Burundi entry requirements for Brazil passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Brazilian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short business trips — 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at Bujumbura International Airport. Pay $90 USD in cash (exact change preferred) — they don't accept cards. Have two passport photos ready; the airport photo booth is unreliable.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 entry date. Burundi enforces this strictly — I've seen people turned away at check-in in Nairobi for having 5 months left. | 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 flight or a bus ticket to Rwanda/Tanzania ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it printed saves time if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or a credit card statement. They don't usually check, but if you look underprepared, they might ask. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars are preferred. No credit or debit cards accepted. Bring small bills and exact change if possible.
Yellow fever vaccine recommended
While not mandatory for direct arrivals from Brazil, if you've been in any country with yellow fever risk within the last 6 months, you'll need proof of vaccination. Carry your yellow card.
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.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane), return ticket, and hotel booking. The officer will check everything.
3
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. Have exact change if possible.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp and stick the visa into your passport. Check that the dates and your name are correct before walking away.
5
Proceed to passport control
Join the main queue for passport control. Show your passport with the new visa. You'll be stamped in and can collect your luggage.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Brazil Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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
Cost$90 USD (approx. R$450)
Apply at Burundian embassy in Brazil or nearest embassy. Requires passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$150 USD (approx. R$750)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Must show travel history and ties to home country.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. R$1,000)
Requires invitation letter from Burundian company and proof of business purpose.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. R$1,500) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Burundi. Requires employer to apply on your behalf, proof of qualifications, and a valid passport. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa d'Étudiant)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. R$500)
For enrolled students at a recognized Burundian institution. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. R$2,500)
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Burundian business. Requires business plan, proof of investment, and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD or local currency) upon arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. | $90 USD (approx. R$450) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap of $200 USD. Overstay can also lead to deportation. | $10 USD per day |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extension is not guaranteed; apply at immigration office before visa expires. | $50 USD (approx. R$250) |
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
Brazil 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 collect luggage), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Burundi or a neighboring country may transit without visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsBujumbura International Airport (BJM)
Health & vaccines for Burundi
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Brazil is endemic, so a certificate is mandatory.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Common in urban areas during rainy seasons. Use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks. Practice safe food and water precautions.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is endemic in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or 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
Rue de l'Indépendance, Gitega
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Handles extensions for travellers in central Burundi. Limited services.
Practical information for BR 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 = 2,980.77 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. Always carry cash in US dollars — no cards accepted. Fees can change, so bring a little extra just in case.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than the visa allows, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type at the Immigration Office in Bujumbura before your current visa expires.
Visa on arrival is available at Bujumbura International Airport. At land borders (e.g., from Rwanda or Tanzania), the process may be less reliable. It's safer to enter by air or check with the nearest Burundian embassy beforehand.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers over 1 year old arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever. Brazil is not on the risk list, but if you've recently traveled to an endemic country, you'll need proof. Carry your yellow card just in case.
No, only cash is accepted — US dollars are preferred. Bring small denominations (no $100 bills if possible) and have exact change. ATMs are available at the airport but may not always work.
Usually 15–30 minutes, depending on how many flights arrived at the same time. The queue can be slow if multiple passengers need visas. Have your documents ready to speed things up.
You will likely be denied the visa on arrival. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling — it's not worth the risk.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.