Do I need an international driving license for Burundi?

Although it is not required, an international driver’s license, widely known as International Driving Permit (IDP), is highly recommended by every foreign driver who has driven within the road traffic of the country.

To get one, you only need to fill out the application form, have a valid driver’s license, prepare your passport-size photo, and input your credit card details.

Our IDP is recognized in over 165+ countries worldwide, including the following:

• Kenya
• South Africa
• Botswana
• Brazil
• Bulgaria
• Cuba
• Haiti
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Jamaica
• Laos
• Lesotho
• Madagascar
• Malaysia
• Mali
• Malta
• Namibia
• Philippines
• Rwanda
• Saudi Arabia
• Tanzania
• United Kingdom

How old do you have to be to drive in Burundi?

You have to be 18 years old to drive in Burundi. However, if you are a tourist who plans on driving the country, there will be a different set of rules on the car rentals.

If you ever get the chance to visit the nation of Burundi, make sure to grab the opportunity as the country has a lot to offer. This underrated country in the continent of Africa will not only leave you breathless but will also make you crave for more. The nation is ideal to be explored by a vehicle. This guide has listed below the best vehicle destinations you can take to make your stay in this astounding nation fun and an advantageous encounter.

Bujumbura

Bujumbura is Burundi’s capital city. Activities in this city range from historical and nature tours, culture immersion, and sightseeing tours. The place is also famous for cheap helicopter rides of the entire city. Bujumbura is also covered by many hotels, making it a perfect place to relax.

Kiganda Royal Grounds

Kiganda Royal Grounds might be short of recreational activities, but this tourist spot can provide you with a large amount of knowledge regarding Burundi’s historical significance. When you step foot in this amazing place, prepare to know about Burundi’s remarkable royal families, remarkable ancient skills, and their traditional way of ruling.

Karera Waterfalls

Often alluded to as Burundi’s Rutana province’s hidden gem, the Karera waterfalls never fail to amaze anyone who sees its beauty. Visiting this majestic spot is for those who love to seek adventure. The place is made of steep and uneven stairs, but most tourists often ignore the danger of hiking, as the waterfalls’ beauty is worthy of the hazards that go along with venturing it. To make the expedition safer, you can hire some of the locals that are present in the area to guide and protect you from your journey.

Gitega

Gitega is considered the 2nd largest city in Burundi. The National Museum is just one of the many attractions that this city has to offer. In addition, like Bujumbura, Gitega is a perfect place to relax after spending a tiring day touring the country of Burundi. The place is filled with many hotels, restaurants, and flea markets for tourists to visit. When driving around this area, make sure to bring with you your International Driver’s Permit for Burundi along with your domestic driver's license.

Nyanza-Lac

If you want to go to a country to spend a relaxing day on a beach or resort, then Nyanza-Lac is the ideal place to set food onto. The place is famous for the many luxurious hotels and resorts that many people from around the globe come to visit. The place is also known to be surrounded by beaches that will let you forget the stress that you have accumulated from working in your home country.

Ruvubu National Park

The Ruvubu National Park is a perfect spot to tickle that nature lover in you. The place is known for some of Africa’s interesting wildlife and plant species with beautiful flowers in the continent. It is because of the area’s astounding biodiversity that makes it a standout among the attractions in Burundi.

Most Important Driving Rules

When you are a tourist embarking on a journey to a foreign country, such as Burundi, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the local driving rules to avoid fines and penalties. Understanding the Burundi driving rules not only ensures your safety but also makes your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Burundi driving rules, like those in any other country, are designed to maintain order and safety on the roads. By taking the time to learn about these regulations, you can ensure a seamless driving experience during your visit to this beautiful country. So, before you hit the roads of Burundi, make sure you're well-versed with the Burundi driving rules to make your journey as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

Speed Limit in Burundi

The crucial fact that you need to know about Burundi’s speed limits is that they are normally estimated in kilometers every hour, so ensure that you don't go above it and break as far as possible unintentionally. Speed limits vary around different territories in Burundi. A speed cap of 60 km/hr is evident in built-up areas such as towns and cities; 90 km/hr in open gravel roads; and a 120 km/hr restriction is implemented on motorways and tarred roads. The fine for breaking these speed limits is following the amount you have surpassed the speed limit.

Seat Belt Laws in Burundi

Seat belt laws in the country of Burundi are extremely strict. For one, you are expected to always wear your seatbelt when operating a car in the country. This will reduce the possibility of being introduced to potential injuries if you are subjected to a traffic accident. In the event that a body condition prevents you from wearing a seatbelt, Burundian traffic enforcers expect these drivers to carry a medical consent that will prove their inability to wear one.

Stricter standards are implemented should you decide to drive with a child on Burundian roads. A child that is below the age of 13 should be protected by a comfortable and appropriate child seat. As per Burundi’s laws about seat belts, a child who weighs below 9 kg should have his head facing the back windows and be positioned in a security seat at the rear of the vehicle.

Right of Way in Burundi

In almost all African nations, the left-hand side of the road is considered the correct lane for driving. This detail is very important as it will give you an idea of what to expect about the country’s vehicles and roads. When driving across pedestrians, remember that the right of way is given to people who walk, and you are expected to slow down. When traffic lights are absent, you should really drive slowly and be careful with the presence of pedestrians and people who are crossing them.

Also, roundabouts in the country are often well-lit, at least in urban areas. When driving into these traffic circles, remember that those vehicles that are entering them are always given priority, and you should not force your way in. When you are driving in cycle tracks or asphalts in this nation, walkers and cyclists are the ones that are given the option to proceed, and you should wait for the road to clear up before you continue driving.

Legal Driving Age in Burundi

The legal driving age in the country of Burundi is 18 years old. When you reach this age, you are qualified to take their driving examinations for you to get your own Burundian driver’s license. However, car rental companies usually do not follow this age requirement. They want their clients to at least be 21 years of age before they will lend them one of their cars. Other organizations impose the requirement of being 25 years old for you to drive one of their vehicles, especially when you want to rent a luxury car.