RUTANA, April 21 (ABP) – Burundian citizens traveling to neighboring countries that are members of the East African Community (EAC) are urged to always carry valid travel documents, particularly a laissez-passer, in order to avoid problems such as arrest or detention for failure to comply with existing laws.
This appeal was made by Rémy Barampama, in charge of Burundi’s integration into the EAC at the ministry of foreign affairs, regional integration and development cooperation. He was speaking during a workshop held from April 17 to 18, 2026, in the headquarters of Rutana commune.
On this occasion, he reminded participants of the agreements and rules governing this regional space, urging them to strictly respect them. He pointed out that some Burundians travel to EAC countries thinking that membership in this community allows them to enter freely without the required documents. This misunderstanding is the cause of several cases of arrest observed in these countries.
Mr. Barampama specified that even though some states such as Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda allow entry with biometric identity cards, this measure is not yet generalized.
In countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania, Burundian travelers must imperatively carry a laissez-passer or a passport.
He finally invited travelers to properly inform themselves before any trip in order to facilitate free movement in compliance with the law and to strengthen relations between Burundi and other countries in the region.