Burundi entry requirements for Sweden passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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

Swedish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Burundi. As of 2026, you pay the fee at the airport and receive a stamp — no advance application needed. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
Get your visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. Have a printed hotel booking and return ticket ready to show at the visa counter. The visa costs around $90 USD and is valid for up to 30 days.Burundi Migration DeptRequired
Valid passport
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Burundi. Have at least one blank page for the visa sticker.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration at Bujumbura Airport checks for a return or onward ticket. Airlines also enforce this before boarding. Have a printed copy or digital booking ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking
Have a printed hotel reservation or invitation letter from your host in Burundi. Immigration may ask for this at the visa-on-arrival counter.Recommended
Proof of funds
Financial means
Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration rarely asks, but it's safer to have proof.Recommended
Cash only for visa fee
There is no ATM at the visa counter at Bujumbura Airport. Bring USD or EUR in cash. The fee is around $90 USD, but have a little extra just in case.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before you travel. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot.

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 confirmation ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash (USD or EUR) at the counter. They'll give you a receipt. Keep it — you'll need it for the visa sticker.
3
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp your passport with a visa sticker. Check the validity dates before walking away. The process takes about 10-15 minutes.
4
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa to the immigration officer. They'll stamp you in. Then collect your luggage and exit.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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
Cost$90 USD (approx. 90 USD)

Apply at Burundian embassy abroad; may allow extension.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. 150 USD)

For frequent travellers; apply at embassy.

work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
For those with a job offer from a Burundian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized Burundian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and financial support.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 500 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 in Burundi. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (USD or local currency) upon arrival at Bujumbura International Airport.$90 USD (approx. 90 USD)
Visa on Arrival (multiple entry, up to 30 days)For travellers needing multiple entries during their stay.$140 USD (approx. 140 USD)
Stay extension (per month, up to 3 months)Apply at the Directorate General of Immigration in Bujumbura before current visa expires.$50 USD (approx. 50 USD) per month
Overstay fine (per day)No official cap reported; avoid overstay to prevent fines and possible deportation.$10 USD per day

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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

Sweden 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 transmission; Burundi has risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.

ChikungunyaModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; similar to dengue.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is high risk nationwide, including Bujumbura. Use mosquito repellent, nets, and consider prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, 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.

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.

Practical information for SE 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 = 2,979.2 BIF
updated Jun 4
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 fee is typically around $90 USD (or equivalent in EUR). It's payable in cash only — no credit cards. Bring exact change if possible.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll likely be asked to show it at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before you travel. The 6 months are counted from your date of entry, not departure.
Yes, but it's less reliable. The main entry point is Bujumbura International Airport. If entering by land, confirm with the embassy beforehand. The process is smoother at the airport.
Not officially required for the visa on arrival, but it's smart to have a bank statement or credit card available if asked. Immigration rarely asks, but it's better to be prepared.
The standard stay is up to 30 days. The exact duration is written on the visa sticker — check it before leaving the counter. If you need longer, you must leave and re-enter.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.