Burundi:Visa Requirements

BurundiLearn the visa requirements for this country. Last check:Last update:

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Burundi Visa Requirements Map

Burundi: Visa Requirements

Visa requirements may change. Always verify the latest information through official government sources.

Visa-Free Entry Requirements

  • The traveller benefiting from the visa exemption must carry the type of passport or travel document covered by the exemption agreement. Which of the diplomatic, service or ordinary passports the exemption applies to varies according to the relevant agreement.
  • The travel document must be valid at the time of entry into Burundi. A single minimum passport validity period applicable to all travellers entering visa-free has not been definitively specified in the central official source. Some official diplomatic missions require at least six months of passport validity for visa-exempt travellers within their jurisdiction.
  • The maximum duration of visa-free stay may vary depending on the bilateral or regional agreement on which the exemption is based and the type of passport used. A single maximum stay period applicable to all visa exemptions has not been definitively specified in the central official source.
  • The number of blank pages required in the passport, the requirement for a machine-readable or biometric passport, and the conditions for acceptance of damaged passports have not been definitively specified in the central official source.
  • A central document checklist applicable to all visa-free travellers regarding round-trip ticket, accommodation proof, bank statement, minimum financial sufficiency amount, employment document and travel health insurance has not been published.
  • Visa exemption only provides the right to enter and stay temporarily. It should not be considered to grant the right to paid employment, education or long-term residence. Travellers for these purposes must separately obtain the relevant immigration permit.
  • A central checklist applicable to all travellers regarding birth certificate, parental consent or custody document for minor visa-free travellers does not exist.
  • There is no central immigration page stating that the yellow fever vaccination certificate is universally mandatory for all travellers upon visa-free entry. Health and vaccination requirements should be checked separately according to the country of origin, transit route and current health regulations.

E-Visa Application Requirements

  • The online visa application is made through the official portal of the Burundi Directorate General of Migration. The applicant must select the appropriate visa type, fill in the mandatory fields in the electronic form, upload the required files and pay the visa fee online.
  • The electronic form requires first name, last name, gender, marital status, phone number, email address, occupation, organisation, mother and father information, date of birth, place of birth, country of birth and nationality information.
  • The type, number, issuing country, date of issue and expiry date of the travel document must be entered in the form. The portal offers options accepting different document types such as ordinary passport, diplomatic passport, service passport, laissez-passer, travel document and regional travel card.
  • The applicant must state the purpose of travel, planned arrival and departure dates, country of origin, airline company, contact person in Burundi and that person's phone number. Purpose of travel options include tourism, holiday, family visit, business, education, health, seminar and official duty.
  • The type of accommodation must be selected. There are options to stay at a hotel, with a private person, in a guesthouse or in a private residence. Depending on the selection, the name, full address, province, municipality, district, neighbourhood and contact information of the hotel or host may be required.
  • The applicant's passport photo must be uploaded in PNG, JPG or JPEG format. The dimensions, background colour, date taken, resolution and maximum file size of the photo have not been definitively specified in the central official source.
  • A copy of the passport or travel document can be uploaded in PDF, PNG, JPG or JPEG format. Which pages of the passport need to be scanned have not been definitively specified in the central official source.
  • The portal may create supporting document upload fields according to the application type and the applicant's situation. These documents may include application letter, existing visa or entry stamp, student ID, employment contract, assignment letter, trade registry, tax number, marriage certificate, birth certificate and other status documents. These fields should not be considered a universal document list for all applicants.
  • In some supporting document fields, the file must be a maximum of 200 KB and uploaded in PDF, PNG, JPG or JPEG format. The exact document list is determined after the selected visa type and personal situation are completed.
  • The application fee is paid online. The accepted card types, bank options or other online payment methods have not been definitively specified in the central official source.
  • The fee for a single-entry entry visa is 90 US dollars or the equivalent in euros. The visa is valid for one entry and allows a stay of up to one month.
  • The central tariff for a multiple-entry entry visa is 90 US dollars for one month, 180 US dollars for two months and 270 US dollars for three months. The initial one-month period can be renewed a maximum of two times and the total stay cannot exceed 90 days.
  • After the application is completed and the payment is made, a confirmation notice is sent by email. The applicant must download or print the visa application certificate from the link in the email. This certificate must be presented upon arrival in Burundi to the officer of the Directorate General of Migration at the entry point.
  • The document sent by the portal is called a ‘visa application certificate’ in the official explanation. Therefore, the applicant should not assume that entry into the country is confirmed simply because he/she has received an email confirmation and must undergo the final immigration check at the entry point.
  • Whether showing the electronic certificate only on the phone is sufficient has not been definitively specified in the central official source. Since the official system envisages downloading or printing the document, carrying a printed copy is appropriate.
  • The minimum validity period required for the passport for an online visa has not been definitively specified in the central official source. Burundi diplomatic missions generally require at least six months of validity for consular applications.
  • The number of blank pages required in the passport, the amount of financial sufficiency, the period that the bank statement must cover, travel health insurance and the minimum insurance coverage have not been definitively specified in the central official source.
  • How long before travel the application should be made and the standard official processing time have not been definitively specified in the central official source.

