Burundi entry requirements for Norway 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

Norwegian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Burundi. As of 2026, you pay for and receive your visa at Bujumbura International Airport. Have the required documents ready to avoid delays.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
Get your visa at Bujumbura International Airport upon arrival. Pay $90 USD in cash (exact change preferred) for a single-entry visa valid up to 30 days. Have two passport photos and your hotel booking printed out — the officer may ask for them.Check visa detailsRequired
Valid passport
Original passport with at least 6 months validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Burundi. Have at least two blank visa pages — the visa sticker takes a full page.Required
Return or onward ticket
Confirmed onward or return ticket
Immigration at Bujumbura Airport checks for a return or onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. A printed itinerary or e-ticket works — show it at the visa counter.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Have a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Burundi. The visa officer may ask for it — a booking confirmation email is fine.Recommended
Proof of funds
Cash or bank statement
Carry at least $200 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. The visa officer rarely asks, but having it avoids delays.Recommended
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or euros). ATMs are limited at the airport, so bring enough cash to cover the fee and any other expenses.
Yellow fever vaccination required
You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Burundi. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (which costs extra).

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Bujumbura International Airport
After landing, follow signs to the immigration area. Look for the 'Visa on Arrival' counter.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete. Have your passport and return ticket details handy.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or euros are commonly accepted). Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa and proceed to passport control
The officer will stamp or stick the visa into your passport. Then go to the passport control queue to have your entry processed.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Norway Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$90 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
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 150 USD)

For frequent travellers; must apply at embassy.

Long-stay visa (business/residence)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$200-500 USD (approx. 200-500 USD)

Requires sponsorship from a local entity or employer.

work visa
Work Permit / Residence Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300-500 USD (approx. 300-500 USD)
For those with a job offer from a Burundian employer. Requires company sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100-200 USD (approx. 100-200 USD)
For enrollment at a recognized educational institution in Burundi. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500-1000 USD (approx. 500-1000 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum amount (e.g., $50,000) in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (USD or local currency) at Bujumbura International Airport.90 USD (90 USD)
Visa on Arrival (multiple entry, up to 30 days)Available at the airport; requires justification for multiple entries.140 USD (140 USD)
Stay extension (per month)Apply at the Directorate General of Immigration in Bujumbura; subject to approval.~50 USD (50 USD)
Overstay fine (per day)No official cap reported; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future bans.~10 USD (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

Norway 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 if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; Burundi may request proof of vaccination.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.

CholeraModerate risk

Risk from contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene.

Malaria risk: high

High risk throughout Burundi, including Bujumbura. CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine).

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 NO 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
updated May 19
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
Police117
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

The visa on arrival fee is typically around $90 USD for a single-entry visa. Prices can change, so bring extra cash in USD or euros. Payment is usually in cash only.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Burundi. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Visa on arrival is available at Bujumbura International Airport. For land border crossings, check with the nearest Burundian embassy or consulate before you go.
You'll need your passport (valid 6+ months), a completed visa application form, a return or onward ticket, and the visa fee in cash. Having your hotel booking handy is a good idea.
It usually takes 15–30 minutes, depending on the queue. Arrive with plenty of time before your connecting flight if you have one.

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.