Goma & Rusizi I Border Crossing

Important Note: An Extremely Volatile and High-Risk Border

The border between Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is located at the heart of one of the most complex and violent conflict zones in the world. The city of Bukavu in the DRC’s South Kivu province is a major flashpoint in the long-running conflict in the eastern Congo. The border is subject to frequent and abrupt closures due to fighting or political tensions. This guide is for informational purposes about this major crossing. Travel to this region is extremely dangerous and requires a high degree of risk acceptance and professional security arrangements. Most foreign governments advise against all non-essential travel to eastern DRC and the border regions of Burundi.

The Rusizi I Crossing: The Gateway to South Kivu

The border crossing that connects the Burundian town of Rusizi with the sprawling Congolese city of Bukavu is the most important and busiest gateway between the two nations. It is known as the “Rusizi I” bridge. This is not a quiet frontier; it is an intense, urban crossing, a place where the relative, fragile stability of Burundi meets the vibrant, chaotic, and perpetually insecure energy of the eastern Congo. The crossing is located right at the point where Lake Kivu empties into the Rusizi River. The atmosphere is a unique mix of a major commercial hub, a humanitarian corridor, and a high-security military checkpoint. For the very few travelers who use it, this is the primary entry point for exploring the South Kivu province of the DRC, including the magnificent Kahuzi-Biega National Park, home to the eastern lowland gorillas. It is a border that feels like a true frontline, a passage into a beautiful but deeply troubled land.

Before Crossing

Crossing borders gets messy sometimes, think political flare-ups or gates shutting fast. Good travel insurance is a must for handling doctor visits, trip disruptions, or security scares. Don’t get caught unprepared. To find a policy that’s got your back, check out reliable plans today for peace of mind.

A History on a Geopolitical Fault Line

The history of this border is the history of the crises that have engulfed the Great Lakes region. The border is a colonial legacy, separating Belgian-ruled Ruanda-Urundi from the Belgian Congo. Its modern history was forged during and after the Rwandan genocide and the subsequent Congo Wars. The South Kivu province, and its capital Bukavu, became a major destination for Hutu refugees from both Rwanda and Burundi. The refugee camps became militarized and were a major source of the instability that has plagued the region ever since. The Rusizi Plain has been a major corridor for countless rebel groups and armies. The Rusizi I bridge has been a critical strategic asset, a chokepoint for controlling movement between the two countries. It is also a vital economic lifeline for Bukavu, which is largely supplied with goods from Burundi and the port of Dar es Salaam. The crossing is a powerful symbol of the deep, violent, and inextricably linked destinies of the nations of the Great Lakes.

The Border Crossing Procedure: A Formal and Intense Process

The border is open during daylight hours. The process is formal and can be slow and intimidating. You must have all your documents in perfect order.

Exiting Burundi: The Burundian immigration post is a functional building on the edge of the town of Rusizi. You will present your passport and get your exit stamp. The process is professional but can be slow.

The No-Man’s-Land: You will then walk a few hundred meters through a chaotic no-man’s-land, crowded with money changers and porters, to the Congolese side.

Entering DR Congo (Bukavu): The Congolese immigration (DGM) building is a more chaotic affair. This is the critical step. You must have a pre-arranged Congolese visa. For tourists visiting Kahuzi-Biega National Park, the most common and recommended way is to book a gorilla trek package directly with the park. The park will then arrange a special tourist visa, which you will pick up at the border. You cannot get a visa on arrival without this pre-arrangement. You will present your passport, your visa confirmation from the park, and your yellow fever vaccination certificate. The officials will process your entry. The process can be slow and may involve checks by multiple officials. It is essential to have your tour operator’s contact details on hand.

Route, Onward Travel, and Kahuzi-Biega National Park

This is an urban crossing. On the Burundian side, the road connects to the former capital, Bujumbura. On the Congolese side, the border post is right in the city of Bukavu. The main reason for tourists to use this crossing is to visit the Kahuzi-Biega National Park. The park’s tourist activities are highly organized. Typically, you will be met at the border by the park’s official transport or your tour operator, who will take you in a secure vehicle to your lodge or to the start of your trek. Independent travel in and around Bukavu is not recommended. The city is the base for the massive UN peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO) and numerous NGOs, but the security situation is very volatile, with a high risk of crime and kidnapping. All tourist travel should be done under the direct supervision of the national park authorities or a reputable tour operator, who have their own dedicated security arrangements.

Final Planning Advice for the South Kivu Gateway

The Rusizi I crossing is a gateway to one of the most incredible wildlife experiences on the planet: trekking with eastern lowland gorillas. However, it is also an entry point into a very serious and unstable conflict zone. The key to a successful and safe journey is to book everything in advance with the official Kahuzi-Biega National Park authorities or a very reputable tour operator. They are the only ones who can secure your visa and provide the necessary security for your trip. Do not attempt to travel independently. Be prepared for a border process that is intense and for a security environment that is very serious. This is a journey for the seasoned, responsible, and well-informed adventurer. The rewards are immense—the sight of a giant silverback gorilla is a life-changing experience—but the risks are very real and must be taken with the utmost seriousness.