Visa on Arrival Requirements

  • Single-entry and multiple-entry entry visas can be obtained at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport. An online registration and visa application system is used for passengers obtaining visas at the airport.
  • The passenger must fill in the airport entry visa form on the official immigration portal before travel. The application certificate received after completing the form must be downloaded or printed and presented to the immigration officer upon arrival.
  • The application form requires personal information, contact information, occupation, organisation, mother and father information, birth details, nationality, country of origin, type and number of travel document, issue and expiry dates, purpose of travel, airline company, arrival and departure dates, and contact person in Burundi.
  • The type of accommodation and the address of the hotel, host or accommodation must be stated. Depending on the selected accommodation type, the name, address, region and phone number of the hotel or host may be required.
  • A passport photo must be uploaded in PNG, JPG or JPEG format. A copy of the passport or other accepted travel document can be submitted in PDF, PNG, JPG or JPEG format.
  • Additional supporting documents may be required to be uploaded depending on the type of application and the passenger's status. All supporting document fields visible on the portal are not mandatory for every visa on arrival application; the exact list is determined according to the selected options.
  • A single-entry visa is 90 US dollars or the equivalent in euros. It is valid for one entry and allows a stay of up to one month in the country.
  • A multiple-entry visa is 90 US dollars or the equivalent in euros for a one-month period. The one-month validity period can be renewed a maximum of two times and the total stay cannot exceed 90 days. The central fees for two and three-month periods are 180 and 270 US dollars respectively.
  • The accepted cash currencies, credit cards or other payment methods at the airport have not been definitively specified in the central official source.
  • The minimum validity period required for the passport for a visa on arrival has not been definitively specified in the central official source. Official diplomatic missions apply a requirement of at least six months of validity for consular applications.
  • A central checklist specific to visa on arrival regarding the number of blank pages required in the passport, biometric passport requirement, return ticket, proof of financial sufficiency, bank statement and travel health insurance has not been published.
  • There is no central airport visa page stating that the yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all travellers for a visa on arrival application. However, some Burundi embassies request a yellow fever vaccination certificate in the visa file.
  • The centrally confirmed location where single and multiple entry visas can be issued on arrival is Melchior Ndadaye International Airport. There is no current central page stating that the same visas are issued at all land or lake border crossings.
  • The immigration officer's authority to decide on entry into the country and to request additional documents regarding the purpose of travel is reserved. The online pre-application certificate alone does not constitute an unconditional guarantee of entry.

Consular Visa Application Requirements

  • A consular visa is obtained through the Burundi embassy or consulate serving the country where the applicant resides. The application location, number of documents, fee, payment method, processing time and possibility of application by post vary depending on the mission.
  • The application form must be filled in legibly and completely, dated and signed by the applicant. Some missions require the form to be filled in block letters and in two copies, while other missions accept a single copy.
  • The form must contain first and last name, date and place of birth, birth and current nationality, marital status, spouse information, mother and father names, passport number and expiry date, residence address, phone number, occupation, employer, date of entry into Burundi, place and duration of stay, purpose of travel, previous visits to Burundi and contact person in Burundi.
  • The original and a copy of the valid passport must be submitted. The general condition published by diplomatic missions is that the passport be valid for at least six months.
  • The number of blank pages required in the passport, the requirement for a machine-readable or biometric passport, and the criteria for acceptance of damaged passports have not been definitively specified in the central official source.
  • The number of photos required varies by mission. The Paris and London missions require two recent colour passport photos, while the Brussels mission requires one passport photo. The exact dimensions, background colour and date taken of the photo have not been definitively specified in the central official source.
  • A round-trip air ticket, confirmed flight reservation or travel agency letter must be submitted. Some missions accept confirmed or unconfirmed round-trip reservations.
  • A hotel reservation may be requested for tourist applications. If staying with a person, an invitation letter and the inviting person's identity document may be submitted.
  • For tourist applications to the Paris mission, a copy of the inviting person's national identity document is attached to the invitation letter. If the inviting person is not a Burundian citizen, a copy of their passport and Burundi residence permit is submitted.
  • For visit applications to the Brussels mission, the invitation is required to be certified by the authority responsible for foreign affairs in Burundi or the local administration where the inviting person resides.
  • For short-term applications for business or employment purposes, an assignment letter or employer document from the sending company and an invitation letter from the company accepting the applicant in Burundi must be submitted.
  • For diplomatic, service or official duty applications, a valid diplomatic or service passport, a note issued by the relevant ministry of foreign affairs or international organisation, and a travel document must be submitted.
  • Some missions require a yellow fever vaccination certificate or international vaccination booklet. This document is included in the checklists published by the Paris and London missions.
  • A single central requirement applicable to all missions regarding bank statement, number of months the statement must cover, minimum account balance, payslip and the financial sufficiency of the sponsor has not been published.
  • Travel health insurance and the minimum insurance coverage amount have not been definitively specified in the central official source.
  • For applications to the Paris mission, the one-month visa fee is 65 euros and payment is made by bank transfer. Proof of payment must be attached to the application file.
  • At the Brussels mission, the one-month visa processing fee is 65 euros and payment can be made in cash or by bank transfer.
  • In the tariff published by the London mission, a transit visa is 30 pounds, a single-entry visa is 60 pounds and a multiple-entry visa is 70 pounds. These amounts are specific to the London mission.
  • In the central immigration tariff, the single-entry one-month visa is 90 US dollars or the equivalent in euros. The amounts applied by missions in local currency may differ from this central tariff. The exact fee and payment method should be confirmed with the mission where the application will be made.
  • A single-entry visa is valid for one entry and allows a stay of up to one month. A multiple-entry visa can be issued for a one-month period, can be renewed a maximum of two times and the total stay cannot exceed 90 days.
  • The Paris mission has published a processing time of approximately two weeks for complete files. On the Brussels mission's current consular page, the processing time is stated as a maximum of five days. A single processing time applicable to all missions has not been definitively specified in the central official source.
  • How long before travel the application should be made has not been definitively specified in the central official source. In some missions' old instructions, applications are requested to be made at least 15 business days or one month in advance.
  • At missions that accept applications by post, a prepaid return envelope bearing the applicant's name and full address must be sent together with the complete file. The possibility of postal application and accepted courier companies vary by mission.
  • For minor applicants, there is a birth certificate upload field in the online system. However, a single central checklist applicable to all consulates regarding in which situations a birth certificate, parental consent, custody document and parents' passports are mandatory has not been published.
  • There is no single central rule applicable to all visa applications regarding translation of documents from a language other than English, French or Kirundi, notarisation, apostille or consular legalisation. Certification of the invitation and other document approvals may vary depending on the mission applied to.
  • The requirement to provide fingerprints or other biometric data has not been definitively specified in the central official source. A standard interview requirement applicable to all applicants has not been published.
  • Additional documents may be requested depending on the applicant's status, visa type and purpose of travel. Submitting a complete file does not mean the visa will be automatically granted.

