Key takeaways
Burundi's mobile networks are Lumitel, Econet Leo and the state operator Onatel. Lumitel has the widest coverage, with 4G in Bujumbura and Gitega and 3G or 2G in much of the countryside. Roamix covers Burundi with Roamix Omni, a pay as you go eSIM on Lumitel. Data in Burundi costs more than in most countries, so keep usage to maps and messages. Budget 1 to 2 GB for a week.
- Roamix Omni connects to Lumitel, Burundi's largest network, on a pay as you go balance.
- 4G covers Bujumbura and Gitega. Expect 3G or 2G in rural areas.
- Data costs more in Burundi than in most countries, so use it for messages and maps.
- Bring US dollars or euros in cash, since cards are rarely accepted.
- Check your government's travel advice, especially for border areas.
Best way to get data in Burundi
Roamix Omni is the easiest way to be connected from the moment you land in Burundi.
| Option | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Roamix Omni eSIMRecommended | Best for: Most travelers | Connected on landing, pay only for what you use. |
| Local Lumitel SIM | Best for: Long stays | Cheaper data, but needs registration with a passport. |
| Home carrier roaming | Best for: Emergencies | Usually very expensive. |
Hotels in Bujumbura usually have Wi-Fi, but it can be slow and goes down in power cuts.
How much data you need
Data costs more in Burundi, so light use is the way to go.
0.5 to 1 GB
Short work trip
Email and messaging.
1 to 2 GB
One week
Maps, messaging and some photos.
Data per hour, by activity
- WhatsApp messages for a day
- 10 to 30 MB
- Maps navigation for an hour
- 5 to 10 MB
- Sending 10 photos
- 20 to 40 MB
Turn on Low Data Mode and pause photo backups.
How to set up a Burundi eSIM
Install Roamix Omni over Wi-Fi before you leave home.
- 1
Load $10 or more on the Roamix Omni page. Your balance never expires.
- 2
Scan the QR code to install Omni over Wi-Fi before you fly.
- 3
Keep your home SIM for calls and texts, and turn off data roaming on it.
- 4
Set Omni as your mobile data line and turn on data roaming for Omni only.
- 5
Land in Burundi and Omni connects to its partner network automatically.
Works on eSIM capable phones including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy models. The phone must be carrier unlocked.
Omni sets its APN automatically. If data does not start, toggle airplane mode on and off.
If data does not connect, check data roaming is on for Omni and select Lumitel manually.
Visa and entry for Burundi
Most visitors need a visa. Many nationalities can get a visa on arrival or apply online in advance.
- Visa on arrival
- Available
- eVisa or ETA
- An online visa application is available for many nationalities.
- Passport validity
- Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from arrival.
- Onward ticket
- Proof of onward travel may be requested.
Keep your visa, yellow fever certificate and hotel booking saved offline.
Entry rules change. Check with the Burundian embassy and your government's travel advice before booking.
When you land in Burundi
0 of 5 done
How people message here
WhatsApp and regular calls are the norm.
Do you need a local number?
Not for most travelers. Omni is data only and WhatsApp covers calls.
Ask your hotel or driver for their WhatsApp number at your first contact.
Airports in Burundi
BJM
Melchior Ndadaye International Airport
Bujumbura
Limited Wi-Fi.
Omni connects on landing, so you can reach your driver before you leave the terminal.
Apps and internet access in Burundi
Most apps work normally in Burundi.
Social media has been restricted locally at times, around elections and unrest.
WhatsApp, works
The main messaging app.
Google Maps, works
Download offline maps for rural trips.
Facebook, works
Widely used by local businesses.
Getting around Burundi
Taxis and private drivers are the easiest way to travel. Roads outside cities can be slow.
Taxis and private drivers
Arrange on WhatsApp.
Minibuses
Signal drops on mountain roads.
Moto taxis
Restricted in central Bujumbura.
Agree taxi fares in advance.
Money and payments in Burundi
The Burundian franc (BIF) is the currency. US dollars and euros are widely exchanged.
- Cards and cash
- Cash only in most places. Cards work in a few large hotels.
- ATMs
- Few ATMs accept foreign cards. Bring cash.
- Payment apps
- Mobile money such as Lumicash is used locally.
- Tipping
- Small tips are appreciated in restaurants and for drivers.
Daily budget
About 50 to 100 US dollars a day.
Local tips for Burundi
- Language
- Kirundi and French are spoken everywhere. English is less common.
- Food
- Grilled fish from Lake Tanganyika, brochettes, beans and plantains.
- Plugs
- 220V, Type C and E plugs
Apps worth having
WhatsApp
Messaging
How most people communicate.
Google Maps offline
Navigation
Works without signal.
Safety and health in Burundi
Check your government's travel advice before visiting. Some advise against travel to border areas. Emergency services are limited, and 112 may go unanswered outside Bujumbura.
- Stay reachable
- Share your plans with someone you trust, since signal can be patchy.
- Health
- Yellow fever vaccination is required. Malaria is present, so take precautions.
- Tap water
- Drink bottled or treated water.
Networks and coverage in Burundi
Burundi has three mobile networks. Lumitel, run by Viettel, has the largest coverage and the most 4G. Econet Leo and Onatel cover the main towns. Roamix Omni connects to Lumitel.
Lumitel (Viettel Burundi)
The widest coverage and most 4G. Omni's network.
Econet Leo
Coverage in towns and along main roads. Not used by Omni.
Onatel
The state operator, mainly in cities. Not used by Omni.
- Typical speeds
- Expect 5 to 25 Mbps on 4G in Bujumbura and Gitega, and much slower speeds on 3G or 2G elsewhere.
- 5G
- 5G is not available in Burundi.
Download offline maps of Bujumbura and your route before leaving the city.
Rural and mountain areas can have 2G only or no signal. Power cuts can affect sites. Burundian networks use standard GSM, 3G and LTE bands supported by modern unlocked phones.
Where to go in Burundi
Burundi is a small, green country of hills, tea plantations and the shores of Lake Tanganyika, seen by few travelers.
Best time to visit
June to August and December to January, the drier seasons.
Bujumbura
The largest city, on the shore of Lake Tanganyika.
- Saga Beach
- Livingstone Stanley Monument
- Central Market
The best 4G in the country.
Gitega
The political capital, home to the National Museum.
- National Museum
- Royal drummers of Gishora
4G in the center.
Kibira and Rusizi
Rainforest with chimpanzees, and a delta with hippos close to the city.
- Kibira National Park
- Rusizi National Park
Little or no signal in the parks.
Working remotely from Burundi
Limited outside Bujumbura.
- Connection
- 4G in Bujumbura handles email and light calls.
Use hotel Wi-Fi for long calls and Omni as a backup.
