Burundi entry requirements for Philippines 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
Philippine passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport and major land borders. This is the standard entry method for tourism or business in 2026 — no advance application needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply at the airport | Philippine passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. Have $90 USD in cash for the single-entry visa fee. The process takes about 15–20 minutes at the immigration counter before passport control.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Burundi. Airlines at Manila and connecting hubs check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Bujumbura ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Burundi. Officers occasionally ask for this at the visa-on-arrival counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support your stay | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Burundi is a cash-based economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars are preferred. ATMs are unreliable in Burundi, and credit cards are rarely accepted. Bring enough USD for the visa and a few days of expenses.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Burundi requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Even if you're coming directly from the Philippines, it's wise to get the vaccine and carry the WHO yellow card — immigration may ask.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bujumbura International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counter. Queue there — it's usually separate from the main immigration line. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash — US dollars are preferred. As of 2026, the fee is around $90 for a single-entry tourist visa. Keep the receipt.
3
Receive visa and proceed to immigration
The officer will stamp the visa into your passport. Then walk to the immigration booth for entry stamping. Expect a short interview: purpose of visit, length of stay, where you're staying.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. There's a customs check — declare anything over $10,000 or restricted goods.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines 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
Cost$90 USD (approx. 5,100 PHP)
Apply at Burundian embassy abroad; same as VoA but pre-arranged.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$150 USD (approx. 8,500 PHP)
For frequent travellers; must apply at embassy.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 11,300 PHP) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Burundi. Requires employer to apply and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 5,700 PHP) plus university acceptance
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in Burundi. Requires proof of enrollment and financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD or EUR) at Bujumbura International Airport. | $90 USD (approx. 5,100 PHP) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstay. | $10 USD per day |
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
Philippines 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 certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; vaccination may be considered.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide; CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) and mosquito avoidance.
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
Immigration Office Gitega
Near the central market, Gitega
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Limited services; extensions may take longer.
Practical information for PH 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 tourist visa on arrival costs approximately $90 USD. Pay in cash — US dollars are preferred. Bring exact change if possible.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Visa on arrival is also available at major land borders like the Rwanda border at Akanyaru. The process is similar — have your documents ready and pay in cash.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Even if not required, it's strongly recommended. Carry the WHO yellow card.
Yes, business visitors can also get a visa on arrival. The fee may be slightly higher (around $100). Have a letter of invitation from your Burundi contact if possible.
Immigration may deny entry. It's a mandatory requirement. Book a refundable ticket or one with flexible dates if you're unsure of your plans.
Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Burundi has security concerns in some areas. Stick to Bujumbura and well-known tourist spots. Register with your embassy on arrival.
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.