Burundi entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Burundi. You'll sort it out at the airport in Bujumbura — no need to apply before you travel. This has been the case for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. Have 90 USD in cash for a single-entry visa (30 days) or 140 USD for multiple entries. The visa counter is before immigration — fill out the form, pay, and they stamp you in.Check visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your New Zealand passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your entry date. Burundi immigration checks this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, they may deny entry. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Bujumbura will ask for proof of a return or onward flight within your visa's validity. Airlines also check this before boarding — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have | Hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from a host in Burundi. Immigration may ask where you're staying — having a printed booking avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have | Carry at least 200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Burundi is a cash-heavy economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — US dollars are preferred. There are no ATMs at the airport before immigration, so bring enough cash with you.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Burundi requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers over 1 year old arriving from countries with yellow fever. Even if you're coming directly from New Zealand, it's recommended to get the vaccine — border officials may ask for it.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bujumbura International Airport
You'll land at Bujumbura's only international airport. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a dedicated counter.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be handed a short form — name, passport number, flight details, where you're staying. Fill it out in the queue.
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is paid in cash — US dollars are preferred. As of 2026, it's around $90 for a single-entry visa. Have exact change if possible.
4
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, completed form, payment, and proof of onward travel and accommodation. The officer will check everything and issue the visa sticker.
5
Collect your passport and proceed
Once the visa is affixed, you'll get your passport back. Head to baggage claim and then customs. Total time is usually 15–30 minutes.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost40 USD
Apply at Burundian embassy abroad; allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost80 USD
Ideal for travellers needing to exit and re-enter Burundi.
Long-stay visa (business/residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost200 USD (estimated)
Requires sponsorship from a local company or organization; apply at embassy.
work visa
Work Permit / Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
~200 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer from a Burundian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies (typically 1–4 years)
~100 USD (estimated)
For enrolment in a recognized educational institution in Burundi. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1–2 years, renewable
~500 USD (estimated)
For individuals investing a minimum amount (e.g., $50,000) in a Burundian business. 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 (exact amount, no currency conversion needed) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be obtained in advance from a Burundian embassy if preferred. | 40 USD |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available for those needing multiple entries; apply at embassy or on arrival with justification. | 80 USD |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying is penalized; avoid by extending or leaving on time. | 10 USD per day (no official 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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Burundi (Bujumbura International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport or change terminals, a visa on arrival may be 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; certificate must be presented at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in low-lying areas; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination and safe eating/drinking habits advised.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round throughout Burundi, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under 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 residency permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
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 for extensions.
Practical information for NZ 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 = 2,977.93 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 visa on arrival costs around $90 USD. Bring cash in US dollars — exact change is best. Credit cards are not accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
You'll be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 1 year old arriving from countries with yellow fever. Even if you're coming directly from New Zealand, it's wise to get the vaccine — Burundi may ask for it at the border.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at most land border crossings, but the process is smoother at Bujumbura airport. If entering by land, have cash and documents ready.
Immigration will likely ask for proof of onward travel. Without it, you may be refused entry. A refundable onward ticket booked just in case is a common workaround.
Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Burundi has periodic security issues. Travel insurance with evacuation cover is strongly recommended.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.