Burundi entry requirements for Madagascar 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
Madagascar passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Burundi. This is the standard entry method for tourists and short-term visitors. As of 2026, the process is straightforward at Bujumbura International Airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport | Get your visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. Have $90 USD in cash ready for the visa fee, plus two passport-sized photos. The process takes about 15–20 minutes at the visa counter before immigration.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry. Burundi immigration checks this strictly — I've seen people turned away at the visa counter for less than 6 months. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Burundi | Immigration officers at Bujumbura ask for a return or onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy of your flight itinerary or e-ticket ready — showing it on your phone works too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Burundi. Immigration may ask for it during the visa on arrival process, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Burundi immigration occasionally asks for proof of sufficient funds, especially for longer stays. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. USD or EUR is preferred. ATMs at the airport are unreliable, so bring enough cash for the fee and any unexpected expenses.
Visa on arrival is the standard method
There is no e-visa system for Burundi as of 2026. The visa on arrival is the only practical option for most short-term visitors from Madagascar. No need to apply in advance.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bujumbura International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The counter is usually before passport control.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (if provided), and return ticket. The officer will process your visa.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or EUR preferred). As of 2026, the cost is around $90 USD for a single-entry visa. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to passport control
Go to the passport control desk with your passport and visa. They'll stamp you in. Keep your arrival card stub if given.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar 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 date
Cost$90 USD (approx. $90 USD)
Apply at Burundian embassy abroad. Requires passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
For frequent travellers. Must show travel history and purpose.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Burundian company. May allow multiple entries.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (application fee + work permit)
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Burundian company. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (application fee)
For enrolled students at recognized Burundian institutions. Requires admission letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (application fee + investment proof)
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Burundian business. Requires business plan and registration.
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 dayApplicable if stay exceeds visa validity. Pay at immigration office before departure. | $10 USD per day (max $200 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
Madagascar passport holders transiting through Burundi (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 may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsBujumbura International Airport (BJM)
Health & vaccines for Burundi
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Madagascar). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Burundi, especially in rural 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 habits advised.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is endemic nationwide. All travellers should take prophylactic medication (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) and use insect 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 l'Indépendance, Bujumbura
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and overstay payments. Bring passport, visa, and fee in cash.
Gitega
Bureau de l'Immigration de Gitega
Rue de la Mairie, Gitega
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for inland travellers. Limited services; call ahead.
Practical information for MG 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
As of 2026, the single-entry visa on arrival costs approximately $90 USD. Payment is in cash — USD or EUR is preferred. Bring exact change if possible.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travel or leave and re-enter.
The visa on arrival typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. The exact duration is determined by the immigration officer at the airport.
Visa on arrival is also available at major land border crossings, but the process may be slower. Carry extra cash and patience. Bujumbura Airport is the most efficient.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever. It's not always checked, but carry your certificate to avoid issues.
If you're transiting and staying airside, you don't need a visa. If you need to enter the country (e.g., overnight layover), you'll need the visa on arrival.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry by Burundian immigration. Renew your passport before travel.
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.