Burundi entry requirements for United States 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
US passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport (BJM) and major land borders. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits — no need to apply in advance. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few specific documents ready at the counter.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your intended stay in Burundi. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave Burundi, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Obtain at Bujumbura International Airport | US passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. Have $90 USD in cash ready for the single-entry visa fee — the immigration counter does not accept cards. The process takes 10–15 minutes.Check visa details | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Bujumbura ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight booking ready. Airlines also enforce this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Burundi ready. A printed copy works best. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration rarely asks, but having it avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
Cash is king — ATMs are unreliable
Bring enough USD cash for your visa fee and initial expenses. ATMs in Burundi frequently run out of money or don't accept foreign cards. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels.
Visa on arrival is the norm — no advance application needed
Unlike many African countries, Burundi doesn't require US citizens to get a visa before travel. Just show up at the airport or land border with your documents and cash.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bujumbura International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a dedicated counter before the main passport control booths.
2
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and photos. The officer will tell you the fee — pay in USD cash. They'll process the visa sticker and stamp you in.
3
Proceed to passport control
With the visa in your passport, join the main queue. The officer will check your visa and may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, length of stay). Answer briefly and honestly.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. Usually straightforward — declare large sums of cash or restricted goods.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · United States 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, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost40 USD (approx. 40 USD)
Apply online or at embassy; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost80 USD (approx. 80 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; extension possible.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost50 USD (approx. 50 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Burundian company.
work visa
Work Permit / Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
~200 USD (approx. 200 USD) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals employed by a Burundian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~100 USD (approx. 100 USD) per year
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in Burundi. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~500 USD (approx. 500 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 in a Burundian business. Includes residency rights.
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. | 40 USD (exact amount in USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry, up to 90 days)Available for those needing multiple entries; confirm eligibility at the border. | 80 USD (exact amount in USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying may result in fines and potential deportation; avoid by extending or leaving on time. | 10 USD per day (estimated, no official cap) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
US passport holders transiting through Burundi do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa do not need a transit visa for airside transit.
Transit hubsBujumbura International Airport (BJM)
Health & vaccines for Burundi
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission; Burundi has risk of yellow fever.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcalConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine). 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
Direction Générale de la Migration (DGM)
Avenue de la Mission, Bujumbura
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Gitega
Bureau de l'Immigration de Gitega
Rue de l'Indépendance, Gitega
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and permits for central Burundi.
Practical information for US 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 varies depending on the length of stay and current policy. Typically it's around $40–$90 USD for a single-entry tourist visa. Pay in cash — US dollars are preferred, euros accepted. Credit cards are not accepted. Bring crisp, undamaged bills.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Direction Générale de la Migration in Bujumbura. The process takes a few days and costs extra. It's not guaranteed, so plan your stay within the initial visa validity if possible.
If you're transiting through Bujumbura and staying airside (not passing immigration), you generally don't need a visa. But if you need to enter the country for any reason, you'll need the visa on arrival.
Visa on arrival is also available at major land border crossings like Akanyaru, Kanyaru, and others. The process is similar — have your documents and cash ready. Land border crossings may have less predictable hours, so arrive during daytime.
Yes, business visitors can also get a visa on arrival. You may be asked for a letter of invitation from your host company in Burundi. Have a printed copy handy.
Currently, there is no official e-visa system for Burundi. The visa on arrival is the standard method for US passport holders. No need to apply in advance.
Immigration may deny entry. Airlines also often check for onward travel before boarding. Book a refundable or flexible ticket if your plans are uncertain.
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.