Burundi entry requirements for Hong Kong passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Hong Kong passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Burundi. You handle the process at Bujumbura International Airport. As of 2026, the procedure is straightforward but requires a few key documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Hong Kong passport must be valid for at least the full duration of your stay in Burundi. Burundi does not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule, but airlines may check for at least 3 months beyond your departure date. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Obtain at Bujumbura International Airport | You can get a visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. Have 100 USD in cash ready for the single-entry visa fee — the immigration counter does not accept cards. Fill out the arrival form on the plane or at the counter before queuing.Check visa details | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Bujumbura ask to see a confirmed onward or return ticket. Without one, you may be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have on hand | While not always checked, having a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from a host speeds up the immigration process. If you're staying with friends, ask them to write a letter with their contact details and address. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to show if asked | Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. Carry at least 200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. ATMs in Bujumbura are unreliable, so bring enough cash for your trip. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the visa counter
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash. USD is widely accepted, but bring crisp, undamaged bills. ATMs are scarce at the airport.
Visa on arrival is for tourism only
This visa is for short-term tourism. If you're traveling for business, work, or study, you need to apply for the appropriate visa at a Burundian embassy before departure.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bujumbura International Airport
All international flights land at Bujumbura International Airport (BJM). After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Queue at the visa-on-arrival counter
Join the queue at the designated counter. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot or print), and accommodation booking ready. The officer will process your visa.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (USD is widely accepted). As of 2026, the fee is around $90 USD for a single-entry tourist visa. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa. Check that the validity dates and number of entries are correct before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to passport control
After getting your visa, go to the passport control booth. Show your passport with the visa stamp and your boarding pass. You'll be allowed through.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Hong Kong Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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
Cost40 USD (approx. 40 USD)
Apply at Burundian embassy or online eVisa. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost80 USD (approx. 80 USD)
Suitable for frequent travellers. Must leave and re-enter to reset stay.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost60 USD (approx. 60 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Burundian company.
work visa
Work Permit Visa
1 year, renewable
~200 USD (application fee)
For those with a job offer from a Burundian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~100 USD (application fee)
For enrolled students at recognized Burundian institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~500 USD (application fee)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 in Burundi. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Standard fee for Hong Kong passport holders at Bujumbura International Airport. | 40 USD (approx. 40 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Available from Burundian embassies or online eVisa system. | 40 USD (approx. 40 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity period. | 80 USD (approx. 80 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged at immigration upon departure for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | 10 USD per day (max 500 USD) |
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
Hong Kong passport holders transiting through Bujumbura International Airport do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for an East African Community (EAC) country may transit without visa for up to 72 hours.
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 is endemic.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)RecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed 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'Emigration
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
Near the central market, Gitega
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for central Burundi. Limited services; call ahead.
Practical information for HK 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 tourist visa on arrival costs about $90 USD. Pay in cash — USD is preferred. Keep the receipt.
The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Yes, Burundi requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Hong Kong is not a risk country, but if you've traveled recently to an endemic area, you'll need proof. Check with your doctor.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Bujumbura International Airport. Land border crossings may have different procedures — check with the nearest Burundian embassy if you plan to enter by land.
No, there is no arrival declaration form required. You handle everything at the airport counter.
Contact the Hong Kong Immigration Department's 24-hour hotline at +852 1868 for assistance. You'll need a police report and a replacement travel document from the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.