{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1393624893,"date":"2014-02-28 23:01:33"}},"data":{"country-iso":"BI","advisory-state":2,"has-advisory-warning":1,"has-regional-advisory":1,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"","eng":{"name":"Burundi","url-slug":"burundi","friendly-date":"February 19, 2014 11:57 ","advisory-text":"AVOID NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL; see also regional advisories.","recent-updates":"A minor editorial change was made.","advisories":"
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada advises against non-essential travel to Burundi due to sudden outbreaks of violence and civil unrest.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n
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Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada advises against all travel to Bujumbura Rural province, on the outskirts of the capital city, and to Bubanza province, where banditry, small arms trafficking, and clashes between the National Liberation Forces (FNL) and the Burundian government continue to occur. A final peace agreement between the FNL and the government was signed in March 2009, but there is still a risk that the conflict will resume.<\/p>\n
Attacks on civilians by former soldiers, rebels and youth gangs are still occurring in these regions, including in the suburbs of Kinama and Kamenge.<\/p>\n
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada also advises against all travel to Cibitoke province, as border security is still a concern given the various violent clashes in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and occasional cross-border movement by armed groups.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n
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<\/p>","security":"
The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. The Government of Canada will assist you in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at your personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability is high.<\/p>\n
Regional terror groups, including those associated with al Qaeda and al-Shabaab, continue to threaten Western interests and other potential targets in Burundi. The September 21, 2013 attack on an upscale Nairobi mall illustrates the threat of attacks on civilians in East Africa. Further attacks cannot be ruled out. Be vigilant in crowded places and monitor local media.<\/p>\n
While the general situation in the country has started to stabilize as a result of peace agreements between the National Liberation Forces (FNL) rebel group and the Government of Burundi, sudden outbreaks of violence and civil unrest are still likely to take place throughout Burundi, including around FNL demobilization camps. There are large amounts of small arms and weapons in circulation, easily available to various groups. Violent attacks and ambushes by former soldiers, rebel forces, and youth gangs against humanitarian workers, including foreigners, occur frequently. These incidents include robbery and murder. The presence of refugees returning from Rwanda and Tanzania also continues to exacerbate tensions.<\/p>\n
Targeted attacks by armed men have been on the rise since the disputed national elections of 2010. On July 19, 2011, nine people were killed in the north-western province of Cibitoke in clashes between the police, military and unidentified gunmen. The previous day, three people died in attacks in the south and east of the country. On September 18, 2011, at least thirty-six people were killed and several wounded after an attack by armed assassins at a popular bar in Gatumba in the province of Bujumbara.<\/p>\n
You should avoid political rallies and demonstrations, monitor local media reports, exercise extreme caution, and maintain close contact with the Consulate of Canada in Bujumbura or the High Commission of Canada in Nairobi, Kenya.<\/p>\n
Periodic closure of the border between Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo can occur without notice.<\/p>\n
No part of Burundi can be considered secure. Muggings at gun and knife point, armed car hijackings, robbery, purse snatching and pickpocketing are common. On November 29, 2011, gunmen killed a doctor and a nun after they ambushed a psychiatric clinic in the northern district of Kiremba, in Ngozi province. A second nun was injured in the robbery and attempted kidnapping.<\/p>\n
Overland travel after dark should be avoided, 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, as armed bandits often ambush vehicles. Assaults occur against people walking or jogging alone, particularly on roads around Lake Tanganyika. Crime on the road to and from the airport in Bujumbura is also common. Government corruption is a problem in Burundi, and officials have been known to solicit bribes at official and unofficial road blocks throughout the country. Keep valuables, travel documents, and cash in hotel safes. Keep separate copies of important documents, including passports.<\/p>\n
There is a high risk of kidnapping near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Armed guerrillas operate in this area. Cross-border incursions by rebel groups from the DRC represent a risk.<\/p>\n
Travel conditions have greatly improved throughout the country over the last decade, yet there is still a need for strict adherence to security rules and procedures. Information on road security must be checked on a daily basis.<\/p>\n
There are few traffic signals and signs. 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. During the rainy season, many roads are only accessible with four-wheel-drive vehicles.<\/p>\n
Driving habits are often more erratic and reckless than in Canada.<\/p>\n
Service stations are rare and roadside assistance is not available outside the capital. In the event of an accident, leave the scene without stopping and go to the nearest police station or, if necessary, to the hospital.<\/p>\n
You should cooperate with the local authorities when stopped at roadblocks.<\/p>\n
It is recommended that road travel be undertaken in a convoy of at least two vehicles. Overland travel outside of Bujumbura should be avoided, especially on roads leading to or from the capital, where ambushes occur. Roads are often closed when the military carry out operations against rebels.<\/p>\n
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<\/em>) should not be used, as vehicle and road conditions are the cause of frequent serious accidents. There is no rail network in operation.<\/p>\n Consult our Transportation FAQ<\/a> in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.<\/p>\n Tourist facilities are very limited. You should select local accommodation and transportation wisely. Local tour operators, including those offering adventure activities, may not offer safety standards and equipment that correspond to those found in Canada. Telecommunications are poor.<\/p>\n Swimming in lakes and rivers is unsafe because of the possibility of being attacked by wildlife and the risk of catching water-borne diseases. Check with local authorities for the latest information.<\/p>","entry-exit":" It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry requirements. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with Burundian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Burundi<\/a> and its consulate<\/a> for up-to-date information.<\/p>\n Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel<\/a> page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.<\/p>\n A valid Canadian passport<\/a> is required for Canadians intending to visit Burundi. The passport must be valid for the duration of the stay. A return or onward ticket is also required.<\/p>\n Canadians going to Burundi must obtain a visa well in advance of leaving Canada at the closest Burundian diplomatic mission.<\/p>\n Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions 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.<\/p>\n Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. Please consult our Children<\/a> page for more information.<\/p>\n Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before allowing entry. Consult the World Health Organization’s country list<\/a> to obtain information on this country’s requirements.<\/p>","health":" Be sure that your routine vaccines<\/a> are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.<\/p> You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.<\/p> \n\tHepatitis A<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread by contaminated food or water. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tHepatitis B<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tSeasonal influenza<\/a> occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or through personal contact with unwashed hands. Get the flu shot.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tMeasles occurs worldwide but is a common disease in developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious disease. Be sure your vaccination against measles is up-to-date regardless of the travel destination. \n\tRabies<\/a> is a disease that attacks the central nervous system spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from a rabid animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (i.e., close contact with animals, occupational risk, and children).<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tTyphoid<\/a> is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among travellers going to rural areas, visiting friends and relatives, or with weakened immune systems. Travellers visiting regions with typhoid risk, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should consider getting vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> Yellow fever is a disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p> Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>General security information<\/h3>\n
Passport<\/h3>\n
Visas<\/h3>\n
Same-sex marriages<\/h3>\n
Children and travel<\/h3>\n
Yellow fever<\/h3>\n
Vaccines<\/summary>
Routine Vaccines<\/h3>
Vaccines to Consider<\/h3>
Hepatitis A<\/summary>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
Measles<\/summary>
\n\t <\/p>\n<\/details>Rabies<\/summary>
Typhoid<\/summary>
Yellow Fever Vaccination<\/h3>