Burundi entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Vietnamese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. You'll pay the fee in cash (USD or EUR) and need the required documents ready. This process has been available since 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. Have a printed invitation letter or hotel booking confirmation ready to show at the visa counter. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or EUR) — the exact amount varies by nationality, typically around $40–$90 USD.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Burundi. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately in case of loss. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Bujumbura Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed itinerary or e-ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Burundi. The visa officer may ask to see where you are staying. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or bank statement | Bring at least $200 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing you can cover your stay. Some travellers report being asked to show funds at the visa counter. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa fee must be paid in USD or EUR cash. ATMs are unreliable and cards rarely work. Bring crisp, new bills — old or damaged notes are often refused.
Visa on arrival only at Bujumbura airport
This facility is only available at Bujumbura International Airport. If you enter via a land border, you must have a visa arranged in advance.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Bujumbura International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before the main passport control.
2
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Pay the visa fee in USD or EUR cash. The officer will process your visa.
3
Receive visa sticker and proceed
The visa is affixed to your passport. Check the validity dates. Then go to passport control for entry stamping. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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
Apply at Burundian embassy or obtain on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$150 USD
Suitable for travellers planning multiple visits.
Long-stay visa (business/visit)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$200 USD (estimated)
Requires invitation letter or business justification.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (estimated)
For foreign nationals employed by a Burundian company. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at recognized Burundian institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For individuals investing a minimum amount (e.g., $50,000) in a Burundian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable at the airport upon arrival. Valid for up to 30 days. | $90 USD |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 30 days. | $150 USD |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying. | $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
Transit visa is not required for Vietnam passport holders transiting through Burundi if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, check airline requirements.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
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.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination advised.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout Burundi, including Bujumbura. Use mosquito repellent, bed nets, and consider prophylactic medication (e.g., 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 VN 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 = 2,982.95 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 varies — typically around $90 USD or equivalent in EUR. Bring exact cash in crisp, new bills. Old or damaged notes are often rejected.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, apply for a different visa type before traveling.
Visa on arrival is only available at Bujumbura International Airport. Land borders do not offer this facility. You must fly in to use this option.
Yes, yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get it at least 10 days before travel.
No, only cash in USD or EUR is accepted. ATMs are unreliable and cards may not work. Bring enough cash for the fee and any other expenses.
The visa is typically valid for 30 days from the date of issue. Check the sticker carefully when you receive it.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.