Burundi concerns

Burundi held general elections in 2010. Political tensions ran high. Low-level political violence persists, particularly in the areas of Bujumbura Rural, Makamba, Rumonge and near the Kibira forest.

The terrorist organization al-Shabaab, based in Somalia, has threatened to conduct attacks in Burundi. However, crime, often committed by groups of armed bandits or street children, poses the highest risk for visitors. Exchanges of gunfire and grenade attacks are common, even in urban areas. Visitors should stay in a ground-floor interior room if gunfire or explosions occur nearby.

The US Embassy prohibits its personnel from walking on the streets after dark and from using local public transportation at any time. Visitors should keep vehicle doors locked and windows up.