Burundi entry requirements for Israel 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
Israeli passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. Have your documents ready and pay the fee in cash. 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 | You get a visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. Pay $90 USD in cash (exact change preferred) — the ATM at the airport is unreliable. Have your hotel address and return flight details ready for the visa form.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Burundi enforces this strictly — airlines check it before boarding. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Bujumbura ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. If you're overlanding to Rwanda or DRC, show a bus ticket or a written itinerary. Airlines also check this before departure. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers occasionally ask for it during visa processing. A printed copy works better than a phone screen. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Burundi is a cash economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. ATMs in Bujumbura dispense local francs but often run out. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — no cards, no mobile payments. Bring USD in small denominations. There is no ATM at the visa counter.
Yellow fever vaccine recommended
Burundi requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Even if not strictly required for direct flights from Israel, carrying the certificate avoids potential hassles.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bujumbura International Airport
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. There is a dedicated visa-on-arrival counter before the main passport control queue.
2
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket (screenshot is fine), and accommodation confirmation. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD preferred). The officer will process your visa — this usually takes 5–10 minutes.
3
Receive visa and proceed to passport control
Once the visa sticker is in your passport, join the main passport control queue. The officer will stamp you in. Keep the visa sticker intact — don't remove it.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Israel 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, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$90 USD (approx. 90 USD)
Apply at Burundian embassy abroad. May allow longer processing and guaranteed entry.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total per visit, max 30 days per stay
Validity6 months
Cost$150 USD (approx. 150 USD)
For frequent travellers. Must apply at embassy before travel.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$120 USD (approx. 120 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Burundian company. Single or multiple entry options.
work visa
Work Permit (Carte de Séjour)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year (plus employer fees)
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Burundian company. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD initial fee
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Burundian business. Requires proof of investment, business plan, and registration. Includes residency rights.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies (typically 1–4 years)
~$100 USD per year
For enrolled students at recognized Burundian institutions. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Renewable annually.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (USD or local currency) upon arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. | $90 USD (approx. 90 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are enforced at immigration exit. Avoid exceeding authorized stay. | ~$10 USD per day, max cap ~$200 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Israel passport holders transiting through Bujumbura International Airport do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport or change terminals, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Burundi may transit without additional visa.
- Diplomatic passport holders may have different rules.
Transit hubsBujumbura International Airport (BJM)
Health & vaccines for Burundi
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; Burundi requires proof of vaccination for entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, including urban areas. Use prophylaxis and mosquito avoidance.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy seasons. No specific treatment; prevention via mosquito control.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water. Vaccination recommended and practice food hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is endemic nationwide, including Bujumbura. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed 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
Near the central market, Gitega
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for central Burundi. Limited services; extensions may take longer.
Practical information for IL 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 fee is typically around $90 USD, but it can vary. Pay in cash — USD is preferred, but local currency (Burundian francs) may also be accepted. Have small denominations to avoid issues with change.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than the visa allows, you must apply for a different visa type before travel or leave and re-enter.
Yes, Burundi requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Even if you're coming directly from Israel, it's wise to get the vaccine and carry the certificate — immigration may ask.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Bujumbura International Airport. Land border crossings may have different procedures — check with the nearest Burundian embassy if you plan to enter by land.
No, it's not mandatory for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical facilities are limited, and evacuation to a nearby country (e.g., Rwanda or Kenya) can be very expensive without insurance.
You'll need your passport (with 6+ months validity and a blank page), a return or onward ticket (screenshot is fine), and proof of first-night accommodation. Have USD cash ready for the fee.
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.