Burundi entry requirements for Ireland 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
Irish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Burundi. Pay the fee and receive your visa at Bujumbura International Airport or at land borders. This has been the standard entry method for short visits since 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at Bujumbura International Airport. Pay $90 USD in cash (exact change preferred) for a single-entry tourist visa valid for 30 days. Have two passport-size photos and your hotel address ready — the officer will ask for both.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond your intended departure date | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from the day you leave Burundi. Airlines at Dublin and connecting hubs check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Bujumbura Airport always asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or the booking on your phone ready — they will not let you through without proof of departure. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Burundi. Immigration officers occasionally ask for this during visa processing — having it printed saves time. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or a debit/credit card with a recent bank statement. Burundi is a cash-heavy country — ATMs are scarce outside Bujumbura and card acceptance is limited. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD or EUR. Cards are not accepted. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Yellow fever certificate required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. If you don't have one, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bujumbura International Airport or land border
Most travellers fly into Bujumbura. If arriving by land from Rwanda, Tanzania, or DRC, you'll go through the same process at the border post.
2
Go to the visa on arrival counter
After passport control, look for the visa on arrival desk. There's usually a sign. Queue up, hand over your passport, and tell the officer you need a visa.
3
Pay the fee and receive your visa
Pay in cash (USD or EUR). The officer will process your visa, stamp it in your passport, and you're done. The whole thing takes 10–20 minutes.
4
Proceed to immigration
With your visa in hand, go to the immigration counter. They'll check your passport, visa, and may ask for your return ticket or accommodation. Answer clearly and you'll be through.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland 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 date
Cost90 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
Cost150 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
Cost200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
Requires invitation letter and sponsor in Burundi.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable annually
~300 USD (approx. 300 USD)
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Burundian company. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa Étudiant)
1 year, renewable
~100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized Burundian institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~500 USD (approx. 500 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 in a Burundian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (USD or EUR) upon arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. | $90 USD (approx. €83) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry, up to 30 days)Allows multiple entries within validity. | $140 USD (approx. €129) |
| Stay extension (per month)Apply at immigration office before current visa expires. | $50 USD (approx. €46) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of $200 USD. Pay at immigration office before departure. | $10 USD (approx. €9) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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
Ireland passport holders transiting through Bujumbura International Airport do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsBujumbura International Airport (BJM)
Health & vaccines for Burundi
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission; may be required if travelling from endemic area.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in low-lying areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy seasons; use mosquito repellent.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination and safe eating/drinking advised.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions, including Bujumbura. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets.
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
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 IE 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 standard single-entry tourist visa costs around $90 USD. You can also pay in EUR. Have the exact amount in cash — cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Office in Bujumbura. Extensions are typically granted for 30 days. The cost is around $50 USD. You'll need your passport, a completed application form, and a passport photo.
The same visa on arrival process applies at major land borders, such as the border with Rwanda at Akanyaru or with Tanzania at Kabanga. The fee and requirements are identical.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. If you don't have it, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry.
There is no e-visa system for Burundi. The only option for Irish passport holders is the visa on arrival. You cannot apply at an embassy beforehand unless you're a resident in that country.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a blank page, your return ticket (screenshot is fine), and proof of accommodation for your first night. The officer may also ask for proof of sufficient funds — a bank statement or cash is acceptable.
Burundi has security concerns, particularly in rural areas and near the borders. Stick to Bujumbura and well-known tourist areas. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
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.