Transit Visa Requirements

  • A transit visa is issued for foreigners travelling through Burundi to another country. Airline, train and ship crew are exempt from the obligation to obtain a transit visa.
  • The fee for a transit visa is 40 US dollars or the equivalent in euros. The visa is valid for three days.
  • A transit visa can be issued at any entry point, including air, land, lake or other official border points.
  • In case of online application, the applicant must enter personal information, phone and email address, occupation, organisation, birth details, nationality, travel document type, document number, issue and expiry dates, arrival and departure dates to/from Burundi and contact information.
  • A passport photo must be uploaded in PNG, JPG or JPEG format. A copy of the passport or other travel document can be submitted in PDF, PNG, JPG or JPEG format.
  • Depending on the conditions of the application, uploading supporting documents may be requested. All additional document fields visible in the electronic form are not universally mandatory for every transit passenger.
  • If applying through a diplomatic mission, a completed and signed application form, valid passport, photo and travel confirmation may be requested. The number of photos and copies of the application form vary by mission.
  • A detailed checklist stating that a confirmed ticket showing travel to the next country and the required visa or residence permit for the final destination country are centrally mandatory for all transit applications has not been published. The mission applied to or the border officer may request documents verifying the travel itinerary.
  • The minimum validity period required for the passport for a transit visa has not been definitively specified on the central transit page. For consular applications, diplomatic missions generally require at least six months of passport validity.
  • The number of blank pages required in the passport, financial sufficiency amount, accommodation proof, travel health insurance and the conditions for applying the yellow fever vaccination certificate to transit passengers have not been definitively specified in the central official source.
  • The standard transit visa processing time and how long before travel the application should be made have not been definitively specified in the central official source.
Population
14,729,157(2026 est.)
Official language
Kirundi, French, English
Government type
Presidential republic
Continent
Africa
Capital
Gitega
Currency
Burundian franc
Area
27,834 km²
Phone code
+257

Burundi: Key Destinations

Burundi's primary gateway is Bujumbura, the largest city and economic hub, located on the northeastern shore of Lake Tanganyika. The political capital, Gitega, lies inland and serves as a key administrative center. Other important cities include Ngozi and Muyinga, which offer insights into local life and trade.

The country is renowned for Lake Tanganyika's beaches and water activities, as well as Kibira National Park's montane rainforests and Rusizi National Park's wetlands. Cultural attractions include the Gishora Drum Sanctuary and the Royal Palace in Gitega, highlighting Burundi's rich traditions and history.

Visitors typically start in Bujumbura, using it as a base to explore the southern coast and then travel north to Gitega and Kibira National Park. Road networks connect major towns, though travel times can vary. Regional connections are available via Bujumbura International Airport, linking to neighboring countries.