Burundi entry requirements for Latvia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Latvian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Burundi. You'll handle it at the airport when you land — no need to apply in advance. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport | Get your visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. Pay the fee in cash (USD or EUR) — have the exact amount ready. The visa costs around $90 USD for a single-entry 30-day visa.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Burundi. Have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Bujumbura may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. Airlines check this before boarding. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Burundi. Immigration officers sometimes ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged visa. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) for your stay — around $100 per day is a safe benchmark. ATMs are scarce outside Bujumbura, and credit cards are rarely accepted. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — USD or euros. There are no ATMs at the airport before immigration, and cards are not accepted. Bring enough cash to cover the fee and any unexpected costs.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Burundi requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers over 1 year old. You'll need to show your yellow card at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Bujumbura International Airport
All international flights arrive here. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration' — it's a small airport, easy to navigate.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll get a short form on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your details, passport info, and where you're staying.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash (USD or euros are accepted). The fee is around $90 USD for a single-entry visa. Have exact change if possible.
4
Get your visa sticker
An officer will stamp the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before you walk away — it's usually valid for 30 days.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your bags and walk through customs. There's usually no customs declaration form for personal items.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$90 USD (approx. €83)
Apply at Burundian embassy abroad or on arrival; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$140 USD (approx. €129)
Ideal for multiple visits; extension possible.
Business visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$150 USD (approx. €138)
Requires invitation letter from Burundian company; apply at embassy or on arrival.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €184) plus processing fees
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Burundian company. Requires work contract, employer sponsorship, and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa d'Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. €92)
For enrolled students at a recognized Burundian institution. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €460) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in a Burundian business. Requires business plan, registration, and proof of funds. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (USD or EUR) upon arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. | $90 USD (approx. €83) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry, up to 30 days)Available at the airport; same conditions as single entry but allows multiple entries. | $140 USD (approx. €129) |
| Stay extension (per month)Apply at the Directorate General of Immigration in Bujumbura before visa expiry. | $50 USD (approx. €46) |
| Overstay fine (per day)No official cap reported; avoid overstay to prevent fines and future bans. | $10 USD (approx. €9) |
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
Latvia 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 Burundi (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa on arrival is required.
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 risk; Burundi requires a valid certificate upon entry.
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 and hygiene are key.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and 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
Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration
Avenue de la Mission, Bujumbura
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Gitega
Provincial Immigration Office
Near the Governor's Office, Gitega
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and permits for the central region; limited services.
Practical information for LV 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 = 2,984.14 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 visa on arrival costs about $90 USD. Pay in cash — USD or euros are preferred. Have exact change if possible, as change may not be available.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. Check the stamp before leaving the counter. If you need longer, you'll have to apply for an extension at the immigration office in Bujumbura.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You'll need to visit the Direction Générale de la Migration in Bujumbura. Extensions are usually granted in 30-day increments. The cost is around $50–$100 USD depending on the length. Start the process at least a week before your visa expires.
You'll likely be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling — it's not something you can negotiate at the airport.
Yes, Burundi requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at major land border crossings, including those from Rwanda, Tanzania, and DR Congo. The process is similar to the airport — cash payment, passport check, and stamp. But it can be slower, so allow extra time.
Overstaying can result in a fine of about $10–$20 USD per day, and you may be questioned at immigration when leaving. In serious cases, it could affect future travel to Burundi. Best to extend or leave on time.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.