Burundi entry requirements for Portugal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Portuguese passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Burundi. Show up at Bujumbura International Airport with your documents and pay the fee. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. Have 90 USD in cash (exact change preferred) and two passport-sized photos ready. The process takes 15–30 minutes at the visa counter before immigration.Visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs at least one blank page for the visa sticker. Burundi does not require 6 months validity beyond your stay — just cover your travel dates. Airlines may still enforce 6 months, so check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Bujumbura Airport checks for a return or onward ticket before stamping you in. Have a printed itinerary or e-ticket ready. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have on hand | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration rarely asks, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have on hand | Have cash (USD or euros) or a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. No fixed amount is published, but 100 USD per day is a safe benchmark. ATMs are scarce outside Bujumbura. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or EUR). No cards, no mobile money. Bring enough cash to cover the fee and any unexpected expenses.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Burundi requires proof of yellow fever vaccination. Without it, you may be quarantined or denied entry. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Bujumbura International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a dedicated counter.
2
Present your documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or EUR). The officer will process your visa.
3
Receive your visa and proceed to passport control
Once the visa is issued, go to the passport control line. The officer will stamp you in. Keep the visa sticker safe — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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
Cost~$90 USD (approx. €83)
Apply at Burundian embassy abroad; similar to visa on arrival but pre-approved.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (approx. €139)
For frequent travellers; must apply at embassy.
Long-stay visa (business/visit)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$200 USD (approx. €185)
Requires invitation letter and sponsor in Burundi.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. €278) plus employer fees
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Burundian company. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa d'Étudiant)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. €93)
For enrolled students at recognized Burundian institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa d'Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €463) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in Burundi. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD or EUR) upon arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. | $90 USD (approx. €82) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap known; avoid overstay to prevent fines and future entry issues. | $10 USD per day (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
Portugal passport holders transiting through Bujumbura International Airport do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsBujumbura International Airport (BJM)
Health & vaccines for Burundi
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission; Burundi may request proof at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; practice strict hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is endemic nationwide, including Bujumbura. Use mosquito repellent, bed nets, and consider prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline).
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 in cash.
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, call ahead.
Practical information for PT 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 = 2,983.89 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 approximately $90 USD (or equivalent in EUR). Pay in cash at the airport — no credit or debit cards accepted. Bring exact change if possible.
No, 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.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, Burundi requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers over 9 months old. Carry your yellow card — you may be asked at immigration.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at major land border crossings like Akanyaru, but Bujumbura Airport is the most reliable. Check with your specific border post before traveling.
Usually 15-30 minutes at Bujumbura Airport. It can be longer during peak hours (evening flights). Have your documents ready to speed things up.
You may be refused entry. Immigration officers often ask for proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.