Burundi — Passport and Visa Information
Passports
| Country | Passport Required | Visa Required | Return Ticket Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| British | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Other EU | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Valid passport for at least six months and with at least one blank page required by all nationals referred to in chart above.
Visas
Passengers arriving at Bujumbura airport from countries where Burundi does not have diplomatic representation can obtain visas on arrival providing they have previously informed their travel agency of their passport number, identity and flight details
(Burundi embassies are located in Belgium, Canada, France, Germany and the USA). Those who are continuing onto a third country within 72 hours may also obtain a visa upon arrival. It is better to obtain a visa in advance from the nearest Burundi embassy. However, where possible it is advisable to obtain a visa before travel.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist or Business: A one month single-entry visa costs $90 plus a processing fee; prices increase for visas with longer validity. A transit visa is not required for passengers continuing their journey to a third country if staying up to 24 hours, provided holding valid onward documentation and not leaving the airport. If staying up to 72 hours, a fee of US$10 is required. A Re-entry permit is required for all alien residents.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Important Addresses.
Working Days Required
Two. Applications should be made as far as possible in advance of the intended date of departure. A rush fee of US$25 is available.
Travel Warnings
Travelers are advised against all travel to Bujumbura Rural, Bubanza, Citiboke and Ruyigi Provinces as well as the border areas with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). For the remaining Provinces we advise against all but essential travel. There are no warnings against visiting the capital Bujumbura. The security situation across Burundi has stabilized and the last remaining rebel group was officially disarmed on 21 April 2009. The threat of ambush by bandits remains high. We advise against all travel between 17:00 and 09:00 partly due to the security situation and partly due to the condition of the roads.
On 31 December 2007, a French aid worker for ACF (Action Contre la Faim) was killed and another injured when a gunman opened fire on their vehicle in the Ruvigi region, about 170km east of Bujumbura.
Travelers are advised against all travel to the rural border areas with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This is because cross-border incursions by armed guerrillas operating from both countries still occur sporadically.
Travelers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
Visas are required for visits to Burundi and must be obtained in advance of travel.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk
US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel
Health Care
Full medical insurance, including repatriation, is essential. Medical supplies are limited. In the event of a serious accident, evacuation by air ambulance may be required.
Vaccinations
| Vaccination | Special Precaution |
|---|---|
| Diphtheria | Yes |
| Hepatitis A | Yes |
| Malaria | Yes |
| Rabies | Sometimes |
| Tetanus | Yes |
| Typhoid | Yes |
| Yellow Fever | Yes* |
Special Notes
* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over one year of age arriving from infected areas.
