Burundi entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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
Canadian 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. Just show up with your documents and pay the fee at the immigration counter.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. Have 90 USD in cash (exact change preferred) and a printed copy of your hotel booking. The visa is valid for 30 days and costs 90 USD — do not overpay.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport with at least 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Burundi. Have at least two blank visa pages. Airlines check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Bujumbura will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. A printed itinerary or e-ticket works. If you're overlanding out, have a bus ticket or a letter explaining your exit plan. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation for your entire stay, or a letter of invitation from a host in Burundi. Immigration officers sometimes ask for this at the visa-on-arrival counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least 200 USD in cash (or equivalent in euros) to show you can support yourself. A recent bank statement or credit card also works. ATMs in Bujumbura are unreliable. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or EUR). There is no ATM at the visa counter, and cards are not accepted. Bring small denominations.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival. Carry your yellow card 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
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a small form to complete — name, passport number, purpose of visit, accommodation. Bring a pen.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, and cash (USD or EUR). The officer will process the visa — expect 5–15 minutes.
4
Receive your visa and proceed to passport control
Once approved, the visa is stamped into your passport. Then go to the main passport control line for entry stamping.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$90 USD (approx. $90 USD)
Apply at Burundian embassy abroad; may allow longer stay than VOA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply at embassy.
Long-stay visa (business/visit)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
Requires invitation letter and sponsor in Burundi.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. $300 USD)
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Burundian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa d'Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
For enrolled students at recognized Burundian institutions. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. $500 USD)
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Burundian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
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 (90 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry, up to 30 days)Available at the airport; allows multiple entries within validity. | 140 USD (140 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying. | 10 USD per day (10 USD per day) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extensions are not guaranteed; apply at immigration office before expiry. | Varies, typically 50-100 USD |
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
Canadian 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 risk; Burundi has risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended.
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 overstay fines. 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
Regional office for central Burundi; limited services for foreigners.
Practical information for CA 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 = 2,979.2 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 but is typically around $40–90 USD. Pay in cash — USD or EUR is preferred. Bring small bills if possible.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Visa on arrival is available at Bujumbura International Airport. Land border crossings may not offer this facility — check with the nearest Burundian embassy if you plan to enter by road.
Yes, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. Carry your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) with you.
No, only cash is accepted at the visa on arrival counter. Bring USD or EUR in cash.
Usually 5–15 minutes, but it can take longer if there's a queue. Budget 30 minutes to be safe.
You'll likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling to Burundi.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.