Burundi entry requirements for Serbia 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
Serbian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport and major land borders. This has been the case since 2024. You'll pay the fee in cash (USD or EUR) and receive a stamp valid for up to 30 days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at Bujumbura International Airport. Pay $90 USD in cash (exact change preferred) — they don't accept cards. Have two passport-sized photos ready, though they'll take one at the counter if you don't have them.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport with at least 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Burundi immigration checks this strictly — they'll turn you away if it's close to expiry. Airlines also enforce this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Bujumbura asks for a return or onward ticket before they issue the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready — showing it on your phone works too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Burundi ready. Immigration may ask for it at the visa counter — a printed booking confirmation is safest. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration rarely checks, but the visa fee is cash-only ($90 USD), so bring extra. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa-on-arrival counter only takes cash in USD or EUR. There are no ATMs at the airport or border posts. Bring small bills to avoid needing change.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Burundi. Get the shot at least 10 days before you travel. Immigration will ask for it.
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 before the main passport control line.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll get a small card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your details, flight number, and accommodation address.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over your passport, the form, and the fee in cash (USD or EUR). The officer will process the visa sticker and stamp you in. This usually takes 5-10 minutes.
4
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the fresh visa sticker. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly and you're through.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Serbia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 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 date
Cost$90 USD (approx. €82)
Apply at Burundian embassy abroad; allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$150 USD (approx. €137)
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. €91)
Requires invitation letter from Burundian company.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €182) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals employed by a Burundian company. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa d'Étudiant)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. €91)
For enrolled students at accredited Burundian institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €455)
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD 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 EUR) upon arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. | $90 USD (approx. €82) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry issues. | $10 USD per day |
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
Serbia passport holders transiting through Burundi do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or collect luggage), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Burundi may transit without additional visa.
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; Burundi has periodic outbreaks.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in urban 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. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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 l'Indépendance, 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 la Mairie, Gitega
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for central Burundi; limited services.
Practical information for RS 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
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 €85 EUR for a 30-day single-entry visa. Prices can change, so bring a bit extra. Pay in cash at the counter.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Office in Bujumbura. It costs around $50 USD and can add up to 30 more days. Start the process at least a week before your visa expires.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers over 1 year old. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Visa on arrival is also available at major land borders like the Rwanda border at Akanyaru and the Tanzania border at Kabanga. The process is the same — cash payment and passport check. But expect less English spoken and longer waits.
No. Only cash in USD or EUR is accepted. There are no ATMs at the airport or border posts. Bring enough small bills to cover the fee and any immediate expenses.
Usually 5-10 minutes at Bujumbura Airport if you have the correct cash and a completed form. During peak hours (multiple flights arriving), it can take up to 30 minutes.
Burundi has periodic political tensions and some areas are unsafe. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Avoid large gatherings and stay in well-known areas. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
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.