Burundi entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
British passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Burundi. Pay the fee in cash (USD or EUR) at Bujumbura International Airport. This policy is current as of 2026.
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 and fill in the arrival form before you queue.Check visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date in Burundi. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page — immigration sometimes asks for it. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Airlines check this at check-in — you need a confirmed onward ticket out of Burundi. Immigration officers rarely ask, but the airline won't let you board without one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration officers at Bujumbura Airport sometimes ask for it during visa processing. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Burundi has limited ATMs and card acceptance is rare outside major hotels. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival counter does not accept credit or debit cards. Bring enough USD or EUR cash in good condition. ATMs are available in Bujumbura but not at the airport.
Yellow fever certificate
While not always checked, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is officially required for entry. Carry it with your passport to avoid delays or refusal.
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.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a small form to complete. Basic info: name, passport number, flight details, accommodation address. Have a pen ready.
3
Pay the visa fee in cash
Hand over your passport, form, and cash (USD or EUR). The officer will process payment and issue a receipt. Keep the receipt with your passport.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away. Then proceed to passport control.
5
Pass through immigration
Present your passport with the visa sticker and your boarding pass. You may be asked about your return ticket or accommodation. Answer clearly.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost40 USD (approx. £32)
Apply at Burundian embassy abroad before travel. Allows single entry.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost80 USD (approx. £64)
For multiple visits within validity. Apply at embassy.
Long-stay visa (business/work)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. 100-200 USD)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Burundi immigration.
work visa
Work Permit / Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
~150 USD (approx. £120) plus employer fees
For foreign nationals employed by a Burundian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies (up to 1 year, renewable)
~50 USD (approx. £40)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in Burundi. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~500 USD (approx. £400)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 in Burundi. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD or local currency) upon arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. | 40 USD (approx. £32) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo known maximum cap; avoid overstaying. | 10 USD per day (approx. £8) |
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
UK 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
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.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Spread through contaminated food/water; vaccination advised.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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 la Migration
Avenue de la Révolution, Bujumbura
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
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; call ahead.
Practical information for GB 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 single-entry tourist visa costs around $90 USD (or equivalent in EUR). Business visas may cost more. Pay in cash — cards are not accepted at the counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at Bujumbura. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. It's also recommended for all travellers. Carry the certificate with your passport.
Visa on arrival is available at Bujumbura International Airport and some land border crossings, but the airport is the most reliable. Check with the nearest Burundian embassy if you plan to enter by land.
USD or EUR cash. US dollars are widely accepted. Bring small denominations ($20s and $50s) and ensure bills are in good condition — torn or marked notes may be refused.
No, there is no e-visa system for Burundi. The only option for British passport holders is the visa on arrival.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.