Embassy of Burundi in Kigali, Rwanda; address Bld de l'Umuganda, Kigali; phone +250252587940. Head of mission: Mr. Sylvain Nzohabonayo.
Head of mission: Mr. Sylvain Nzohabonayo, Chargé d'Affaires (confirmed in the diplomatic list of Rwanda, 20 Nov 2024)
Burundi offers an appealing experience for visitors from Rwanda, showcasing its natural beauty and cultural richness, though on a smaller scale. Despite its tourism sector being a minor part of overall exports, there is potential for growth due to its unique cultural assets and strategic location. It may attract a segment of Rwanda's 14 million residents.
Burundi's safety for tourists, particularly those coming from Rwanda, is a concern based on various safety indices. According to the Global Peace Index, Burundi ranks 127th out of 160 countries, indicating a lower safety level compared to Rwanda, which ranks 90th. In terms of crime statistics, the murder rate in Burundi is 6.1 per 100,000 people, which is significantly higher than Rwanda's rate of 3.6. Additionally, Burundi has a higher incidence of female murders at 2.3 per 100,000, while Rwanda does not have available data for this category. The Global Organized Crime Index also highlights differences in crime dynamics. Both countries are rated equally for mafia groups (1.0), but Burundi scores worse in several areas, including state crime (9.0 compared to Rwanda's 5.0) and human trafficking (8.5 versus Rwanda's 5.0). Overall, while both countries have challenges with crime, Rwanda is generally considered safer for tourists compared to Burundi. Travelers should exercise caution and stay informed about local conditions.