Burundi entry requirements for Cameroon passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Cameroonian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few documents ready before you land.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. Have 90 USD in cash ready for the visa fee, plus a passport photo. The process takes about 15–20 minutes at the counter before immigration.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Burundi. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately in case of loss. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Bujumbura routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Burundi. Officers sometimes ask for it, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or card | Have at least 200 USD in cash or a credit card showing available funds. Burundi is a cash-heavy country — ATMs are scarce outside Bujumbura, so bring enough USD or euros to exchange. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or euros). There are no ATMs before immigration. Bring small bills — officers rarely have change for large notes.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Burundi requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever, including Cameroon. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel and carry your yellow card.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before departure
Print or save to your phone: passport info page, return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Have cash (USD or euros) ready for the visa fee.
2
Fill out arrival form on the plane
You'll receive a landing card during the flight. Fill it out in black ink. Keep it with your passport.
3
Proceed to visa on arrival counter
After deplaning at Bujumbura International Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue. Present your passport, completed landing card, and supporting documents.
4
Pay visa fee and receive visa
The officer will process your visa and tell you the fee. Pay in cash (USD or euros). You'll get a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter.
5
Pass through immigration control
Proceed to the immigration booth. Hand over your passport with the new visa. The officer may ask about your stay. Answer honestly. You'll get an entry stamp.
6
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. Declare any large sums of cash or restricted items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Cameroon Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$40 USD (approx. 24,000 BIF)
Apply at Burundian embassy abroad.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. 48,000 BIF)
For multiple entries within validity.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. $100–$200 USD)
Requires sponsorship from employer or school.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 BIF) plus fees
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Burundian employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa d'Étudiant)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 BIF)
For students enrolled in a recognized Burundian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and financial means.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa d'Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 300,000 BIF)
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in a Burundian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD or BIF at the airport. | $40 USD (approx. 24,000 BIF) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry, 30 days)For multiple entries within validity. | $80 USD (approx. 48,000 BIF) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap known; avoid overstay. | $10 USD per day (approx. 6,000 BIF) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Cameroon passport holders transiting through Burundi (e.g., Bujumbura International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsBujumbura International Airport (BJM)
Health & vaccines for Burundi
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (Cameroon is endemic). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Bujumbura
Direction Générale de l'Immigration et de l'Émigration
Avenue de la Révolution, Bujumbura
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Gitega
Bureau de l'Immigration de Gitega
Rue de l'Indépendance, Gitega
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for central Burundi.
Practical information for CM 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 fee varies. For most African passport holders, it's around $40–$90 USD. Bring both USD and euros in cash. Cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
Yes, you can extend your stay at the Immigration Department in Bujumbura. The process takes a few days. You'll need a valid reason, a completed application form, passport photos, and a fee. Start early — don't wait until the last day.
Yes, Burundi requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Cameroon is considered a risk country, so you'll likely need to show your yellow card at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Visa on arrival is available at Bujumbura International Airport. At land borders, it's less predictable. Some crossings may issue visas, others may not. Best to fly in or arrange an e-visa in advance if entering by land.
Yes, the visa on arrival covers short business visits. You may be asked for a letter of invitation from your Burundian host or company. Have it printed and ready.
Typically 30 days. The exact duration is at the officer's discretion. Check the visa sticker for the validity dates before leaving the counter.
You'll be fined per day overstayed. The fine is usually around $10–$20 USD per day. Pay at the Immigration Department before departure. Overstaying can also affect future visa applications.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.