Burundi entry requirements for Sweden 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
Swedish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Burundi. As of 2026, you pay the fee at the airport and receive a stamp — no advance application needed. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at Bujumbura International Airport. Pay $40 USD in cash (exact change preferred) for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. Have two passport-size photos and your hotel booking ready at the counter.Burundi Migration Dept | Required |
| Valid passport Valid passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Burundi strictly enforces this — I've seen people turned away at check-in for having less than 6 months left. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return or onward ticket | Immigration officers at Bujumbura ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a bus/ticket to a neighboring country ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Proof of accommodation | Hotel booking confirmation helps speed things up at the visa counter. I'd recommend having a printed copy of your reservation handy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Proof of funds | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Burundi is a cash-heavy country — you'll need cash for the visa fee and local expenses. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
There is no ATM at the visa counter at Bujumbura Airport. Bring USD or EUR in cash. The fee is around $90 USD, but have a little extra just in case.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before you travel. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot.
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 accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash (USD or EUR) at the counter. They'll give you a receipt. Keep it — you'll need it for the visa sticker.
3
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp your passport with a visa sticker. Check the validity dates before walking away. The process takes about 10-15 minutes.
4
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa to the immigration officer. They'll stamp you in. Then collect your luggage and exit.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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. 90 USD)
Apply at Burundian embassy abroad; may allow extension.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. 150 USD)
For frequent travellers; apply at embassy.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
For those with a job offer from a Burundian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized Burundian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and financial support.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 500 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 in Burundi. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (USD or local currency) upon arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. | $90 USD (approx. 90 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry, up to 30 days)For travellers needing multiple entries during their stay. | $140 USD (approx. 140 USD) |
| Stay extension (per month, up to 3 months)Apply at the Directorate General of Immigration in Bujumbura before current visa expires. | $50 USD (approx. 50 USD) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)No official cap reported; avoid overstay to prevent fines and possible deportation. | $10 USD per day |
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
Sweden 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 transmission; Burundi has risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; similar to dengue.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide, including Bujumbura. Use mosquito repellent, nets, and consider prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline).
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.
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 SE 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
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 (or equivalent in EUR). It's payable in cash only — no credit cards. Bring exact change if possible.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll likely be asked to show it at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before you travel. The 6 months are counted from your date of entry, not departure.
Yes, but it's less reliable. The main entry point is Bujumbura International Airport. If entering by land, confirm with the embassy beforehand. The process is smoother at the airport.
Not officially required for the visa on arrival, but it's smart to have a bank statement or credit card available if asked. Immigration rarely asks, but it's better to be prepared.
The standard stay is up to 30 days. The exact duration is written on the visa sticker — check it before leaving the counter. If you need longer, you must leave and re-enter.
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.