What Vaccines Does Burundi Require for Norwegians in 2026?

Quick answer: Burundi requires all arriving travellers aged 9 months or older to show proof of yellow fever vaccination, including Norwegian citizens travelling directly from Norway. The certificate is recorded in the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), commonly called the yellow card.

For health protection, travel-health guidance recommends checking routine vaccinations and considering hepatitis A, typhoid and other itinerary-dependent vaccines. Malaria risk exists throughout Burundi all year, so Norwegian travellers should obtain individual advice about preventive medication and mosquito-bite protection before departure.

Verification note: Last checked August 2026 — always confirm with official sources before travelling.

This guide covers vaccination and health rules for Norwegian citizens and travellers departing from Norway. Vaccination requirements are separate from immigration rules. For entry-permission information, see the Burundi visa guide for Norwegian citizens in 2026.

Burundi vaccination requirements for Norwegian travellers

Health measure	Required or recommended?	What Norwegian travellers should know
Yellow fever	Required for arriving travellers aged 9 months or older	Carry the ICVP, or ask a qualified clinician about the official medical-waiver process if vaccination is unsuitable.
Routine vaccinations	Recommended	Be up to date before international travel; CDC specifically recommends full measles vaccination for international travellers.
Hepatitis A	Recommended for unvaccinated travellers aged 1 year or older	Infants aged 6–11 months should also receive a dose when indicated; that dose does not count toward the routine two-dose series.
Typhoid	Recommended for most travellers	It is particularly relevant for travellers visiting smaller cities, rural areas or friends and relatives.
Malaria prevention	Individual medical assessment recommended	Risk is present throughout Burundi throughout the year, predominantly from Plasmodium falciparum.

Yellow fever certificate rules for Burundi

Burundi’s entry requirement is unusually broad: proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for all arriving travellers aged 9 months or older. The CDC’s Burundi destination guidance states that the rule applies to all arriving travellers, rather than only people arriving from a yellow-fever-risk country.

Norwegian nationality does not remove this requirement. A direct itinerary from Norway should therefore be planned on the basis that every traveller in the relevant age group needs an acceptable certificate. The WHO country list also records Burundi’s requirement as proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers aged 9 months or older.

What document should you carry?

The accepted document is the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, or ICVP. It is often referred to as the WHO yellow card. CDC guidance explains that travellers can meet a yellow fever entry requirement by presenting an ICVP with evidence of vaccination or an indication of a medical waiver.

Since 2016, a completed ICVP is considered valid for the life of the vaccinated person under the International Health Regulations; a routine yellow fever booster cannot be required as a condition of entry solely because the certificate is old. Keep the original certificate with your passport and other travel documents, and check that your personal details are recorded correctly before leaving Norway.

When should you get the yellow fever vaccine?

Travel-health providers commonly advise receiving the vaccine at least 10 days before travel because the certificate becomes valid after that period. Do not leave the appointment until the last minute: a clinician may need to assess your medical history, and a certificate that is not yet valid may not satisfy the entry rule.

People with certain medical conditions, immune-system problems, severe allergies to vaccine components, pregnancy or other risk factors need an individual assessment before vaccination. CDC guidance recognises a medical waiver as an alternative form of evidence where appropriate, but a waiver does not guarantee that every border or airline procedure will accept it without questions.

Transit can affect your practical document check. CDC advises considering the full itinerary, including transfers where a traveller may pass through immigration or leave the airport during a long layover. Check every connection with the airline and official Burundi diplomatic or consular sources before departure; the supplied official guidance does not establish one universal transit-hour threshold for every routing.

Recommended vaccinations and timing

Routine vaccinations

Start with your routine Norwegian vaccination record. CDC recommends that international travellers be fully vaccinated against measles before travelling, because measles cases are increasing globally and infection spreads readily among people who are not fully immunised. Ask a clinician to review the vaccines relevant to your age, health history and itinerary rather than assuming that a childhood schedule is complete.

Routine protection is distinct from Burundi’s yellow fever entry rule. A traveller can be up to date with routine vaccines and still be refused entry or delayed if they cannot show the required yellow fever certificate for their age group.

Hepatitis A

CDC recommends hepatitis A vaccination for unvaccinated travellers aged 1 year or older going to Burundi. Infants aged 6–11 months should also receive a hepatitis A dose when advised; that early dose does not count as part of the usual two-dose series.

Hepatitis A is particularly relevant because infection can spread through contaminated food or water. A healthcare professional can advise on the appropriate schedule for your departure date, age and medical circumstances.

Typhoid

Typhoid vaccination is recommended for most travellers to Burundi, especially people staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities and rural areas. Discuss it early if your safari includes remote camps, rural communities or extended travel away from established accommodation.

Other vaccines to discuss

The right additional vaccines depend on the activities, accommodation, duration and contact risks of your trip. A remote wildlife itinerary differs from a short urban stay, so a travel-health consultation should consider your plans rather than apply one list to every Norwegian visitor.

For comparison, SafariFind also publishes guidance on yellow fever and other Burundi vaccines for Swedish travellers. The country-level health risks may be similar, but your own medical history and route remain decisive.

Malaria in Burundi: risk, medication and prevention

WHO information identifies malaria risk throughout Burundi throughout the year, predominantly from Plasmodium falciparum. This means malaria precautions are relevant whether your trip is centred on Bujumbura, a safari area or rural accommodation; the supplied official country information does not identify a malaria-free region for travellers.

Ask a travel-health clinician whether prescription chemoprophylaxis is suitable for you. The choice can depend on your itinerary, trip duration, pregnancy status, age, existing conditions, allergies and other medicines. Options referenced in the supplied travel-health research include atovaquone, doxycycline, mefloquine and tafenoquine, but only a clinician can determine which option is appropriate.

