Burundi entry requirements for Switzerland 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
Swiss passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. As of 2026, the process is straightforward — just have your documents ready and pay the fee in cash. No need to apply in advance.
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 for a single-entry visa (30 days) or 140 USD for multiple entries. Bring two passport photos and fill out the application form at the counter before immigration.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Swiss passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your entry date. Burundi immigration enforces this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration at Bujumbura Airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Airlines also check this at check-in — have a printed copy or digital booking confirmation ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have a hotel booking or invitation letter with a local address. Immigration officers sometimes ask for it during the visa on arrival process — a printed confirmation avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry at least 200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Burundi is a cash-based economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in Bujumbura. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in US dollars or euros — credit cards are not accepted. Bring crisp, new bills; old or damaged notes may be refused.
Yellow fever certificate required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bujumbura International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. There's a dedicated counter for visa on arrival. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation details ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, and where you're staying.
3
Pay the visa fee in cash
The fee is paid in US dollars or euros. Bring crisp, new bills — old or damaged notes may be refused. Exact change helps.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp and affix the visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
Once your passport is stamped, you can collect your luggage and exit the arrivals hall. No further checks.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland 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
CostFree (0 USD) for Swiss passport holders
Visa on arrival is free; no need to apply in advance.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~100,000 BIF (~50 USD)
Available at Burundian embassies; not commonly issued.
Long-stay visa (business/resident)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~500,000 BIF (~250 USD)
Requires sponsorship from a local company or organization.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~500,000 BIF (~250 USD) + employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Burundian company. Requires a work contract and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa d'Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~200,000 BIF (~100 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized Burundian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa d'Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~1,000,000 BIF (~500 USD)
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in a Burundian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in USD or EUR at Bujumbura International Airport. | $90 USD (approx. CHF 80) |
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)Available at the airport; longer stays require justification. | $140 USD (approx. CHF 125) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure; avoid overstaying. | $10 USD per day (no official cap) |
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
Swiss 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
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for airside transit up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsBujumbura International Airport (BJM)
Health & vaccines for Burundi
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended for some travellers.
Malaria risk: high
All regions, including Bujumbura. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended.
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 l'Indépendance, Bujumbura
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Gitega
Bureau de l'Immigration de Gitega
Rue de la Mairie, Gitega
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Handles extensions for visitors in central Burundi.
Practical information for CH 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 euros. Pay in cash — credit cards are not accepted. Bring crisp, new bills.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. It can be extended at the immigration office in Bujumbura for an additional fee.
Yes, you can extend your stay at the Direction Générale de la Migration in Bujumbura. The process takes a few days and costs around $50 USD. Bring your passport and a passport photo.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Burundi. You may be asked to show it at immigration.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, visa on arrival is also available at major land border crossings like from Rwanda and Tanzania. The process is similar to the airport.
Yes, you can apply for an e-visa through the official Burundi immigration website. It costs about $80 USD and takes 3-5 business days. This can save time at the airport.
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.