Burundi Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Burundi
Burundi recorded 5.7 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2016, a rate that is moderate by global standards. That places Burundi #64 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Africa average of 7.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have risen 14% over the past decade (from 5.0 in 2012). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Burundi at Level 3 of 4: Reconsider Travel.
Homicide Rate
5.7 /100k
Safety Rank
#132 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 3 of 4
Data Year
2016
Homicide Rate Trend (2012-2016)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have risen 14% over the past decade (from 5.0 in 2012). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Burundi Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Burundi, the homicide rate for men is 4.2× higher than the rate for women — 9.2 vs 2.2 per 100,000 (2016).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Armed Conflict Context
Burundi has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
19(2024)
Military Spending
3.8% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Burundi:
Updated to reflect the end of ordered departure of eligible family members and authorized departure for non-emergency employees and updates to U.S. government employee movement restrictions. Reconsider travel to Burundi due to political violence, crime, and health . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel to : The former Central Market located on Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore in Bujumbura due to the risk of violent crime . Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces and Kibira National Park due to potential armed violence .
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Burundi
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated June 27, 2023).
Searches
Security forces routinely search vehicles and homes, including those of foreigners and U.S. citizens. Residential searches are routine and generally occur between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.; police must present identification and a warrant. Report improper searches to the U.S. Embassy.
Roadblocks
Police maintain checkpoints throughout the country. Travelers have reported harassment, bribe solicitations, intimidation, and (though rare) physical violence, especially during heightened security situations. If stopped: Be compliant, calm, and courteous. Identify yourself as a U.S. citizen. Remain in your vehicle. Provide copies of identification documents if requested and attempt to keep originals. It is common practice for police to retain personal or vehicle identification documents in return for a ticket to ensure payment. Documents are returned following payment of the fine at Emmaus Pathway on Blvd Mwanbutsa or at other approved locations. Do not drive away until instructed to do so. Report harassment to the U.S. Embassy.
Crime
Crimes of opportunity (mainly for financial gain) are the most reported incidents of crime against U.S. citizens in Burundi. In recent years, there have been two incidents of violent crime against U.S. citizens. Most criminal incidents involve theft, burglary, and robbery. Petty crime may be more likely in public places. Criminal elements do not typically single out U.S. citizens, but may view them as targets of opportunity based on perceived affluence or vulnerability. U.S. citizens should take these precautions: Keep doors and windows closed and locked (at home and in vehicles). If threatened, particularly by an armed assailant, do not refuse or resist—your life is worth more than your belongings. Prior to your departure, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. Avoid being out alone late at night.
Demonstrations
occur occasionally. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
Precautions
Carry original and color photocopies of your U.S. passport and visa at all times. Avoid large public gatherings. Even events intended to be peaceful can turn violent. Be vigilant against petty crime. Monitor news and consular alerts .
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police by dialing 117 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +257 22 20 70 00. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Help you find appropriate medical care; Assist you in reporting a crime to the police; Contact relatives or friends with your written consent; Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion; Provide a list of local attorneys; Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place. Tourists participate in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is not always available in-country. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Burundi Population & Demographics
Population of 14,047,786, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burundi safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Burundi at Level 3 of 4 (Reconsider Travel). The homicide rate of 5.7 per 100,000 is moderate by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Burundi?
Burundi has an intentional homicide rate of 5.7 per 100,000 people (2016, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #64 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Burundi?
Burundi is currently at Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Burundi compare to other countries?
Burundi's homicide rate of 5.7 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and below the Africa average of 7.6.