Information for Travelers

Warden Information

Consular Warden Message December 15, 2009

This Warden Message reminds U.S. citizens of the dangers of crime in Burundi.  During the year-end holiday season, Burundi typically experiences a spike in criminal activity, especially robbery and theft.  Within Bujumbura, there have been several daylight robberies of non-government organization (NGO) offices in the Rohero neighborhood in recent weeks.  Most of the NGOs targeted have been micro-finance organizations, which are apparently viewed by robbers as easy targets with relatively large amounts of unsecured cash on the premises.  Many U.S. Embassy staff and other expatriates live in Rohero, and several restaurants and bars frequented by foreign nationals are located in this area.  U.S. citizens are urged to exercise caution in all parts of the city, especially those areas with a visible NGO/expatriate presence.  In addition, crime on the roads outside of Bujumbura continues to be a serious issue and we strongly urge all U.S. citizens to remain vigilant when traveling outside of major cities. 

Other recent security incidents include armed and unarmed robberies of pedestrians, taxis, and other vehicles, particularly on the southern stretch of Avenue de la Plage and eastward from the lakeshore including Avenue du Large, as well as the nearby neighborhood of Kabondo in the vicinity of the Belgian School.  Some of the robberies have involved attacks on moving vehicles, and all have involved the use or threatened use of violence.  The incidents appear to be a mix of planned crime and crime of opportunity. The Embassy advises all U.S. citizens to use caution when traveling in these areas, and discourages pedestrian movement in or through the area at any hour. 

Outside of Bujumbura, crime on the roads continues to be a serious concern; in July, criminals attacked an NGO vehicle traveling on a secondary road near Kigutu in Bururi Province.  The U.S.  Embassy warns all travelers to be mindful of their security.  When traveling upcountry, the best practice is to use convoys of two or more vehicles to prevent being stranded on the road in the event of mechanical failure or emergency.  The Embassy also recommends that travelers carry satellite telephones programmed with emergency numbers, maps and navigation equipment, medical gear to include trauma supplies, and vehicle maintenance and recovery equipment, especially when traveling off main routes.  Travelers should avoid establishing routines, which make them vulnerable to targeted criminal attacks, and vary their routes and times between regularly-traveled destinations.  The Embassy strongly cautions against traveling outside of population centers after nightfall. 

Wherever you travel, stay alert and depart the area if you notice suspicious behavior, including attempts to block the road or slow your movement.  In vehicles, keep doors locked and windows up at all times.  When driving, do not allow pedestrians or other vehicles to stop your movement.  Remember you usually have the choice to turn around, drive in reverse, or take other evasive action rather than stopping. 

Should you become the victim of an attempted robbery, the Embassy recommends that you do not resist.  It is in the criminal's best interest to complete the robbery quietly and quickly.  Focus instead on keeping calm, complying with the demands to hand over valuables, and getting to a safe place as quickly as possible.  However, there are no guarantees of safety during an armed robbery.  During a recent attack on an NGO vehicle, the driver was shot despite his compliance with the robbers' demands.  Remaining aware and preventing criminals from stopping your movement are the best defense.

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S and Canada or, for callers in other areas, by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

U.S. citizens are advised to register and update their contact information with the Embassy in Bujumbura or online at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/.  The Embassy is located on Avenue des Etats-Unis.  The phone number is (257) 22-20-70-00, fax (257) 22-22-29-26, and email BujumburaC@state.gov.  For emergencies after regular business hours please call (257) 79-93-88-41.

Consular Warden Message- July 21st, 2009

This Warden Message reminds U.S. citizens of the dangers of crime in Burundi.  Within Bujumbura, there has been increased criminal activity along Avenue de la Plage and the surrounding area during the past few months.  As this area is within the restricted zone for U.S. Government personnel and contains several restaurants frequented by expatriates, Americans are advised to be particularly cautious when moving in or through the neighborhood.  In addition, crime on the roads outside of Bujumbura continues to be a serious issue and we strongly urge all Americans to remain vigilant when traveling outside of major cities. 

