Burundi entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Bahraini passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Burundi. This is the standard entry method — no need to apply in advance. As of 2026, the process is straightforward at Bujumbura International Airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready — the visa officer will ask for both. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or EUR accepted, USD preferred).Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Burundi. Airlines at Bahrain International Airport will check this before boarding — no exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return ticket | Immigration at Bujumbura Airport will ask to see a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — they check this before stamping your visa on arrival. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Have a printed hotel reservation or invitation letter from your host in Burundi. The visa officer at the airport will ask for it — a booking confirmation email on your phone works too. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient funds | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a credit card with available balance. Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay — showing cash or a card usually satisfies them. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — USD is preferred. Bring exact change if possible. ATMs are available at the airport but may not dispense USD. Credit cards are not accepted for visa fees.
Yellow fever certificate recommended
While not always checked for travellers from Bahrain, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is officially required. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel and carry the certificate with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bujumbura International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a dedicated counter before the main passport control queue.
2
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (if given), and return ticket. Pay the visa fee in cash — USD is preferred. As of 2026, the fee is around $90 for a single-entry visa.
3
Receive visa and proceed to passport control
The officer will issue a visa sticker in your passport. Then join the main passport control queue for entry stamping. Keep your boarding pass handy — they may ask for it.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
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. 34 BHD)
Obtainable on arrival; same as visa-on-arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost$150 USD (approx. 57 BHD)
Apply at Burundian embassy abroad; not available on arrival.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. $200–500 USD)
Requires sponsorship and prior approval from Burundian authorities.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 113 BHD) plus processing fees
For those with a job offer in Burundi. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies (up to 4 years)
~$200 USD (approx. 75 BHD) per year
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in Burundi. Requires proof of enrollment and financial support.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 189 BHD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in Burundi. Includes business setup assistance and residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (USD) upon arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. | $90 USD (approx. 34 BHD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying. | $10 USD per day |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extensions are not standard for visa-on-arrival; contact immigration office. | Unknown |
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
Bahrain passport holders transiting through Bujumbura International Airport do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or having a layover over 24 hours, a visa-on-arrival may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Burundi or a neighboring country may transit without additional visa.
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; Burundi has risk of yellow fever.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesRecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination advised.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito 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 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 08:00–16:00
Regional office for inland travellers; limited services.
Practical information for BH 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 = 2,982.95 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 visa on arrival costs approximately $90 USD. Bring exact cash in USD — the airport may not have change. Credit cards are not accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Burundi immigration. Renew your passport before travel.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 1 year old arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Bahrain is not a risk country, but if you've recently travelled to one, you'll need proof. Even if not required, it's strongly recommended — carry your certificate.
Yes, visa on arrival is also available at major land border crossings, including those from Rwanda, Tanzania, and DR Congo. The process is similar — cash USD, valid passport, and return ticket. However, Bujumbura Airport is the most straightforward.
Print your return ticket and accommodation confirmation. Keep your passport and yellow fever certificate in your hand luggage. Digital copies on your phone are fine as backup, but immigration prefers paper.
No, there is no separate arrival declaration form for Burundi. You'll just fill the standard immigration card given on the plane or at the airport.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.