Passport/Visa | 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 |
PassportsValid passport for
at least six months and with at least one blank page required by all nationals of countries referred to in chart above.
VisasRequired by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
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.
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.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.
Types of Visa and CostTourist or
Business (valid for up to 30 days): US$80 or US$40 (non-US citizens) or
€50; single- or multiple-entry. The validity of the visa is at the discretion of the Immigration Department. 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
General Info.
Working Days RequiredTwo. Applications should be made as far as possible in advance of the intended date of departure. A rush fee of US$25 is available.
WarningTravelers are advised against all but essential travel to Bujumbura and against all travel to other parts of Burundi unless with an organized UN mission, but even then safety cannot be guaranteed.
A number of senior political figures, arrested in connection with an alleged ’coup’ plot, are still in detention. This has raised tensions in Bujumbura.
The threat from indiscriminate attacks by rebel groups is high, particularly in Bujumbura Rural province.
In addition, travelers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
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 OfficeTel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website:
www.fco.gov.uk US Department of State Website:
http://travel.state.gov/travel Health | Special Precautions | Certificate Required? |
| Yellow Fever | Yes | 1 |
| Cholera | Yes | 2 |
| Typhoid and Polio | 3 | N/A |
| Malaria | 4 | N/A |
Health CareFull medical insurance, including repatriation, is essential. Medical supplies are limited. In the event of a serious accident, evacuation by air ambulance may be required.
Note1A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over one year of age arriving from infected areas. The country is officially considered endemic for yellow fever. Travelers arriving from non-endemic zones should note that vaccination is strongly recommended for travel outside the urban areas, even if an outbreak of the disease has not been reported and they would normally not require a vaccination certificate to enter the country.
2Despite WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate may still be a condition of entry to Burundi. Cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential; there was a serious outbreak in the Rumonage District in 1999, and there were several clusters of cholera cases in 2004. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness.
3Vaccines against poliomyelitis and typhoid are advised.
4Malaria risk exists throughout the year, predominantly in the malignant
falciparum form, in the whole country. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported. The recommended prophylaxis is mefloquine.
NoteVisitors may be asked to show proof of vaccination against meningococcal meningitis. The following vaccinations should be up-to-date: tetanus (for those over 10 years); flu (for those over 50 years); hepatitis B; mumps, measles and rubella; and chickenpox.
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