Burundi entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 29, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Tanzanian passport holders can enter Burundi without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy covers tourism, business, and transit. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Burundi. Airlines check this at check-in. If your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Burundi
Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Bujumbura International Airport. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. Without one, you risk being refused entry.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Burundi. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Have cash (USD or local francs) or a bank statement showing you have enough money for your stay. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show at least $100–$200 for a short visit.Recommended
EAC citizen benefits
As a Tanzanian, you are a citizen of the East African Community (EAC). This gives you visa-free access to Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya for up to 90 days. Keep your passport valid and you're good to go.
Yellow fever vaccine recommended
While not always checked, Burundi officially requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers arriving from countries with risk. Carry your WHO-approved yellow card to avoid being turned away or forced to get a vaccine at the border.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Bujumbura International Airport
Most travellers fly into Bujumbura (BJM). After disembarking, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. There are usually two queues: one for foreign nationals and one for East African Community (EAC) citizens. As a Tanzanian, you are an EAC citizen, so use the EAC queue if available.
2
Present your passport and supporting documents
Hand over your passport and any requested documents (return ticket, accommodation booking). The officer will check your passport validity and stamp it. No visa fee is charged. The process typically takes 2–5 minutes.
3
Collect your luggage and proceed to customs
After passport control, go to the baggage claim area. Customs checks are usually light, but you may be asked to open bags. Declare any large sums of cash or restricted items.
4
Exit the arrivals hall
Once through customs, you're free to exit. Taxis and ride-hailing services are available outside. Have your accommodation address ready for the driver.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Download PDF

Overstay calculator

Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$40 USD (equivalent in BIF)

For those who need a visa or want a longer stay; apply at Burundian embassy.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$80 USD (equivalent in BIF)

Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.

Other fees
ServiceCost
Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced at immigration upon departure; exact rates may vary.Unknown (estimated ~10,000 BIF / ~$5 USD per day)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%

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

Tanzania passport holders transiting through Burundi airports do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.

Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsBujumbura International Airport (BJM)

Health & vaccines for Burundi

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission; Tanzania is endemic, so certificate may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Malaria is widespread throughout Burundi; prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Dengue outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.

CholeraLow risk

Occasional outbreaks linked to contaminated water; drink bottled water.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round in all regions; CDC recommends prophylaxis such as 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'Emigration
Boulevard de l'Uprona, Bujumbura
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00

Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters; bring passport, photos, and fee.

Practical information for TZ 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 = 2,986.59 BIF
updated May 30
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

No. Tanzanian passport holders can enter Burundi visa-free for stays up to 90 days. This applies to tourism, business, and transit.
You can stay up to 90 days per visit. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at the immigration office in Bujumbura before your 90 days expire.
Extensions are not automatically granted. You would need to visit the Directorate General of Immigration in Bujumbura, explain your reason, and pay a fee. There is no standard extension cost listed, so expect to negotiate or provide documentation.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a return or onward ticket, and optionally your accommodation booking. Travel insurance is not required but recommended.
No visa on arrival is needed because you already get visa-free entry. Just walk up to the immigration counter with your passport.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of entry into Burundi.
Yes, Burundi requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Tanzania is not considered high-risk, but it's best to get the vaccine and carry the certificate to avoid any issues at the border.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.