The general area of concern within Bujumbura stretches south from Quartier Asiatique along Ave. de la Plage, continuing south from Cercle Nautique along an unnamed dirt road, and east from the lakeshore to encompass Ave. du Large.  The nearby neighborhood of Kabondo also recently experienced a daylight robbery of two expatriates by a gang of nine criminals near the Belgian School.  Other recent security incidents include armed and unarmed robberies of pedestrians, taxis and other vehicles.  Some of the robberies have involved attacks on moving vehicles, and all have involved the use or threatened use of violence.  The incidents appear to be a mix of planned crime and crime of opportunity. The Embassy advises all Americans to use caution when traveling in this area, and discourages pedestrian movement in or through the area at any hour. 

Outside of Bujumbura, crime on the roads continues to be a serious concern; most recently, criminals attacked an NGO vehicle traveling on a secondary road near Kigutu.  There is no information yet on whether the attack specifically targeted the NGO, but the Embassy warns all travelers to be mindful of their security.  When traveling upcountry, the best practice is to use convoys of multiple vehicles to prevent being stranded on the road in the event of mechanical failure or emergency.  Further, the Embassy recommends travelers carry satellite telephones programmed with emergency numbers, maps and navigation equipment, medical gear to include trauma supplies, and vehicle maintenance and recovery equipment, especially when traveling off main routes.  Travelers should avoid establishing routines, which make them vulnerable to targeted criminal attacks, and vary their routes and times between regularly-traveled destinations. The Embassy strongly cautions against traveling outside of population centers after nightfall. 

Wherever you travel, stay alert and depart the area if you notice suspicious behavior, including attempts to block the road or slow your movement.  In vehicles, keep doors locked and windows up at all times.  When driving, do not allow pedestrians or other vehicles to stop your movement.  Remember you usually have the choice to turn around, drive in reverse or take other evasive action rather than stopping. 

Should you become the victim of an attempted robbery, the Embassy does not recommend you resist.  It is in the criminal’s best interest to complete the robbery quietly and quickly.  Focus instead on keeping calm, complying with the demands to hand over valuables and getting to a safe place as quickly as possible.  However, there are no guarantees of safety during an armed robbery.  During a recent attack on an NGO vehicle, the driver was shot despite his compliance with the robbers’ demands.  Remaining aware and preventing criminals from stopping your movement are the best defense.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S and Canada or, for callers in other areas, by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
American citizens are advised to register and update their contact information with the Embassy in Bujumbura or online at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/.  The Embassy is located on Avenue des Etats-Unis.  The phone number is (257) 22-20-70-00, fax (257) 22-22-29-26, and email BujumburaC@state.gov.  For emergencies after regular business hours please call (257) 79-93-88-41.

Consular Warden Message- MAY 08, 2009

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of H1N1 Influenza A, formerly known as swine flu. To date, the Government of Burundi has reported no cases of H1N1 Influenza A within its borders.  No restrictions have been put in place limiting travel to neighboring countries or within Burundi.
 
The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that most cases of influenza are not 2009-H1N1 Influenza.  Any questions or concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional.  Although the Embassy cannot provide medical advice or provide medical services to the public, a list of local hospitals and doctors is available from the Consular Section.
For information about H1N1 flu, including steps you can take to stay healthy, please consult the Department of State information at   http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_pandemic.html, the United States Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu, and the World Health Organization website at
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html. For additional travel safety information, please consult the State Department's website at www.travel.state.gov.

U.S. citizens may also call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in the United States for the latest travel information.  The Office of Overseas Citizens Services can be reached from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday, by calling 1-888-407-4747 from within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling (202) 501-4444 from other countries.

Americans living or traveling in Burundi are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Burundi.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.  The U.S. Embassy is located on Avenue des Etats-Unis in Bujumbura.  The phone number is (257) 22-20-7000, fax (257) 22-22-29-26, email: BujumburaC@state.gov.  In case of an emergency outside business hours or during any suspension of public services, American citizens may reach the Embassy duty officer at (257) 22-20-7911.