Social ConventionsNormal social courtesies apply. However, outside the cities people may not be used to visitors, and care and tact must be used in respect of local customs. Inhabitants of major towns generally have a more modern way of life. Dress should be reasonably conservative.
International Travel:Getting There by AirThe national airline is
Air Burundi (8Y). Other airlines serving Burundi include
Ethiopian Airlines,
Kenya Airways and
KLM.
Departure TaxUS$20.
Main AirportsBujumbura International
(BJM) is 11km (7 miles) north of the city.
To/from the airport: Taxis are available to and from the city.
Facilities: Banks/bureaux de change, bars, duty-free shops, post office, tourist information, light refreshments and car hire.
Getting There by WaterCargo/passenger ferries ply Lake Tanganyika between Kigoma (Tanzania) and Mpulungu (Zambia) calling at various ports including Bujumbura, when political conditions permit. There are normally some ferries to Kalemi (Congo, Dem Rep) and to Kigoma (Tanzania). The MV Mwongozo ferry sails along Lake Tanganyika between Bujumbura and Kigoma. There are three classes. Ferries can often be delayed depending on the cargo being loaded or unloaded.
Getting There by RoadIt is normally possible to drive into Burundi from Congo (Dem Rep), either from the north or south. Roads from Rwanda are reasonable, but from Tanzania, poor. Visitors are advised against using the Bujumbura to Butare (Rwanda) road unless traveling as part of a UN convoy, due to the likelihood of ambushes. However the viability of crossing these borders depends on prevailing political conditions, and border areas can be very dangerous. Burundi’s border with Congo (Democratic Republic) is liable to close at short notice.
OverviewThe following goods may be imported into Burundi without incurring customs duty:
1000 cigarettes or 1kg of tobacco;
1l of alcoholic beverages; a reasonable amount of perfume.
A deposit may be required for items such as cameras, recorders and laptop computers.
Currency and cameras should be declared upon arrival.
Internal Travel:Getting Around By AirThere are no scheduled internal flights at present.
Getting Around by RoadMost roads are sealed. There are main roads east from Bujumbura to Muramvya (once the royal city of Burundi) and south to Gitega. Both journeys can be completed without too much strain during the dry season, but any road travel can be difficult in the rainy season. Traffic drives on the right. Travelers should exercise extreme caution when traveling on roads to Kayanza, Ngozi and Kirundo. Roads can be subject to ambushes and are often closed during military operations; major roads are closed after 1600. All roads outside of Bujumbura City are unsafe to travel.
Bus: There are services around Bujumbura and main towns only. Japanese-style minibuses operate between towns and are normally cheaper and less crowded than share-taxis; departures (when the vehicle is full) are normally from bus stations. The destination of the minibus is usually displayed in the front window.
Taxi: Tanus-tanus (truck taxis) are usually available but they are often crowded.
Car hire: It may be possible to arrange some form of car hire via a local garage.
Documentation: Driving licenses issued by the UK are acceptable.
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