Tafenoquine requires quantitative G6PD testing because it can cause potentially life-threatening haemolysis in people with G6PD deficiency. Do not begin, change or stop malaria medication without professional advice.

Mosquito-bite protection

• Use an insect repellent recommended by your clinician and follow the product instructions.
• Wear clothing that reduces exposed skin, particularly when mosquito exposure is likely.
• Choose screened accommodation and use a mosquito net where appropriate.
• Take prescribed prophylaxis exactly as directed, including any instructions for before and after the trip.
• Seek prompt medical care for a fever during the trip or after returning, and tell the clinician that you have been in a malaria-risk area.

Malaria prevention is not a substitute for medical attention. Fever after Burundi travel should be assessed urgently because malaria can remain a concern after returning home.

Health documents and travel insurance

Carry your ICVP yellow fever certificate in your hand luggage rather than packing it in checked baggage. Also keep a written list of prescription medicines, medical conditions, allergies and emergency contacts. The ICVP requirement is an entry rule, while vaccination recommendations and malaria advice are health-protection measures.

Medical services in Burundi fall well below U.S. standards, and the U.S. Department of State strongly recommends medical-evacuation insurance valid for travel to Burundi. Norwegian travellers should read the policy wording carefully, including exclusions, payment arrangements, security-related exclusions and whether evacuation from the actual safari region is covered.

Canada’s travel advisory lists Burundi as “avoid non-essential travel” as of July 2026. This is a safety advisory rather than a vaccination rule, but it is relevant when reviewing whether your insurance remains valid and whether your itinerary is appropriate.

If you are comparing safari packages on SafariFind, check what emergency support, transport and insurance are included before booking; do not assume that a package replaces personal medical-evacuation cover.

Medication rules and what to pack

Take enough regular medication for the full trip, and keep it in its original packaging with your prescription. The supplied Burundi travel information advises checking with the relevant authorities that prescription medicines are legal to bring into the country.

• Original medication packaging and a copy of your prescription.
• Your ICVP yellow fever certificate.
• Repellent and clothing that limits exposed skin.
• Any clinician-recommended malaria medicine, stored and taken as directed.
• A basic supply of personal health items, because medical services may be limited.
• Travel-insurance and medical-evacuation details that can be accessed offline.

Do not share prescription medicines or rely on buying a specific product after arrival. A clinician or pharmacist can advise on safe quantities, storage and documentation for your medicines before you leave Norway.

Health facilities and emergencies in Burundi

Medical facilities in Burundi may not provide the level of care Norwegian travellers expect at home. The U.S. Department of State recommends medical-evacuation insurance because medical services fall well below U.S. standards. Remote safari locations can add travel time before assessment or evacuation, so discuss the itinerary with your insurer and tour operator before departure.

Before travelling, save your insurer’s emergency assistance number, your accommodation contacts and the details of your local safari operator. If you develop a fever, serious diarrhoea, breathing difficulty, severe allergic symptoms or another urgent condition, seek medical help immediately and tell the provider about your travel history, medicines and vaccinations.

There is no single vaccine list that suits every Norwegian traveller. Book a travel-health appointment well before departure, take your itinerary and vaccination record, and confirm the latest Burundi entry position with official sources and your airline shortly before flying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Norwegian citizens need a yellow fever certificate for Burundi?

Yes. Burundi requires all arriving travellers aged 9 months or older to show proof of yellow fever vaccination, including Norwegian citizens travelling directly from Norway.

Is the yellow fever vaccine required if I fly directly from Norway?

Yes. The CDC states that Burundi requires yellow fever vaccination for all arriving travellers aged 9 months or older, so a direct flight from Norway does not remove the requirement.

How long is a Burundi yellow fever certificate valid?

A completed ICVP is valid for the life of the vaccinated person under the International Health Regulations. Since 2016, countries cannot require a routine yellow fever booster as a condition of entry solely because the certificate is old.

How many days before travel should I get the yellow fever vaccine?

Travel-health providers commonly advise receiving it at least 10 days before travel because the certificate becomes valid after that period. Confirm the timing with a qualified travel-health clinician.

What vaccines are recommended for a trip from Norway to Burundi?

CDC recommends hepatitis A for unvaccinated travellers aged 1 year or older and typhoid for most travellers, especially those visiting rural areas or smaller cities. Review routine vaccinations, including measles protection, with a clinician.

Do I need malaria tablets for Burundi?

You should obtain individual medical advice about malaria prevention because malaria risk exists throughout Burundi all year, predominantly from Plasmodium falciparum. A clinician will choose any preventive medicine based on your health, itinerary and other factors.

Does a long transit route change the Burundi yellow fever requirement?

Your itinerary should be checked carefully, including transfers where you might pass immigration or leave an airport during a long layover. The supplied official guidance does not provide one universal transit-hour threshold for every route, so confirm the rules with the airline and official Burundi sources.

Do Norwegian travellers need travel insurance for Burundi?

Travel insurance with medical-evacuation cover is strongly recommended. Medical services in Burundi fall well below U.S. standards, and the U.S. Department of State specifically recommends evacuation insurance valid for travel to Burundi.

What should I do if I develop a fever after returning from Burundi?

Seek prompt medical care and tell the clinician that you have travelled in a malaria-risk area. Malaria can remain a concern after travel to Burundi, even after returning home.

Can I use a medical waiver instead of the yellow fever vaccine?

CDC guidance recognises an ICVP showing a medical waiver as evidence where vaccination is medically unsuitable. Ask a qualified clinician about the correct official documentation, and confirm acceptance with the airline and Burundi authorities before travel.