Burundi entry requirements for Netherlands passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Dutch passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Burundi. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short business trips. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires preparation.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply at the airport | Get your visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. Pay $90 USD in cash for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. Have a passport photo ready — the visa counter has a photo booth but it's slow.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your entry date. Burundi enforces this at the visa counter — if your passport expires sooner, they'll deny the visa on arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Bujumbura ask for a return or onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Airlines also check this at check-in — have a printed copy or show it on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Burundi. Immigration may ask where you're staying — having a printed booking avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or show a bank statement. Burundi is a cash economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. ATMs in Bujumbura dispense local francs, not dollars. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at immigration. No exceptions for Dutch passport holders. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD or EUR. No credit or debit cards accepted. Bring exact change if possible to avoid delays.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bujumbura International Airport
Most flights land at Bujumbura (BJM). After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a dedicated counter.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a small form on arrival. Fill in your details (name, passport number, purpose of visit, length of stay). Keep it simple — 'tourism' or 'business' works.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash (USD or EUR preferred). As of 2026, the fee is around $90 USD for a single-entry visa. Have exact change if possible. Credit cards are not accepted.
4
Submit documents and get visa
Hand over your passport, completed form, and payment. The officer will process and return your passport with the visa sticker. This usually takes 10–20 minutes.
5
Proceed to passport control
After getting the visa, go to the main passport control queue. Show your passport with the new visa, and you're cleared to enter.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Netherlands Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$90 USD (approx. €83)
Apply at Burundian embassy abroad; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days per entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$140 USD (approx. €129)
Ideal for frequent travellers; extension possible per stay.
Long-stay visa (business/visit, 90 days)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. €185)
Requires invitation letter and approval from Burundi immigration; renewable.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD (approx. €460) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign nationals employed by a Burundian company. Requires work contract, employer sponsorship, and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa d'Étudiant)
1 year, renewable based on course duration
~$200 USD (approx. €185) plus proof of enrollment
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Burundi. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and valid passport.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa d'Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. €920) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Burundian business. Requires business plan, registration, and approval from investment agency.
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)For travellers needing multiple entries within the validity period. | $140 USD (approx. €129) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure; avoid overstaying to prevent penalties. | $10 USD per day (no cap mentioned) |
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
Netherlands passport holders transiting through Bujumbura International Airport 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 a valid Burundi visa or residence permit may transit without additional visa.
Transit hubsBujumbura International Airport (BJM)
Health & vaccines for Burundi
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission; certificate must be presented upon entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
CholeraModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; ensure safe food and water practices.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) 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 la Migration (DGM)
Avenue de la Mission, 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; less crowded than Bujumbura.
Practical information for NL 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 = 2,977.48 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
Yes, but it's less predictable. The main land crossings (e.g., from Rwanda at Akanyaru or from Tanzania at Kabanga) sometimes issue visas on arrival, but not always. Bujumbura Airport is the most reliable. If entering by land, check with the nearest Burundian embassy beforehand.
As of 2026, the single-entry visa on arrival costs about $90 USD. Some sources report $80–100. Bring USD or EUR in cash — no cards. Exact change helps avoid issues.
The visa on arrival typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. It can be extended once at the immigration office in Bujumbura for an additional 30 days (fee around $50–100). Extensions are not guaranteed, so plan accordingly.
Yes, Burundi requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers over 1 year old. You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. No card = possible denial of entry or quarantine.
Yes, you can apply for a one-time extension of up to 30 days at the Direction Générale de l'Immigration in Bujumbura. The fee is around $50–100. Start the process at least a week before your visa expires. Extensions beyond that are rare.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll likely face a fine (around $10–20 per day) and could be detained or banned from re-entry. Always extend or leave before your visa expires.
Burundi has security risks — political tensions, occasional protests, and crime. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. If you go, stay in Bujumbura or Gitega, avoid large gatherings, and register with your embassy. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.