Burundi entry requirements for Spain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Spanish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Burundi. You pay the fee and receive your visa at Bujumbura International Airport. This has been the standard procedure since at least 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Bujumbura International 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 costs around $90 USD for a single entry, valid for up to 30 days. | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Burundi. Airlines enforce this strictly — check your passport expiry before booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Bujumbura Airport asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Burundi. Immigration officers sometimes ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a credit card statement ready. Immigration rarely asks, but it's better to have it on hand. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — US dollars or euros. There is no ATM at the visa counter and card payments are not accepted. Bring exact change if possible.
Yellow fever vaccine recommended
While not always checked for direct flights from Europe, Burundi requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you're arriving from a country with risk. Get the vaccine and carry your yellow card to avoid any issues.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bujumbura International Airport
All international flights land at Bujumbura International Airport (BJM). After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Fill out the visa application form
At the visa counter, you'll receive a short form. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and length of stay. A pen is provided, but bring your own just in case.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash. The cost is approximately $90 USD for a single-entry visa valid for up to 30 days. Euros and US dollars are accepted, but have exact change if possible.
4
Submit your documents and receive visa
Hand over your passport, completed form, and payment. The officer will process your visa sticker and stamp it into your passport. The whole process takes 10–20 minutes.
5
Proceed to passport control
With your visa sticker in hand, go to the passport control queue. Present your passport and boarding pass. You may be asked about your accommodation and return ticket.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Spain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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
Cost90 USD (approx. 90 USD)
Apply at Burundian embassy abroad or obtain on arrival. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost150 USD (approx. 150 USD)
For frequent travellers. Must apply at embassy before travel.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Burundian company. Apply at embassy.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~300 USD (application fee)
For foreign nationals employed by a Burundian company. Requires work contract and employer sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~100 USD (application fee)
For enrolled students at accredited Burundian institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~500 USD (application fee)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 in Burundi. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD or EUR) at Bujumbura International Airport. | $90 USD (approx. €83) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD. Pay at immigration office before departure. | $10 USD per day |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Visa on arrival is not extendable; must leave and re-enter. | Not available for visa on arrival |
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
Spain passport holders transiting through Burundi 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 for travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission. Certificate must be presented upon arrival.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesRecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne, common in urban areas. Use insect repellent.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water. Vaccination recommended.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk throughout Burundi, including Bujumbura. CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine). Use mosquito nets and repellent.
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 in cash.
Gitega
Immigration Office Gitega
Rue de l'Immigration, Gitega
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in central Burundi. Limited services.
Practical information for ES 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 = 2,983.89 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 for a single-entry visa valid for up to 30 days. Payment is in cash — US dollars or euros are accepted. Have exact change if possible, as change may not always be available.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a different type of visa before you travel. Contact the Burundi embassy in Madrid for options.
Yes, Burundi requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Even if you're coming directly from Spain, it's strongly recommended to get the vaccine and carry your International Certificate of Vaccination.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. If your passport expires within 6 months of your planned entry date, renew it before you travel.
Visa on arrival is available at Bujumbura International Airport. For land border crossings, it's best to check with the Burundi embassy beforehand, as procedures may vary.
Burundi has security risks, including crime and occasional political unrest. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Register with your embassy on arrival.
No, there is no online pre-registration required for the visa on arrival. You fill out the form at the airport. However, if you prefer to have everything ready, you can download and print the form from the Burundi immigration website.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.