Sachin Walls
Burundi has a visa policy that requires most foreign nationals to obtain a visa before arriving in the country. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Citizens from specific countries can obtain a visa on arrival at the Melchior Ndadaye Airport in Bujumbura, which is valid for up to one month. Additionally, diplomatic passport holders from certain countries are exempt from visa requirements. For those who require a visa, it is essential to apply for the correct type, such as a tourist or business visa, and to be aware of the necessary documentation, including a valid passport, photographs, and proof of vaccination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries that can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport | Nationals of the following countries: Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Brazil, China, Russia, Turkey, Singapore, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates, and some African countries with passports issued by COMESA. |
| Countries that cannot obtain a visa on arrival at the airport | Citizens of countries that are not mentioned above and do not have free access to Burundi will need to apply for a visa in advance. |
| Requirements for visa on arrival | A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity and a blank page, two passport-sized photos with a white background, a travel itinerary, proof of a yellow fever vaccination, and a hotel reservation. |
| Cost of visa on arrival | A one-month visa costs $90, which can be paid online or in cash upon arrival. |
| Validity of visa on arrival | The visa is valid for a stay of up to 30 days, with the possibility of extension by applying in person within the country. |
| Other important considerations | Visitors must have a Health Declaration form due to the pandemic. Photography of government buildings, military installations, and airports is illegal and may result in detention and confiscation of equipment. |
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What You'll Learn
A visa on arrival is available at Bujumbura Airport
If you are planning to visit Burundi, you will most likely need a visa. The process for obtaining one varies depending on your country of origin and the purpose of your visit. Here is some detailed information about getting a visa on arrival at Bujumbura Airport.
Visa on Arrival at Bujumbura Airport:
Bujumbura Airport, officially known as Melchior Ndadaye Airport, is the primary international airport in Burundi. It offers a visa-on-arrival option for eligible visitors. This means that you can obtain your visa when you arrive at the airport, rather than having to apply for it beforehand at a Burundian embassy or consulate. This option is available to visitors arriving at the airport or through land borders.
Eligibility for Visa on Arrival:
Not all nationalities are eligible for a visa on arrival. Citizens of specific countries, such as those in the Economic Community of the Great Lakes, may enter Burundi without a visa for varying periods. Additionally, holders of diplomatic or service passports from countries like Brazil, China, Russia, and Turkey may also be exempt from obtaining a visa. It is important to check the latest visa requirements for your specific nationality before assuming you are eligible for a visa on arrival.
Requirements for Visa on Arrival:
To obtain a visa on arrival at Bujumbura Airport, you will need to fulfil certain requirements. Firstly, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Burundi and should have at least one blank page. You will also need to provide two recent passport-sized photographs with a white background, a round-trip ticket, proof of accommodation (such as a hotel reservation), and a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Additionally, you must complete the necessary visa application forms and pay the visa fee, which is typically USD 90 for a one-month visa.
Other Visa Options:
Apart from the visa on arrival, Burundi also offers an e-visa or online visa option for short-term visits of up to 30 days. This can be applied for before your travel, and you must print a copy of the e-visa to present to immigration officers upon arrival. It is important to note that the e-visa cannot be extended, and overstaying on your visa may result in fines or other legal consequences.
In summary, a visa on arrival is available at Bujumbura Airport in Burundi for eligible nationalities. However, it is important to check the latest visa requirements and ensure you have all the necessary documentation before assuming you can obtain a visa upon arrival.
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Nationals from certain countries do not require a visa
Additionally, holders of diplomatic passports from Turkey, Brazil, China, and Russia do not need a visa to enter Burundi. Similarly, holders of diplomatic or service passports from Hong Kong are exempt from visa requirements for up to 14 days. Holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports from Brazil, Mainland China, and Singapore do not require a visa for up to 30 days. A visa exemption agreement was also signed with the United Arab Emirates, but it has not yet been implemented. Nationals from COMESA countries with passports issued by COMESA can also obtain a visa on arrival.
It is important to note that visa requirements are subject to change, and it is recommended to check the latest information on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Burundi or the nearest Burundi embassy or consulate.
For those who do require a visa, there are several options available. A visa on arrival is available at the Melchior Ndadaye Airport in Bujumbura, as well as through land borders with neighboring countries. This visa costs $90 and is valid for one month. Alternatively, an e-visa can be obtained before arrival, which is also valid for up to 30 days. The e-visa application is done online, and applicants must complete an online form and provide the necessary documentation.
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Transit visas are required if you exit the airport
Burundi has a visa-on-arrival program for visitors arriving at the Melchior Ndadaye Airport in Bujumbura. This visa costs $90 and is valid for one month. However, this option is only available to citizens of certain countries. Nationals of the following countries may enter Burundi without a visa:
- The Democratic Republic of Congo
- Kenya
- Rwanda
- South Sudan
- Tanzania
- Uganda
Holders of diplomatic passports of Turkey and diplomatic and service category passports of Brazil, China, Russia, and Hong Kong are also exempt from needing a visa to enter Burundi.
If you are only in transit in Burundi and do not plan to exit the airport, you do not need to apply for a transit visa. However, you must have a valid passport and an onward ticket to your next destination. If you wish to exit the airport at any point before your next flight, you will need to obtain a transit visa. This can be done by applying at your nearest Burundi Embassy or Diplomatic Mission. The price and validity of the transit visa will depend on how long you wish to stay and from which consulate/diplomatic mission or country you are applying.
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A tourist visa is needed for vacation purposes
If you are planning a vacation to Burundi, you will need to apply for a tourist visa. The Burundi government has specific visa requirements that must be met before your trip. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare:
Check Visa Requirements:
First, determine if you need a visa. Citizens from certain countries may not require a visa for entry into Burundi. These include some African countries with passports issued by COMESA, as well as diplomatic passport holders from Turkey, Brazil, China, and Russia. If your country wasn't mentioned, you likely need a visa.
Understand Visa Types:
Burundi offers different types of visas depending on the purpose of your visit. Tourist visas are specifically for vacation purposes. If you plan to engage in business activities, a business visa may be more appropriate. Additionally, there are student visas for those enrolled in educational institutions in Burundi and transit visas for those passing through the country.
Gather Documents:
To obtain a tourist visa, you will need several documents. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your trip and has at least one blank page. Acquire two recent passport-sized photographs with a white background, showing a neutral expression. You will also need to fill out two visa application forms and provide proof of a round-trip ticket and hotel reservations. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory due to the risk of yellow fever transmission in Burundi.
Apply for the Visa:
With the required documents, you can now apply for the tourist visa. Submit your application to the nearest Burundi embassy or consulate. You may also be able to apply for an e-visa online, which is designed for short-term visits of up to 30 days. The e-visa allows entry by air or land, and you must print a copy to present to immigration officers upon arrival.
Prepare for Your Trip:
Once your visa application is approved, remember to purchase comprehensive travel insurance, including medical evacuation coverage. Burundi has limited medical services, and emergency services may be non-existent in some areas. Stay informed about the security situation in Burundi, as political violence and crime are concerns. Always carry your visa and passport when travelling within the country, and be prepared to show them at checkpoints.
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E-visas are available for short-term visits
Visitors to Burundi can obtain a visa on arrival at the Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura. However, this option is only available to citizens of certain countries, including Kenya, Rwanda, and South Sudan. These visas are valid for stays of up to one month and cost $90.
Alternatively, visitors from most countries can obtain an e-visa before their arrival in Burundi. The e-visa program is specifically designed for short-term visits of up to 30 days. Applicants must complete an online application form and pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card. It is important to note that the e-visa cannot be extended, and holders of this visa type are only permitted a single entry into Burundi. Therefore, travellers planning multiple entries into Burundi during their stay should consider applying for a different entry document.
To apply for an e-visa, visitors must complete the online application form and provide the necessary documentation. This typically includes a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and, in some cases, a yellow fever vaccination certificate. It is important to note that the passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay and must contain at least one blank page. Additionally, travellers may be required to provide biometric scans of their fingerprints or facial features, depending on their country of origin.
Once the e-visa application is approved, travellers should print out a copy of their visa and carry it with them during their trip. Immigration officers at the airport will request to see this documentation to ensure that visitors have legal entry permits. It is also essential to review the latest travel advice and entry requirements for Burundi, as there may be additional health or safety protocols to follow upon arrival.
In summary, while Burundi does offer visas on arrival at its main international airport, this option is limited to citizens of specific countries. For most other travellers, the e-visa program provides a convenient and efficient way to obtain the necessary entry permits for short-term visits to the country. By following the online application process and ensuring that all requirements are met, visitors can secure their visas before departure, streamlining their entry into Burundi.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, visas are issued on arrival at Melchior Ndadaye Airport in Bujumbura, for a maximum stay of one month and a cost of $90. However, this option is only available to citizens of certain countries.
Nationals of the following countries may enter Burundi without a visa: Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Holders of diplomatic passports of Turkey, and diplomatic and service passports of Brazil, China, Russia, and Hong Kong are also exempt from obtaining a visa.
To apply for an e-visa, you will need a valid passport, two passport photos, a travel itinerary, proof of a hotel reservation, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
