Burundi is a small country blessed with magnificent landscapes, beautiful lakes, and wonderful people with a unique culture. Yet, these amazing qualities are overruled by an explosive and deadly political situation. That has made the charms of this country practically inaccessible.

The country has been engulfed in years of civil unrest that has made it unsafe for anyone to visit. All this means that until the situation in the country improves drastically, the gifts of this country will remain unexplored by the rest of the world.

If you’re planning to visit Burundi, the verdict is, shelve that visit for now. Here are a few things to know about the country ahead of any visit in the future.

Security Challenges

The country is beset with a lot of security challenges. The most significant threat to security is posed by the Burundian rebels, Forces Nationales de la Liberation (FNL), which launches regular attacks against the government and civilians. Then there are bandits and armed robbers to deal with, and these seem to have a preference for visitors.

That’s why you need to be extremely cautious in this country. Traveling after dark discourages, and curfew laws respected. You should maintain a high level of vigilance at all times.

The country is very poor, so the value of their currency is low and things are relatively cheap there. So, don’t go with a lot of money. Revealing large sums of money in public is practically asking for trouble.

Health Situation

Yellow fever and Hepatitis A and B are common in the country, so ensure that you vaccinate against them before you step foot into the country. There’s also a high prevalence of HIV in Burundi, which means that unprotected sex should be avoided.

Don’t drink unboiled water, and avoid eating food from kiosks, especially food that is not hot, to avoid getting sick. You’d also need to protect yourself against malaria by wearing clothes that cover every inch of your skin, using mosquito nets, and using repellents.

Visa Requirements

People from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda can gain entry into Burundi without a visa, but people from all other countries will need a visa to get Into the country.

To get a visa, you will need to apply in person at any Burundi embassy, as the country does not offer online visas. Visas also procured on arrival in the country, but this comes with a lot of issues. You’ll also need a valid passport, along with proof of vaccination against yellow fever.

People and Culture

One thing that instantly stands out about Burundians is their commitment to maintaining their rich culture.  The two dominant ethnic groups in the country are the Hutu and Tutsi, although there are several other tribes within the country.

Burundians attach a lot of significance to respect. Respect for elders is a norm. But Burundians pay respect to people of the same age and even to younger ones.  Just as it is in most African societies, the greeting is also important. Burundi and people will generally appreciate it when you ask about their wellbeing and the wellbeing of members of their family.