Burundi entry requirements for Iraq 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
Iraqi passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. This is the standard way to enter Burundi for tourism or business in 2026 — no need to apply in advance. Just show up with the right documents and cash for the fee.
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) — they don't accept cards. Have two passport photos ready, though the officer may not ask for them.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your entry date — Burundi enforces this strictly. Airlines at Baghdad and Erbil check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Burundi | Immigration at Bujumbura asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host. The officer may ask where you're staying — having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have $200–$300 USD in cash or a bank statement ready. The officer rarely asks, but if you look unprepared they can deny entry. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in US dollars or euros, cash only. There is no ATM at the visa counter. Bring crisp, clean bills — old or damaged notes may be refused.
Yellow fever vaccine recommended
While not always checked for direct arrivals from Iraq, Burundi requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travelers coming from endemic areas. Even if not mandatory, getting the vaccine is a good idea — immigration may ask, and it protects your health.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bujumbura International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before the main passport control queue. Have your passport, return ticket, and cash ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form — name, passport number, flight details, accommodation address. Fill it in while waiting in line. Keep it simple.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over the fee in USD or euros. The officer will issue a receipt and then stamp/sticker your passport. Keep the receipt in case you need it later.
4
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa sticker, your boarding pass, and your return ticket if asked. Answer any questions (purpose of visit, length of stay) briefly and honestly.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. No special declarations needed for personal items. You're in.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq 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
Cost90 USD (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
Cost150 USD (150 USD)
For frequent travellers. Must apply at embassy.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost200 USD (200 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Burundian company.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~300 USD (application fee)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Burundian employer. Requires work permit approval and valid contract. Allows multiple entries.
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 funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~500 USD (application fee)
For individuals investing at least 50,000 USD in Burundi. Requires business registration and investment proof.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD or local currency) upon arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. | 90 USD (90 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of 200 USD. Pay at immigration office before departure. | 10 USD per day (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
Iraqi passport holders transiting through Bujumbura International Airport do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or changing terminals, 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 if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America). Certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially during rainy seasons.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food and water; vaccination recommended.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout Burundi, including urban areas. CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine). 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 overstay payments. Bring passport, visa, and fee in cash.
Gitega
Immigration Office Gitega
Rue de l'Indépendance, Gitega
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For travellers in central Burundi. Limited services; extensions may require Bujumbura.
Practical information for IQ 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 fee is typically around $90 USD, but it can vary slightly. Pay in US dollars or euros — cash only, no cards. Bring crisp, clean bills; old or damaged notes may be refused.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type at the Immigration Office in Bujumbura before your current visa expires.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced at the visa on arrival counter. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers over 1 year old arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Iraq is not a yellow fever country, but if you've traveled to any endemic area recently, you'll need proof. Even if not, it's recommended to get the vaccine — immigration may ask randomly.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Bujumbura International Airport. Land border crossings may have different procedures — check with the nearest Burundian embassy or consulate if you plan to enter by road.
Your passport (6+ months validity, 1 blank page), a printed or digital return/onward ticket, and cash for the fee. Accommodation proof and travel insurance are not mandatory but helpful to have ready.
Usually 15–30 minutes at Bujumbura Airport, depending on how many flights arrived at the same time. The queue moves quickly if you have your documents and cash ready.
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.