Burundi entry requirements for Thailand 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
Thai passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits in 2026. No need to apply in advance — just show up with the right documents and cash.
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), two passport photos, and your hotel booking ready. The process takes 15–30 minutes — fill out the application form at the counter before queuing.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your departure date from Burundi. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Bujumbura Airport ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. Without it, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in Burundi. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process — have a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Carry at least 500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration rarely asks, but having it avoids delays if questioned. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in US dollars cash. No credit cards, no local currency. Bring crisp, undamaged bills — torn or marked notes may be refused.
Visa on arrival is the standard entry method
You do not need to apply for an e-visa or visit an embassy beforehand. Just arrive at Bujumbura International Airport with your documents and cash.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bujumbura International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a dedicated counter before the main passport control queue.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form — name, passport number, flight details, hotel address. Fill it in while queuing to save time.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, photos (if asked), and cash. The officer will process your visa and issue a receipt.
4
Get your visa sticker and enter
The visa is stamped or stuck into your passport. Then proceed to passport control for entry clearance. Keep the receipt — you may need it when leaving.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Thailand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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. 3,150 THB)
Apply at Burundi embassy or online. Same as VoA but pre-arranged.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$150 USD (approx. 5,250 THB)
For frequent travellers; must show travel history.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. 7,000 THB)
Requires invitation letter from Burundi company.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
$300 USD (approx. 10,500 THB) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer in Burundi. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa Étudiant)
1 year, renewable
$150 USD (approx. 5,250 THB)
For enrolled students at recognized Burundi institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 17,500 THB)
For those investing at least $50,000 in Burundi. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival feeSingle entry, valid for 30 days. Payable in USD or local currency. | $90 USD (approx. 3,150 THB) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstay. | $10 USD per day (approx. 350 THB) |
| Stay extension feeExtension of stay up to 30 days, subject to approval. | $50 USD (approx. 1,750 THB) |
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
Thailand passport holders transiting through Burundi do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. However, if leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may have different rules.
Transit hubsBujumbura International Airport (BJM)
Health & vaccines for Burundi
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesRecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Burundi; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Common in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination advised.
Malaria risk: high
All regions, including Bujumbura. Use mosquito nets and take prophylaxis like 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.
Gitega
Immigration Office Gitega
Rue de l'Indépendance, Gitega
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for travellers in central Burundi.
Practical information for TH 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 = 2,988.1 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 typically around $40–$90 USD, depending on the length of stay and current policy. Pay in cash (USD) at the airport. No card or other currency accepted.
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.
The maximum stay is determined at the airport — typically up to 30 days. The officer will stamp the exact duration in your passport.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Even if not required, it's strongly recommended. Carry your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination).
You may be denied boarding or entry. Airlines often check for onward tickets before letting you fly. Book a refundable ticket or one you can change.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Bujumbura International Airport. Land border crossings may have different rules — check with the nearest Burundian embassy if entering overland.
Carry only what you need for the visa fee and a little extra. Keep it in a money belt or hidden pouch. ATMs in Bujumbura are unreliable, so bring enough USD for your first few days.
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.