Burundi entry requirements for Colombia 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
Colombian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Burundi. You don't need to apply in advance — just show up at Bujumbura International Airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport | Colombian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready — the immigration officer may ask to see both before issuing the visa. The visa costs around $90 USD in cash (exact amount varies, bring crisp US dollars).Burundi Migration Dept | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your intended stay in Burundi. Airlines at Bogotá may enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration at Bujumbura will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — they check this consistently. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Burundi. Immigration officers at Bujumbura may ask for this during the visa-on-arrival process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD or EUR. No credit cards, no mobile money. Bring crisp, new bills. Old, torn, or marked notes may be refused.
Yellow fever certificate required
Burundi requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. Have your yellow card ready at immigration. If you don't have it, you may be vaccinated on the spot or denied entry.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bujumbura International Airport
All international flights arrive at Bujumbura International Airport (BJM). After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a dedicated counter before the main passport control.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a small form to fill out. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, and address in Burundi. Have your hotel name and address ready.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, and return ticket. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or EUR). The officer will process the visa sticker and paste it into your passport.
4
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa sticker, go to the main passport control queue. The officer will stamp you in. Keep your boarding pass and return ticket handy in case they ask again.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia 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 date
Cost$90 USD (approx. $90 USD)
Apply at Burundian embassy abroad; same as visa on arrival but pre-arranged.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply at embassy.
Long-stay visa (business/visit)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
Requires invitation letter and sponsor in Burundi.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (application fee)
For foreign nationals employed by a Burundian company. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (application fee)
For enrolled students at recognized Burundian institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (application fee)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Burundian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD or local currency) upon arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. | $90 USD (approx. $90 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap known; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry issues. | $10 USD per day |
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
Colombia passport holders transiting through Burundi do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, check with airline as some may require a visa for any entry.
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; Burundi has risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout Burundi, including urban areas. CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine prophylaxis.
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; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Gitega
Immigration Office Gitega
Rue de l'Indépendance, Gitega
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for central Burundi; limited services.
Practical information for CO 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 single-entry visa on arrival costs around $90 USD (or equivalent in EUR). Prices can change, so bring a little extra just in case. Payment is in cash only — no cards.
Yes, but extensions are not automatic. You must apply at the Immigration Office in Bujumbura before your visa expires. Extensions are typically granted for up to 30 days. The cost is around $50 USD. Start the process at least a week before expiry.
Visa on arrival is also available at major land border crossings, but the process may be slower and less consistent. The main land crossings are at Gatumba (DRC border) and Akanyaru (Rwanda border). Bring extra patience and cash.
Yes, Burundi requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) upon arrival. If you don't have it, you may be vaccinated at the airport or denied entry.
No, the standard visa on arrival is single-entry only. If you need multiple entries, you must apply for a visa in advance at a Burundian embassy or consulate.
You will almost certainly be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before travelling. There are no exceptions for emergency travel.
No, Burundi does not offer an e-visa for Colombian passport holders. The only option is visa on arrival or a pre-arranged visa from a Burundian embassy.
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.