Burundi entry requirements for China 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
Chinese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport and major land borders. It's valid for up to 30 days and costs $90 USD. Have your documents ready before traveling in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply at the airport | Get your visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. Pay the fee in cash (USD or EUR) — have the exact amount ready. The visa is valid for up to 30 days and cannot be extended.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Burundi. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Burundi immigration, but your airline may enforce 6 months — check with them before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Bujumbura Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. | 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 may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have cash (USD or EUR) or a bank statement showing at least $200–$300 for your stay. Immigration may ask to see it when issuing the visa on arrival. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show a yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot (and pay). Get the shot at least 10 days before you fly.
Cash is king at the border
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — no cards accepted. Bring $90 USD in crisp bills. ATMs in Burundi are unreliable, so carry enough cash for your entire stay.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bujumbura International Airport or land border
Most travellers fly into Bujumbura. There are also land crossings from Rwanda, Tanzania, and DRC. At the airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, and where you're staying. Fill it out in capital letters.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, and passport photo (if you have one). Pay the $90 USD fee in cash. The officer will process your visa.
4
Receive your visa and enter Burundi
The visa is usually issued within 10-15 minutes. Check that the details are correct (name, validity dates). Then proceed to passport control and then baggage claim.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · China 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)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost40 USD (40 USD)
Apply at Burundi embassy or on arrival; same as VOA but pre-arranged.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost80 USD (80 USD)
For frequent visitors; must apply at embassy.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost100 USD (100 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Burundi company.
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~200 USD (200 USD)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Burundi company. Requires work permit approval and employer sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Visa d'Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~100 USD (100 USD)
For students enrolled at a recognized Burundi institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~500 USD (500 USD)
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 in a Burundi business. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry visa on arrival for up to 30 days. | 40 USD (40 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry)For multiple entries, valid for up to 30 days per visit. | 80 USD (80 USD) |
| Stay extension (per month)Extension possible at immigration office, up to 3 months total. | 50 USD (50 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Charged per day overstay, with no official cap but typically enforced. | 10 USD (10 USD) |
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
China 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 or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for a third country may transit without visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsBujumbura International Airport (BJM)
Health & vaccines for Burundi
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Common in urban areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travellers.
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'Emigration
Avenue de la Révolution, Bujumbura
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Gitega
Bureau de l'Immigration de Gitega
Rue de l'Indépendance, Gitega
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for central Burundi; limited services.
Practical information for CN 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 visa on arrival costs approximately $90 USD. You must pay in cash (US dollars preferred). Some border posts may accept local currency but USD is safest.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a different visa type before travel or visit the immigration office in Bujumbura to discuss options.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Visa on arrival is available at most major land borders, including those from Rwanda (Akanyaru, Kanyaru) and Tanzania (Kabanga). The process is the same — fill out a form, pay $90 USD, and get your visa. However, services may be slower, so allow extra time.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight, you'll need a visa on arrival. Check with your airline for transit rules.
Bring your passport (valid 6+ months), a passport photo (optional but helpful), proof of onward travel (return ticket), and $90 USD in cash. A hotel booking confirmation is also recommended.
Burundi has security concerns, including political tension and crime. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Avoid demonstrations and stay in secure areas. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
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.