Burundi entry requirements for Chile passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Chilean passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport and major land borders. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits in 2026 — no need to apply in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou do not need to apply for a visa before traveling; you will get it when you arrive in Burundi. Obtain at the border | Chilean passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at all Burundi land borders and Bujumbura International Airport. Have the visa fee in cash (USD or EUR) and a passport photo ready. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, renew it before your trip to avoid being denied entry. 6 months beyond intended stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Burundi. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe blank page must be a visa page, not an endorsement page. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for the visa on arrival stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a ticket showing you will leave Burundi helps satisfy immigration and avoids potential delays. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask for proof of a return or onward flight out of Burundi. It is strongly recommended to have a confirmed booking. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsImmigration officers may request proof you can support yourself during your visit. For your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Burundi. No specific amount is set by law, but carrying cash (USD or EUR) or a bank statement is advisable. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any online or paper arrival declaration. Not required | Burundi does not require an arrival declaration form for Chilean passport holders. | Not required |
| E-visa applicationThere is no online visa application process; you will get the visa at the border. Not available | Burundi does not offer an e-visa for Chilean passport holders. You must obtain a visa on arrival. | Not required |
Cash is king — ATMs are unreliable
Bring enough USD or EUR in cash to cover your visa fee and at least a few days of expenses. ATMs in Bujumbura often run out of money or don't accept foreign cards. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels.
Visa on arrival is the standard — no e-visa needed
For Chilean passport holders, the visa on arrival at Bujumbura Airport is the most reliable method. The e-visa system exists but is buggy and slow — skip it unless you need a multiple-entry visa.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bujumbura International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a separate counter before the main passport control queue.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll get a small white card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your personal details, flight number, and accommodation address.
3
Present documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed form, and return ticket (if asked). Pay the visa fee in cash — USD or EUR is preferred. The officer will process the visa sticker.
4
Receive your visa and enter
Once the sticker is affixed and stamped, you're cleared. Keep the visa safe — you'll need it when leaving. Total time: 10–20 minutes if no queue.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Chile Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (single entry, 3 months)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$150
Requires invitation letter from Burundian company; apply at embassy in Santiago or nearest embassy.
Multiple-entry visa (1 year)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year
Cost$300
For frequent travellers; apply at Burundian embassy abroad.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 1 month)Payable in USD cash at airport or land border | $90 |
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 3 months)Available at Bujumbura Airport only | $140 |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at Direction Générale de l'Immigration in Gitega | $50 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or incorrect visa-on-arrival application form30%
Insufficient funds for stay25%
Lack of return or onward ticket20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Burundi
No transit visa needed
Chilean passport holders transiting through Bujumbura International Airport for less than 24 hours and not leaving the airside transit area do not need a visa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsBujumbura International Airport (BJM)
Health & vaccines for Burundi
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers aged 9 months and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission; Burundi has risk, so proof may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; practice food and water hygiene.
SchistosomiasisHigh risk
Present in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid swimming in untreated water.
HIV/AIDSHigh risk
High prevalence; take standard precautions.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout the country, including urban areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Gitega
Direction Générale de l'Immigration
Avenue de la Révolution, Gitega
Mon-Fri 8:00-16:00
Bujumbura
Immigration Office Bujumbura
Boulevard de l'Uprona, Bujumbura
Mon-Fri 8:00-16:00
Practical information for CL travellers
Country basics
CapitalGitega
LanguageKirundi, French, English
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyBurundian franc (BIF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 2,988.1 BIF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,ETypes C and E, standard European two-pin and Schuko.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The standard fee is around $90 USD for a 30-day single entry visa. Pay in cash — USD or EUR — at the immigration counter. Bring small bills; change may not be available.
Yes, but it's not straightforward. You'll need to visit the Directorate General of Immigration in Bujumbura (near the city centre). Extensions are granted for up to 30 additional days, costing roughly $50–100 USD. Start the process at least a week before your visa expires.
The same visa on arrival process applies at major land crossings like the Rwanda border (Akanyaru) and the DRC border (Uvira). The fee and requirements are identical. Expect less English spoken — have your documents ready and be patient.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (or transiting through one). You may be asked for the yellow card at immigration. If you don't have one, you might be vaccinated on the spot or denied entry. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
The standard visa on arrival is single entry. If you need multiple entries, apply for an e-visa in advance (though the system is unreliable). Alternatively, get a single-entry visa and apply for a new one each time you re-enter.
Overstay fines are assessed at the airport when you leave. The rate is roughly $10–20 USD per day overstayed. Pay in cash at the immigration office before checking in for your flight. Avoid overstaying — it can lead to a ban or deportation.
Burundi has periodic political tensions and security incidents. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Avoid large gatherings and stay in well-known areas. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.