Burundi entry requirements for Romania passport holders

Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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

Romanian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport and major land borders. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits in 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
Get your visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. Have 90 USD in cash ready for the single-entry visa (valid 30 days). Bring two passport-size photos and a printout of your hotel booking — the visa officer may ask for it.Check visa detailsRequired
Valid passport
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Burundi enforces this strictly at the border — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied entry.Required
Return or onward ticket
Return/onward ticket
Immigration at Bujumbura Airport checks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy of your flight itinerary ready — a mobile screenshot works too, but a printout is safer.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it during visa-on-arrival processing.Recommended
Proof of funds
Financial means
Have at least 500 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Burundi is a cash-heavy economy — you will need cash for the visa fee and local expenses.Recommended
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD or EUR. No credit cards, no mobile money. Bring exact change if possible. ATMs in Bujumbura are unreliable and may not accept foreign cards.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Burundi. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the border (if available).

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Bujumbura International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form at the counter. Fill in your details, passport info, and purpose of visit. A pen is provided, but bring your own just in case.
3
Pay the visa fee in cash
Pay the fee in USD or EUR. Keep the receipt. The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport.
4
Receive your visa and proceed to passport control
Once the visa sticker is in your passport, go to the passport control queue. The officer will check your documents and stamp you in. You're free to enter.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Romania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 2026
Download PDF

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
Cost40 USD (40 USD)

Apply at Burundian embassy or on arrival.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost80 USD (80 USD)

Good for frequent travelers.

Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost100 USD (100 USD)

Requires invitation letter from Burundian company.

work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~200 USD + employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer from a Burundian company. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~100 USD
For enrollment at a recognized educational institution in Burundi. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~500 USD
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in a Burundian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD or EUR) at Bujumbura International Airport.40 USD (40 USD)
Visa on arrival (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries during stay.80 USD (80 USD)
Stay extension (per month)Apply at immigration office before current visa expires.50 USD (50 USD)
Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of 200 USD.10 USD (10 USD)

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

Romania 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
Transit hubsBujumbura International Airport (BJM)

Health & vaccines for Burundi

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; Burundi has yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy seasons.

CholeraModerate risk

Risk from contaminated water and food.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is high risk nationwide. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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 l'Immigration et de l'Émigration
Avenue de la Révolution, Bujumbura
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main office for extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.

Gitega
Immigration Office Gitega
Near the central market, Gitega
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Regional office for extensions.

Practical information for RO 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 = 2,985.08 BIF
updated Jun 3
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
Police117
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

The standard single-entry tourist visa costs around $90 USD (or equivalent in EUR). Double-check the exact amount before you travel — fees can change. Pay in cash, preferably USD or EUR. No credit cards.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Department in Bujumbura. Extensions are usually granted for up to 30 days. The cost is around $50 USD. You'll need your passport, a completed application form, and a reason for the extension.
Visa on arrival is also available at major land borders like the one from Rwanda (Akanyaru) or Tanzania (Kabanga). The process is similar — fill a form, pay in cash, get stamped. But expect less English spoken and longer queues.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 1 year old arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever. Even if you're coming directly from Romania, it's strongly recommended to have it — immigration may ask. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you need to leave the transit area, you'll need a visa on arrival. Check with your airline for transit rules.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. No exceptions. Renew your passport before you travel.
Burundi has security concerns, including occasional political unrest and crime. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings. Register with your embassy on arrival.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.