Increased armed violence has been reported in the tri-border area where Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Burundi meet, specifically near Kamanyola in the DRC. The U.S. Embassy in Burundi issued a security alert on December 5, 2025, advising U.S. citizens to avoid travel to this region due to ongoing machine gunfire and artillery shelling around Kamanyola.
According to the embassy, "There are currently no reports of violence on the Burundian side of the border, but there are reports of machine gunfire and artillery shelling around Kamanyola. U.S. citizens should avoid travel to this area."
The embassy recommended several precautionary measures for those in or near affected areas. These include reviewing personal security plans, ensuring adequate food and water supplies at home, packing essential items such as clothing, medications, and travel documents in an easily accessible bag, monitoring local media for updates, avoiding large crowds, remaining aware of surroundings, carrying proper identification at all times, keeping cell phones charged for emergencies, maintaining a low profile, and having a contingency plan by reviewing resources like the Traveler’s Checklist.
U.S. citizens seeking assistance can contact the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura during business hours at +257 22 20 7000 or after hours at +257 22 20 7318 / +257 66 618 026. Inquiries can also be sent via email to bujumburaacs@state.gov.
Further information about traveling in Burundi is available through official State Department resources and travelers are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time alerts.