Burundi entry requirements for Malaysia 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
Malaysian passport holders can get a visa on arrival when landing in Burundi. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits in 2026. Just show up at Bujumbura International Airport with your documents and pay the fee at the immigration counter.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready — the visa officer may ask to see both. The visa costs $90 USD for a single-entry stay up to 30 days, payable in cash (USD or EUR).Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Malaysian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Burundi. Airlines at Kuala Lumpur International Airport enforce this strictly — they will deny boarding if your passport expires sooner. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Bujumbura Airport will ask to see a confirmed onward or return ticket. Without one, you may be refused entry and sent back on the next flight. Budget airlines like Ethiopian Airlines also check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Burundi. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A booking confirmation from Booking.com or Agoda works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay. ATMs in Bujumbura are unreliable and often run out of cash. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars or Burundian francs. No credit or debit cards accepted. ATMs are available after immigration, but not before.
Visa on arrival is the only option
There is no e-visa or visa-free entry for Malaysian passport holders. The visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits.
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
Present your documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or local currency). The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport.
3
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa sticker, join the main passport control line. The officer will check your visa and stamp you in. Keep your documents handy in case they ask again.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. The whole process usually takes 30–60 minutes depending on flight volume.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Malaysia 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, 90 days)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. 890 MYR)
Apply at Burundi embassy or online; requires invitation letter.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 6 months)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$400 USD (approx. 1,780 MYR)
For frequent travellers; requires proof of multiple trips.
Business visa (single entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$250 USD (approx. 1,110 MYR)
Requires invitation letter from Burundi company.
work visa
Work Permit (Carte de Séjour)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 2,220 MYR) per year
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Burundi company. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and approval from Ministry of Labour.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 4,450 MYR) initial fee
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in Burundi. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 890 MYR) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Burundi institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in USD or local currency at entry points. | $90 USD (approx. 400 MYR) |
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)For longer stays; must be requested at immigration. | $200 USD (approx. 890 MYR) |
| Overstay fine per dayPay at immigration office before departure. | $10 USD (approx. 45 MYR) per day, max $500 USD |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Apply at immigration office before current visa expires. | $50 USD (approx. 220 MYR) |
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
Malaysia passport holders transiting through Burundi airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may have different rules.
Transit hubsBujumbura International Airport (BJM)
Health & vaccines for Burundi
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission; Burundi has risk of yellow fever.
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
Common in urban and rural areas; use mosquito repellent.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine 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
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 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.
Practical information for MY 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 = 2,988.1 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 typically around $90 USD, but can vary slightly. Pay in US dollars or Burundian francs. Credit cards are not accepted at the immigration counter, so bring cash.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travel or leave and re-enter.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Malaysia is not a risk country, but if you've recently traveled to one, you'll need proof. Check with your doctor.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced from your date of entry.
The visa on arrival is primarily 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.
No, Burundi does not currently offer an e-visa for Malaysian passport holders. The visa on arrival is the standard method.
Your passport (6+ months validity), a printed or digital copy of your return/onward ticket, and your first night's hotel booking confirmation. Have cash ready for the visa fee.
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.