The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer travel to Burundi due to the uncertain security situation within Burundi and the surrounding Great Lakes Region. Burundi has been involved in a civil war since 1993.
Fighting can be intense and has increasingly involved attacks on the capital, Bujumbura.
On November 23, a hand grenade was thrown into the central market in downtown Bujumbura, killing five and injuring 14 others. Extremist groups are active throughout the Great Lakes Region, and some have committed or threatened violence against U.S. citizens and interests. The U.S. Embassy operates with a reduced staff and restricts U.S. Government personnel from traveling outside Bujumbura, the capital, due to unpredictable incidents of violence throughout Burundi. U.S. Government personnel may only travel to areas in Bujumbura deemed safe by the U.S. Regional Security Officer. In addition, family members are prohibited from accompanying U.S. Government employees assigned to Burundi.