Cover is vital
It is critical to have quality Burundi insurance in place before you do business in this beautiful but dangerous country. Be aware of the potential risks and ensure that the insurance you take to Burundi is valid for the regions you will be visiting.
| Accident and Evacuation | |
|---|---|
| Kidnapping and Ransom | |
| Political Risk |
Burundi is one of the world's poorest nations and has experienced political instability and internal strife for many years. The security situation near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda remains unstable, and there have been armed attacks. If you’re travelling in the Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces or near the border with DRC or Rwanda, you should exercise caution. There are limited facilities up country with little French spoken, and limited infrastructure.
If you are doing business here you might choose to protect your assets and investments with Trade and Political Risk insurance.
Healthcare standards are poor here, so Medical insurance with evacuation is essential.
There is a high risk of crime. Muggings at gun and knifepoint, bag snatching, pick-pocketing, burglary, car break-ins, and armed car hijackings have all been reported. Avoid walking in the streets or using public transport after dark, even in Bujumbura city centre, and don’t carry large amounts of money. The political situation is often unstable and demonstrations can quickly become violent, so avoid these whenever possible.
There is a potential risk of terrorism since Al Shabaab (based in Somalia) has made public threats against Burundi because of its support to the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia.
The long running cholera epidemic continues to claim lives, so take necessary precautions and seek medical attention should you become unwell. Don’t go swimming in Lake Tanganyika due to the risk of being attacked by wildlife and waterborne diseases. Be aware that there is a high prevalence of HIV.
The Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in the UK regularly updates its advice to British travellers about immediate risks.