The rising security threats in Burundi have prompted nationwide travel warnings from both the United States and Canada which advise their citizens to use extra caution or reevaluate Burundi travel plans.
The U.S. Department of State warns people to avoid visiting Burundi because military conflict and political violence along with crime affect the country at Level 3.
The advisory specifically mentions elevated border conflicts between Burundi and its neighbouring countries Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. U.S. government officials who do not perform emergency duties received authorization to leave Burundi for safety reasons.
The advisory warns about excessive violent crimes such as assaults carjackings home invasions grenade attacks and armed robberies occurring with scarce police support.
The Government of Canada has released updated travel recommendations which prohibit all travel to various areas of Burundi because of the increasing security tensions.
Attention from the advisory extends to Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces together with areas west of and including the RN5 highway in Bujumbura Rural except for Rusizi National Park and Rusizi Delta Nature Reserve where travel limitations are in place for non-essential purposes.
Travellers need to be careful at Bujumbura Mairie since this region remains under a non-essential travel advisory.
Political unrest along with rising violence compel these travel advisories which affect areas located close to both DRC and Rwanda. Before travelling to Burundi travellers must stay up to date on official government announcements and evaluate all safety risks carefully.
