Burundi entry requirements for Zimbabwe passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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
Zimbabwe passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Burundi. No need to apply in advance — just show up at Bujumbura International Airport or any land border with the right documents and cash. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires preparation.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at Bujumbura International Airport. Pay $90 USD in cash (exact change preferred) for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. Have two passport-size photos and your hotel booking ready — the officer may ask for both.Check visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date | Your passport needs at least two blank pages for the visa sticker and entry stamp. Burundi enforces the 6-month validity rule strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Bujumbura ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Officers occasionally ask for it during visa-on-arrival processing, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Burundi is a cash-heavy country — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. | Recommended |
Cash is king in Burundi
ATMs are unreliable and credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Bring enough US dollars in cash for your visa fee, accommodation, and daily expenses. Exchange at banks or authorized bureaus — avoid street changers.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
No need to apply online or visit an embassy. Just show up at Bujumbura International Airport or any land border with your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking. The process takes 15–30 minutes.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport or border
At Bujumbura International Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' after baggage claim. At land borders (e.g., from Rwanda or Tanzania), go to the immigration office.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, return ticket (screenshot or printout), and accommodation booking. The officer will check your passport validity and blank page.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash — US dollars are widely accepted. As of 2026, the fee is around $40–$90 depending on nationality and length of stay. Have exact change if possible.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp or affix a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter. Typical stay is 30 days.
5
Proceed to immigration control
After getting the visa, go to the immigration counter for entry stamping. Keep your passport handy for any further checks.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Zimbabwe Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 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
Cost40 USD (approx. 40 USD)
Apply at Burundian embassy or online before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost80 USD (approx. 80 USD)
Suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (business)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost150 USD (approx. 150 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Burundian company.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Burundian company. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa d'Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
For enrolled students at recognized Burundian institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and financial support.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa d'Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~500 USD (approx. 500 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 in Burundi. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Paid upon arrival at Bujumbura International Airport or land borders. | 40 USD (approx. 40 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries during validity. | 80 USD (approx. 80 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | 10 USD per day (approx. 10 USD) |
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
Zimbabwe 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; Burundi is endemic.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout Burundi, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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 la Migration
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
Handles extensions for travellers in central Burundi.
Practical information for ZW 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 = 2,985.08 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 visa fee is typically $40–$90 USD depending on the length of stay and nationality. Pay in cash — US dollars are preferred. Have exact change if possible.
Yes, you can extend your visa at the Immigration Department in Bujumbura. The process takes a few days and costs around $50–$100. Apply before your current visa expires.
Visa on arrival is available at all major land borders, including from Rwanda (Akanyaru, Ruhwa) and Tanzania (Kabanga). The process is the same — present your documents and pay in cash.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Zimbabwe is not on the risk list, but it's still recommended to have the vaccine and carry the certificate.
No, only cash is accepted. Bring US dollars in good condition (no tears, old bills). ATMs are scarce and may not work with foreign cards.
Typically 30 days. The officer will stamp the exact validity in your passport. If you need longer, apply for an extension at the Immigration Department in Bujumbura.
Overstaying can result in a fine of about $10–$20 per day, and you may be detained until you pay. Avoid it by extending on time or leaving before the visa expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.