Burundi is a small African country that attracts tourists with its pristine nature and unique tribes. Learn more about the current entry rules, visa requirements and useful travel tips

The Republic of Burundi is an amazing African country located in the very heart of the continent. Tourists who are looking for new unexplored places will like the trip here. Burundi is one of the most populous countries in Africa, after Mauritius and Rwanda. However, the majority of residents live in rural areas.

Burundi is also known as the oldest country in Africa. The main attraction of the country is Lake Tanganyika, one of the longest freshwater lakes in the world. Tourists in the state will be surprised by fascinating national parks, friendly people, amazing culture and delicious food. It was in Burundi that banana beer was created.

Tourists planning a trip to Burundi should familiarize themselves with the basic rules for entering the country.

List of documents and entry rules in Burundi

Visa-free regime

Citizens of 6 countries can visit Burundi without a visa: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. The period of stay in the country on the basis of a visa waiver is up to 90 days.

List of documents for visa-free entry to Burundi:

- Original passport or other travel document with a validity period of at least 6 months at the time of entry.

- Confirmation of the availability of a sufficient amount of money for the stay and departure from Burundi.

- Medical insurance.

Visa on arrival

Citizens of the rest of the world need a visa to enter Burundi. The application can be submitted at the Burundian embassy/consulate in the country of residence or after arrival at Bujumburi International Airport (Melchior Ndadaye) and at all land borders of the country.

The maximum period of stay on the basis of a visa is 1 month.

List of documents for obtaining a visa:

- Valid passport (at least six months from the date of entry). Attach a copy of your previous visas, if any, and make sure your passport has at least two blank pages.

- Two completed and signed Burundi visa application forms.

- Two passport size color photos.

- Plane tickets.

- Information about vaccination against yellow fever.

- Hotel reservation, rental agreement, invitation letter, etc.

- A document confirming that the tourist can financially support himself in Burundi.

- Confirmation of visa fee payment.

- Medical Insurance.

- Certificate of criminal record.

Visa cost: single visa $70, multiple visa $90.

Transit through Burundi

Tourists traveling through Burundi only in transit do not need a visa. However, they must only be in an international transit zone and have all the documents to prove that you will be going to another destination, such as tickets with a confirmed reservation on the first connecting flight.

Quarantine restrictions due to the COVID-19 epidemic

As of October 1, 2022, all quarantine restrictions related to the COVID-19 epidemic in Burundi have been lifted.

Traveling with pets

To enter Burundi with a pet, you must have a veterinary certificate issued in the tourist's country of residence and an import permit. The veterinary certificate must contain information: country of origin, name and address of the owner, species, sex of the animal, information on the absence of ticks and infectious diseases in the animal. The certificate must also state that the animal was vaccinated against rabies more than a month, but not less than 12 months before entry, and what type of vaccine was used. The certificate must be issued no earlier than 15 days before the trip.

Useful Information

To travel in Burundi by car, a tourist must have an international driver's license.

Travel after dark should be avoided as Kanyosha, Musaga, Mutakura, Kamenge, Sibitoke, Bwiza, Ngagara, Nyakabiga, Gatumba and rural areas of Bujumbura are considered particularly dangerous at night.

Cash is mainly used for payments in Burundi, credit cards are not widely used. Although there are some ATMs in the state, they are not very safe to use. It is better for a tourist to have euros or US dollars that were printed after 2003, because it is easiest to exchange this currency.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Burundi;

Travel and medical insurance for foreigners in Burundi;

Insurance for international students in Burundi.

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