Travel Report for Burundi

Country Profile for
Burundi

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: August 17, 2006 14:43 EDT
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 21:59 EST

Burundi

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. A minor editorial change has been made in section 13.

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2. ATTENTION

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the region(s) specified below. (IDW5)

You are advised against all travel to Bujumbura Rural province, on the outskirts of the capital city, and to Bubanza province, where clashes between the National Liberation Forces (FNL) and the Burundian government continue to occur. The FNL is the only rebel group outside the peace process concluded in 2002 between the government and other rebel groups to end the 10-year civil war. Confrontations between government forces and the FNL intensified in late 2005 and early 2006, resulting in deterioration of the security situation in Bujumbura, Bujumbura Rural, Bubanza and Cibitoke. Rebel attacks on civilians are still occurring in these regions, including in the suburbs of Kinama and Kamenge.

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to this country. (IDW7)

The general situation in

Burundi

has started to stabilize.

Burundi

successfully concluded its political transition process in 2005 following a constitutional referendum and a series of national elections, which were conducted peacefully. The government launched an Emergency Programme in February 2006. Nevertheless, sudden outbreaks of violence are still likely to take place throughout the country. Attacks and ambushes by rebel forces occur frequently. Humanitarian workers, including foreigners, have been victims of violent incidents, including robbery and murder, by armed groups. The United Nations Operations to

Burundi

is planning to phase out its troops by December 31, 2006.

Canadians travelling to Burundi or those already there should avoid political rallies, monitor local media reports, exercise extreme caution and maintain close contact with the Consulate of Canada in Bujumbura, the High Commission of Canada in Nairobi, Kenya (see below), or Foreign Affairs Canada in Ottawa.

Periodic closure of the border between

Burundi

and the Democratic Republic of Congo can occur without notice.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to this country despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Although Burundi has lifted the national curfew that had been in place for many years, the United Nations are still requiring staff to remain in their homes between 11pm and 6 am. Canadians should follow this example as security concerns are still numerous, particularly in the capital.

No part of

Burundi

can be considered secure. Carjacking, purse snatching, pickpocketing, robbery, and theft from vehicles are common. Assaults occur against people walking or jogging alone, particularly on roads around Lake Tanganyika. Landmines have exploded in areas frequented by travellers. Please check with local authorities for the latest security information.

Banditry is common. While security has improved recently in some areas of the country, conditions can rapidly deteriorate with little or no warning. Deposit valuables, travel documents and cash in hotel safes. Avoid traveling after dark, especially in the outlying districts of Bujumbura (outside the area bordered by the rivers Muha and Ntahangwa and Boulevard du 28 novembre), as well as in northwest provinces, including Cibitoke.

There is a high risk of kidnapping near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Westerners appear to be targeted.

You should select local accommodation and transportation wisely.

There are threats to all aircraft flying in to Bujumbura airport, and crimes on the road to and from the airport are common.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Driving conditions are poor. There are few traffic signals and signs in Bujumbura. Roads are not marked and street lights are almost non-existent, which makes driving at night especially dangerous. Roads are damaged, and it is recommended that travellers carry multiple spare tires. Service stations are rare and roadside assistance is not available. You may be stopped at police roadblocks, or shot at and stopped by rebels or bandits. Travellers should respect all security procedures and cooperate with the local authorities at these roadblocks. Travel by road outside of Bujumbura should be avoided, especially on roads leading from or to Bujumbura itself. Ambushes can occur on all roads around Bujumbura. Roads are often closed when the military carry out operations against rebels.

The use of public transportation, particularly taxis, is discouraged, as drivers often operate within a criminal network. If the use of a taxi is unavoidable, a recommended taxi should be identified. Public buses (matatus) should not be used, as vehicle and road conditions are the cause of frequent serious accidents. There is no rail network in operation.

Travelling conditions have greatly improved throughout the country, yet there is still a need for strict adherence to security rules and procedures. Travel on roads is discouraged before 9 a.m. and after 4:30 p.m. Information on road security must be checked on a daily basis.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The dry season extends from mid-May to early October. The rainy season begins in February and continues through mid-May. During the rainy season, heavy downpours are not uncommon and secondary roads may become impassable. You should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Homosexuality is illegal.

You should request permission before taking photographs of military installations, government buildings and local residents.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further information at the following address:

Burundi - BUJUMBURA, Consulate of Canada
Address: 4708, Boulevard de l'UPRONA, Bujumbura, Burundi
Postal Address: P.O. Box 7112, Bujumbura, Burundi
Tel.: 257 24-58-98
Fax: 257 24-58-99
E-mail: consulat.canada@usan-bu.net

The High Commission of Canada in Nairobi, Kenya, has consular responsibility for Burundi. The address is as follows:

Kenya - NAIROBI, High Commission of Canada
Address: Limuru Road, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1013, 00621 Nairobi, Kenya
Tel.: 254 (20) 366-3000
Fax: 254 (20) 366-3900
E-mail: nrobi@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.nairobi.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Canadian High Commission in Nairobi, Kenya, and follow the instructions. You may also wish to call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with Burundian authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on April 20, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.

Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Burundi, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Burundi. The passport must be valid for the duration of the stay. Canadians must be in possession of a visa. A return or onward ticket is also required.

Canadians wishing to travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo will not be permitted into that country if their passport contains visas or entry/exit stamps from Burundi, Rwanda, or Uganda.

Although tourist visas are available upon arrival at the airport in Bujumbura, it is recommended that tourist visas be obtained before leaving Canada.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Travellers must provide proof of vaccination for yellow fever.

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Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The economy is cash-based. The currency is the Burundian franc (BIF). A counterfeit network has been discovered. Billions of counterfeit Burundian francs could be in circulation. Credit cards are not widely accepted.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Burundi (capital: Bujumbura) is a landlocked country in central Africa, bordering Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The official languages are French, Kirundi, and Swahili. Tourist facilities are very limited. Telecommunications are poor.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is following the incidence of meningitis in and around the African meningitis belt. This belt extends from Guinea to Senegal in the west to Ethiopia and western Eritrea in the east. At this time, meningitis outbreaks have been reported in Burundi. Additional information and health recommendations concerning meningitis can be obtained through the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical care, medication, and prescription drugs are extremely limited. All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should be boiled or otherwise sterilized. Bottled water is also available and can be used for those purposes. Milk is unpasteurized and should also be boiled.

As the level of HIV/AIDS infection in Burundi is high, you should be cautious about activities involving the transmission of bodily fluids.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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