Considerable bottlenecks in medical care are to be expected nationwide, since Burundi is one of the countries in the East African region with extremely inadequate medical care. Adequate equipment in the first-aid kit (observe customs regulations, accompanying certificate advisable) and international health insurance with coverage of the rescue flight risk for emergencies are urgently recommended. Check indexdotcom for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required for all travelers. Burundi is considered a country with yellow fever infection areas. Therefore, regardless of country regulations, the WHO strongly recommends vaccination. [2] A certificate of vaccination against cholera is normally not an entry requirement. There is a risk of infection, especially in the provinces of Bubamza, Bujumbura, Bururi and Citiboke. However, the risk of infection for tourists is relatively low. To be on the safe side, one should practice careful drinking water and food hygiene. Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is advisable to seek medical advice in good time before you travel. [3] High risk of malaria throughout the year nationwide. The predominant more dangerous form Plasmodium falciparum (85%) is said to be resistant to chloroquine. Recommendation: Mosquito repellent and prevention through medication. [4] Nationwide there is an increased risk of infection for various infectious diseases (e.g. hepatitis A, typhus, bacterial dysentery, amoebic dysentery, lambliasis, worm diseases), which are transmitted through contaminated food or drinks. Water should generally either be boiled or otherwise sterilized before it is used for drinking, brushing teeth and making ice cubes, or it should be bought packaged. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Milk is not pasteurized, so boil it too. It is best to avoid dairy products made from unboiled milk. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Pork, raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled. Warnings are given against eating and buying food from cheap street restaurants and markets.
Other risks
Schistosomiasis pathogens are found in ponds and rivers nationwide, so swimming and wading in inland waterways should be avoided. Well maintained swimming pools with chlorinated water are safe. Filariasis caused by insects also occurs nationwide. Travelers reduce the risk of transmission if they use an effective insect repellent. Typhus also occurs nationwide. The fever is caused by clothes lice. To protect yourself, you should practice regular body and clothing hygiene. Vaccination should only be considered in rare cases. Nationwide there is an increased risk of infection with hepatitis A. Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended. Hepatitis B is highly endemic. In the case of long-term stays and in the case of children and young people, vaccination against hepatitis B should also be carried out. HIV/AIDS is widespread and a great danger for everyone who takes the risk of infection: unprotected sexual contact, unclean syringes or needles and blood transfusions can pose a significant health risk. Epidemic outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis do occur. To protect yourself, you should get vaccinated and avoid large crowds. There is a low risk of transmission of sleeping sickness, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. rabies occurs. Carriers include dogs, cats, bats and other animals. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tick bite fever also occurs nationwide.
Money
Currency
1 Burundi franc = 100 centimes. Currency code: BuFr, BIF (ISO code). Banknotes are in denominations of 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10 BuFr; Coins in denominations of 5 and 1 BuFr.
Credit cards
Common credit cards are rarely accepted in Burundi (ask when booking). Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card.
ATMs
Bank Cards Withdrawing money by credit card (Visa and Mastercard) in banks in Bujumbura. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used at ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol in Bujumbura. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Traveller’s checks are generally not accepted in Burundi.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 08.00-12.00 and sometimes also 14.00-17.30.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import and export of the national currency is limited to 2,000 BuFr. Unlimited import and export of foreign currencies.
Currency Exchange
Foreign currency can be exchanged at the airport, banks in Bujumbura and major hotels.
