Burundi entry requirements for Belgium 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
Belgian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short business trips in 2026. No need to apply in advance — just show up with the right documents and cash for the fee.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. Have 90 USD in cash (exact change preferred) and two passport-sized photos ready. The process takes about 15–30 minutes at the visa counter before immigration.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date | Your passport needs at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Burundi enforces the 6-month validity rule strictly — airlines check this at check-in too. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — they won't let you through without one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry at least 200 USD in cash or have a bank statement ready. Immigration may ask how you'll fund your trip — having cash on hand avoids delays. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or EUR). Cards are not accepted. Bring small bills — the counter may not have change for large denominations. Exchange money before you arrive if needed.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Burundi requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travelers. Even if you're coming directly from Belgium, carry the certificate. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (if available).
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 before passport control. Queue up — it can take 20–40 minutes depending on flight load.
2
Present documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation booking. The officer will tell you the fee — pay in USD or EUR cash. Get a receipt.
3
Receive visa sticker and proceed to passport control
The visa is stamped into your passport on the spot. Then go to the main passport control line for entry. Keep your boarding pass handy — they may ask for it.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, pick up your bags from the carousel. There's a customs check (usually quick). Then you're free to leave the arrivals hall.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Belgium 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 date
Cost40 USD (approx. 37 EUR)
Standard option for tourism; can be extended once.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost80 USD (approx. 74 EUR)
Ideal for frequent visitors; each stay can be extended.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost100 USD (approx. 93 EUR)
Requires invitation letter from Burundian company.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~200 USD (approx. 186 EUR) per year
For foreign nationals employed by a Burundian company. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~100 USD (approx. 93 EUR) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Burundian institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~500 USD (approx. 465 EUR) initial fee
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in Burundi. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD or EUR) upon arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. | $90 USD (approx. €83) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap known; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry issues. | $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
Belgium passport holders transiting through Bujumbura International Airport do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsBujumbura International Airport (BJM)
Health & vaccines for Burundi
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
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; outbreaks reported.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is endemic nationwide. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travellers.
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
Handles extensions and permits for central Burundi.
Practical information for BE 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 around $90 USD (or equivalent in EUR). It's paid in cash at the airport counter. Bring small bills — they may not have change for large notes. The exact amount can vary slightly, so bring a bit extra.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than the initial period (typically 30 days), you must apply for a longer-term visa at the Immigration Office in Bujumbura before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines.
Visa on arrival is available at Bujumbura International Airport. At land borders (e.g., from Rwanda or Tanzania), the process may be less consistent. Some borders issue visas, others may not. For overland entry, it's safer to get an e-visa or check with the nearest Burundian embassy before traveling.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers over 1 year old arriving from countries with yellow fever risk. Even if you're coming directly from Belgium, you may be asked to show proof. Get the vaccine and carry the certificate.
No. Only cash is accepted — USD or EUR. Have the exact amount ready. There are no ATMs in the arrivals hall, so bring cash from home or exchange at the airport before immigration.
Typically 20–40 minutes at the visa counter, plus another 10–15 minutes at passport control. It can be longer if multiple flights arrive at once. Plan for at least an hour from landing to exiting the airport.
Your passport (6+ months validity), a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter). Immigration may also ask for proof of sufficient funds — a bank statement or cash is fine. Travel insurance is not mandatory but recommended.
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.