The United States Embassy in Bujumbura has announced that eligible family members of official Embassy direct hire Americans will be departing from Burundi due to the ongoing conflict along the borders between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda, and Burundi. This decision is described as a precautionary measure taken "out of an abundance of caution" while commercial flights remain available. The situation will be "continuously evaluated as the security situation evolves."
An updated Travel Advisory for Burundi is expected to be released soon, reflecting this new information. Meanwhile, U.S. government employees in Burundi are currently restricted from traveling to specific areas, including the Gatumba border crossing and Bujumbura Marie City proper east of the Ruzizi River. However, "the Embassy would like to emphasize that it has not currently made any other significant changes to its security posture at this time."
American citizens in Burundi are encouraged to register with the Embassy through the Smart Travel Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updates and messages.
For assistance, individuals can contact the U.S. Embassy Bujumbura during business hours at +257 22 20 7000 or after hours at +257 22 20 7318 / +257 66 618 026. Email inquiries can be sent to bujumburaacs@state.gov.
Further information about travel and safety in Burundi can be obtained by contacting State Department Consular Affairs at 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444. Additionally, travelers are advised to enroll in STEP for alerts and follow updates on Facebook and Twitter.