Local Laws

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: Travelers are subject to local laws. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from those in the United States. Persons violating local laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Travelers may be taken in for questioning if stopped by the police and unable to produce their passport or for taking pictures of certain buildings. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol may lead to arrest. If you break local laws in Burundi, your U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution. The U.S. government cannot get you out of jail.

Regardless of local law, it is a crime prosecutable in the United States to:

• engage in sexual conduct with children and use or disseminate child pornography in a foreign country
• knowingly take a girl younger than 18 years old outside of the United States for the purpose of performing female genital mutilation/cutting (so-called FGM “vacation cutting”)
• buy pirated goods 

In the event of an arrest or detention, ask the police and prison officials to notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as possible.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES  

Currency: There are a few international ATMs in Burundi. However, frequent power outages and connectivity issues prevent ATMs from being a reliable source for currency. Additionally, most Burundian hotels and businesses do not accept credit cards. Some hotels in Bujumbura accept payment in U.S. dollars or Euros from non-Burundians. Burundian banking practices prohibit the acceptance of U.S. currency printed before the year 2006 (due to counterfeiting).

Photography: It is illegal to take pictures of certain sensitive buildings/installations such as airports, military installations, or other government buildings. If you see Burundian Police near an installation, seek permission before taking photographs. Ask permission from individuals before taking their photographs.

Power Shortages: At times, the power supply in Bujumbura can be a serious problem, particularly during the dry season and after nightfall.

WOMEN TRAVELER INFORMATION: If you are a woman traveling abroad, please review our tips for Women Travelers.

LGBT RIGHTS: The law criminalizes same-sex sexual acts with penalties ranging from a fine to imprisonment of three months to two years, with or without a fine. To date, however, there are no reports that anyone has been prosecuted for such activities.  See the State Department’s annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.  For further information on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) travel, please read our LGBT Travel Information page.

ACCESSIBILITY: Although local law prohibits discrimination against people with handicaps, this law is not enforced. Furthermore, there are no laws requiring access to transportation, communication, or public buildings for persons with disabilities. There are few sidewalks and no curb-cuts. Most buildings do not have functioning elevators. People living in Burundi with disabilities must rely on their families for support.