Burundi’s health ministry last week announced the government’s move to waive the mandatory Covid-19 testing for travelers entering the country from all borders.
“The COVID-19 test is no longer required for travelers entering Burundi via the various entry points…for outgoing travelers, the negative PCR test is only required for those who go to countries that require it before accessing their territory,” a statement reads from the country’s ministry of health.
Burundi was among the few East African countries obliging travelers to test before entering the country.
At Melchior Ndadaye international airport Burundian nationals used to pay 60,000 bif an equivalent to $30 while non Burundians had to pay $50.
Travelers using border lands paid 15,000 bif which is approximately $8.
“This is really a good move and we are sure it will help small business people like us to travel more without having to spend more,” said Ezechiel Nimubona a business man in Bujumbura.
“Note that community screening for COVID-19, disease surveillance and compliance with barrier measures remain in force throughout the country,” a statement reads from the ministry of health.
Burundi had launched a campaign in mid 2020 of a free mass testing for Covid-19 country wide, part of the efforts to curb the spread of the disease.
In Burundi from 3 January 2020 to 6 January 2023, there have been 52,162 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 15 deaths, reported to WHO. As of 18 December 2022, a total of 30,480 vaccine doses have been administered.