Burundi entry requirements for Zambia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Zambian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Burundi. As of 2026, you just show up at Bujumbura International Airport or any land border, pay the fee in cash, and receive your visa on the spot. No need to apply in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. Have 100 USD in cash ready for the visa fee — the ATM at the airport is unreliable. You'll need a passport photo and your hotel booking printed out.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. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return ticket | Immigration officers at Bujumbura ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy of your itinerary ready — showing a flight out of Burundi within your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Have your hotel reservation or host's address and phone number written down. Immigration may ask where you're staying — a printed booking confirmation works best. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient funds | Carry at least 200 USD in cash or have a credit card that works internationally. Burundi is cash-heavy — most places outside hotels don't accept cards. | Recommended |
Cash only at immigration
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or Burundian francs). There are no ATMs or card machines at the airport immigration counter. Bring crisp, undamaged USD bills — old or torn notes may be refused.
Yellow fever certificate required
If you're coming from Zambia or any country with yellow fever, you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at the border. Without it, you may be vaccinated on the spot or denied entry. Get the shot at least 10 days before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bujumbura International Airport or land border
Head to the immigration counter. There's no separate visa-on-arrival queue — just the main immigration line. Have your passport, return ticket, and cash ready.
2
Fill out the arrival form and visa application
You'll be given a small form to complete: name, passport number, flight details, address in Burundi. Fill it out while waiting in line.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over the cash (USD or BIF) at the counter. You'll get a receipt. Keep it — you may need it when leaving.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp and stick the visa into your passport. Check that the dates and duration are correct before walking away.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
After immigration, collect your luggage (if any) and walk through customs. There's usually no baggage X-ray for most travellers.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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. 1,200,000 BIF)
Apply at Burundian embassy in Lusaka or online if available.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$150 USD (approx. 2,000,000 BIF)
Requires proof of multiple trips or business purpose.
Long-stay Visa (e.g., work or study)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. 2,600,000 BIF)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
$200 USD (approx. 2,600,000 BIF) plus employer fees
For foreign nationals employed by a Burundian company. Requires a work contract and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa d'Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
$100 USD (approx. 1,300,000 BIF)
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Burundi. Requires proof of enrollment and financial support.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa d'Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 6,500,000 BIF)
For individuals investing a minimum of $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 local currency) at entry points. | $90 USD (approx. 1,200,000 BIF) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD (approx. 6,500,000 BIF). | $10 USD per day (approx. 130,000 BIF) |
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
Zambia 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 risk; Zambia is endemic, so certificate is mandatory.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Burundi, including Bujumbura. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
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
For visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Gitega
Bureau de l'Immigration de Gitega
Rue de la Mairie, Gitega
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Limited services; best for extensions if already in the area.
Practical information for ZM 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 = 2,986.75 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. Single-entry tourist visas are usually $40–$50. Bring exact cash in USD or Burundian francs — no credit cards.
Yes, but it's not straightforward. You need to visit the Immigration Department in Bujumbura (near the city centre). Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis, usually for 30 days. Expect a fee of around $50–$100. Start the process at least a week before your visa expires.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Zambia). You'll be asked for your yellow fever certificate at the border. If you don't have one, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Yes. The main land borders are at Akanyaru (Rwanda side) and Kobero (Tanzania side). Visa on arrival is available at both. The process is the same as at the airport — cash, passport, return ticket.
Overstays are fined at the immigration office when you leave. The fine is roughly $10–$20 per day overstayed. Pay it before departure to avoid problems at the airport.
Burundi has periodic political tensions and some areas are unstable. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Stick to Bujumbura and well-known tourist areas. Avoid travelling at night outside the city.
No, there's no mandatory registration for tourists. Your hotel will typically keep a copy of your passport for their records, but that's it.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.