;+234 8033078578
Emergency only out-of-hours hotline: +234 903 000 0275
Working hours: 09:00 – 17:30
Opening hours of the Consular Office: 09:00 – 12:00 preferably by a preliminary scheduled appointment
E-mail of the Embassy: [email protected]
E-mail of the Consular Office: [email protected]
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/nigeria
The Embassy of Burundi in Moscow is accredited to Bulgaria.
Embassy of the Republic of Burundi in Moscow
Address: 119049 Moscow, 1 Kaluzhskaya Square app. 226—227 [Москва, Калужская площадь 1, ап. 226—227]
Telephone: +7 095 230 25 64
Fax: +7 095 230 20 09
Е-mail: [email protected]
General information
Security level:
Since early 2024, the land border with Rwanda has been closed until further notice due to growing controversy between the two countries.
The situation in the country has stabilised, especially in the largest city, Bujumbura, and in the capital, Gitega. However, travel to the Republic of Burundi is not recommended, especially outside these two cities. Except in cases of extreme urgency, travel should be undertaken to areas close to the borders with Rwanda and the DRC.
Foreigners residing in the country are advised to avoid the vicinity of areas with large concentrations of people. The level of crime is a growing problem.
Particular vigilance should be exercised at night.
Healthcare:
Conditions exist for cholera outbreaks. The risk of malaria is high. Service in the hospitals does not meet the European standards. There are large numbers of HIV-positive people registered.
Specifics of the local legislation:
In the Republic of Burundi, the display of sexual orientation is prohibited and punishable under local law.
Customs requirements:
The import of amounts up to 2,000 (two thousand) Burundian francs into the country is allowed. There are no restrictions on the import of foreign currency.
The export of local currency is allowed within the limit of 2,000 (two thousand) Burundian francs. There are no restrictions on the export of foreign currency.
Road traffic:
Car travellers are required to take out insurance for the duration of their stay in the country. The road structure is in very poor condition. An international driving licence is required to drive.
Practical advice:
Satellite phones, GPS devices, and the wearing of military, camouflage clothing can lead to problems with Burundi's migration authorities.
Be careful when eating fruit and vegetables — after washing them, do not eat them immediately, but leave them in sunlight for 10—15 minutes.
Water should be boiled or bought bottled.
Local currency:
The local currency in the Republic of Burundi is the Burundian franc (BIF).
Travel papers and visas
Entry into Burundi is permitted on presentation of a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Bulgarian citizens travelling to Burundi (holders of regular, official and diplomatic passports) need a visa which they can obtain at the Embassy of Burundi in Moscow.
Tourist and business visas are issued for stays of up to 30 days.
In case of business travel, the applicant needs to submit a letter from the employer or business partner in Burundi.
Transit visas are not required for passengers who do not leave the airport and continue on their route, providing appropriate proof, such as an air ticket, etc.
Your passport must have at least one completely blank page so that the entry visa can be affixed to it. There should be no other visa stamps on the back of this page other than the border control stamps. The international passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country.
Consular service
European Emergency Travel Document:
In extreme situations - in case of damage, loss or theft of a passport, Bulgarian citizens can apply for an Emergency Travel Document at an Embassy of an EU Member State in Bujumbura.
Certifications and legalizations:
In order to be valid in Bulgaria and to be able to serve before Bulgarian institutions, all documents issued by the authorities in Burundi to Bulgarian citizens should bear the stamp of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Burundi.
They should then be certified either by the Bulgarian Embassy in Abuja (in which case a prior certification by the Embassy of Burundi in Abuja is also required) or by the Embassy of Burundi in Moscow (in which case the certification by the Consular Office of the Embassy of Burundi is certified by the Bulgarian Embassy in Moscow).
Once the documents have been so prepared, they must be translated into Bulgarian by an authorized translation agency in Bulgaria and the translation must be certified by the Department of Certifications and Legalizations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria.