Understanding Burundi Visa Types and Application Steps for 2026

(BURUNDI) Burundi tightened and digitized its entry rules for 2026, with most travelers now expected to use e-visas or a tightly limited visa-on-arrival option at specific entry points. If you arrive without the right approval, you risk being turned back, delayed at the border, or forced to rebook flights.

For tourists, business visitors, and many transit passengers, the core message is simple: apply early, carry printed proof, and treat document checks as strict. Burundi requires pre-approval from authorities in Bujumbura even when you plan to collect a visa-on-arrival at the airport.

2026 visa choices and who they’re for

Burundi requires visas for most nationalities, including U.S. citizens. A small group of African countries, including Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, have up to 90 days visa-free access for tourism under the 2026 rules.

The main categories most travelers will use are:

• E-Tourist Visa
• Single entry, up to 30 days of stay
• Issued within a 90-day validity period
• While sometimes treated as “visa on arrival compatible,” the safer plan is to secure e-visa approval before travel
• E-Business Visa
• Generally up to 30 days
• For meetings, conferences, and other non-commercial business activity
• Requires proof of business purpose (invitation letter)
• Transit E-Visa
• Needed if your layover exceeds 24 hours or if you will leave the airport transit area
• Transit stays can run up to 72 hours in some cases; onward ticket proof is required

For longer stays:

• Entry Ordinary Visa — up to 3 months
• Establishment Ordinary Visa — up to 2 years (for extended residence and work-linked stays)

According to VisaVerge.com analysis, travelers relying on last-minute airport processing face more friction, while those with printed approvals move faster through checks.

Key takeaway: Arrive with printed, pre-authorized documentation to minimize border delays and refusal risk.

Application timeline to avoid last-minute problems

Burundi’s e-visas are often processed in 1–5 days, sometimes 1–2 business days. However, Bujumbura approval steps can lengthen timelines during busy periods.

Recommended planning timeline:

1. 4–6 weeks before travel

– Submit your e-visa application and gather supporting documents.
2. 1–2 weeks before travel
– Re-check all documents to ensure every detail matches your passport exactly (name order, passport number, etc.).
3. Day of travel
– Carry paper printouts, not just digital files. Border officers can require hard copies.

This schedule is especially important if you plan to use visa-on-arrival, since many arrivals are still tied to pre-approval steps handled in Bujumbura.

Four-step process for Burundi e-visas (tourist, business, transit)

Step 1: Pick the right channel and visa type
– Use the official online application routes or trusted third-party platforms such as VisaHQ or Atlys.
– E-visas are tied to your passport and are non-transferable.
– Choose tourist, business, or transit according to your actual purpose.

Step 2: Prepare the document pack with no gaps
Applicants typically need:

• Passport valid for 6 months beyond arrival, with 1–2 blank pages
• Recent passport-style photo (digital usually accepted)
• Flight booking and hotel confirmation or itinerary
• Proof of funds (bank statements)
• Return or onward ticket (mandatory)
• Yellow fever vaccination proof (carry the card)

Additional requirements:
– Business travelers: invitation letter or company letterhead documentation
– Transit travelers: proof of permission to enter next destination and onward ticket

Step 3: Submit carefully and pay fees
– Avoid spelling or data-entry errors — they slow approvals.
– Sample fees for U.S. citizens applying via VisaHQ (2026 fee table):
– 1–2 business days: Embassy fee $0, service fee $59–$89, total $59–$89
– 2–3 business days: Embassy fee $0, service fee $69, total $69

Step 4: Receive and print the e-visa
– E-visas are emailed; print copies and keep them with your passport and vaccine card.
– Airlines may require printed proof before boarding.

When visa-on-arrival is available — and when it isn’t

Visa-on-arrival remains, but it is a controlled, limited option — not a universal fallback.

• Location limits:
• Available at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport (BJM) and select land borders (including routes linked to Rwanda).
• For U.S. citizens:
• Visa-on-arrival availability for tourism or business typically up to 21–30 days
• Example cost listed: $90 for a 1 month visa-on-arrival at entry

Treat visa-on-arrival as conditional:
– Bring the same documents required for an e-visa (yellow fever proof, onward ticket, proof of funds).
– Expect a border interview testing whether you meet entry conditions.

What happens at the border: screening, health checks, and document review

Entry screening is document-first. Border officers check:

• Passport validity
• Printed e-visa or visa-on-arrival issuance
• Purpose of stay and supporting documentation

Health checks:
– Yellow fever vaccination proof is required.
– COVID testing is not listed as part of the current entry requirements in the 2026 update.

Transit-specific rule:
– If your layover exceeds 24 hours or you plan to leave the transit area, carry a transit e-visa approval and onward documentation.

For security and travel advisories, consult the United States government’s Burundi travel advisory page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/burundi-travel-advisory.html

Staying longer: extensions, longer visas, and mandatory registration

Extensions:
– Must be requested before your current stay expires.
– Handled through immigration in Bujumbura.
– Typically require reason for extension, proof of funds, and payment of fees (often ~$50+).

Longer-term visas:
– Entry Ordinary Visa — up to 3 months
– Establishment Ordinary Visa — up to 2 years, for extended residence and work contracts

Mandatory registration:
– Non-Burundians staying 1+ year must register with the Commissariat Général des Migrations in Bujumbura within days of arrival.
– Contact number: +257 22 25 79 00
– Missing registration can lead to fines.

Consequences of overstaying:
– Overstays can lead to fines and potential bans. Schedule extensions early if plans may change due to family or business needs.

Practical tips and important warnings

• Apply early — allow at least 1–2 weeks for processing, and plan submissions 4–6 weeks before travel when possible.
• Carry printed documents — airlines and border agents commonly require hard copies.
• Bring yellow fever proof — this is mandatory on arrival.
• Treat visa-on-arrival as conditional, limited to specific points of entry.
• Register promptly if staying 1+ year to avoid fines and penalties.

Warning: Arriving without the correct pre-approval or documentation can result in being turned away, delayed at the border, or required to rebook travel.