Burundi entry requirements for Iceland 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
Icelandic passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Burundi. As of 2026, you'll receive a single-entry visa valid for up to 30 days when you land at Bujumbura International Airport. Have your documents ready and expect to pay the fee in cash.
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 a passport photo ready; if you don't have one, they'll charge an extra $10 USD to take it on the spot.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs at least one blank page for the visa sticker. Burundi does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — just make sure it covers your entire trip. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Bujumbura ask to see a confirmed onward ticket. If you're flying out, have the printed itinerary or a digital copy on your phone ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it printed saves time if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or a debit card showing available balance. Immigration doesn't routinely check, but you'll need cash for the visa fee and local expenses anyway. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the airport
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or EUR). There are no ATMs at the immigration counter, and card payments are not accepted. Bring small bills to avoid change issues.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Burundi requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all arriving travellers. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before your trip.
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. 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, purpose of visit, duration. Fill it in while in line.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, form, and cash. The officer will process the visa. This usually takes 10–20 minutes.
4
Receive your visa and proceed to passport control
Once approved, the visa sticker is placed in your passport. Then go to the passport control queue for entry stamping.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland 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, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$90 USD (approx. $90 USD)
Obtainable on arrival; same as visa-on-arrival option.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per entry, multiple entries
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$140 USD (approx. $140 USD)
Available on arrival; allows re-entry within validity.
Long-stay visa (3 months)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
Apply at Burundian embassy abroad; requires invitation letter and proof of funds.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Séjour)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. $300 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a job offer in Burundi. Requires employer to obtain a work permit, then you apply for a residence card. Allows multiple entries and long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized Burundian institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. $500 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Burundian business. Requires business plan and registration. Includes family dependents.
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 (approx. 10 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
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
Iceland 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 enter Burundi (e.g., to change airports or overnight), 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 all travelers arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission; Burundi may request proof of vaccination at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travelers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide, including in Bujumbura. CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine prophylaxis. 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
Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration
Boulevard de l'Uprona, Bujumbura
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee in cash.
Gitega
Provincial Immigration Office
Avenue de la Révolution, Gitega
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in central Burundi. Limited services; call ahead.
Practical information for IS 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 is typically valid for 30 days, single entry. You can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Bujumbura if needed.
The fee is around $40–$90 USD, payable in cash (USD or EUR). The exact amount depends on your nationality and can change — bring a bit extra just in case.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Direction Générale de l'Immigration in Bujumbura. The process takes a few days and costs around $50–$100 USD. Start early.
Visa on arrival is available at Bujumbura International Airport. At land borders (e.g., from Rwanda or Tanzania), you may need to arrange a visa in advance or check with the nearest Burundian embassy.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
No, the visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. USD or EUR are accepted. ATMs are scarce at the airport, so bring enough cash for the fee and initial expenses.
Overstaying can result in a fine of about $10–$20 USD per day, and you may face difficulties at immigration when leaving. Extend your visa before it expires if you need more time.
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.