Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Enhanced E-Visa System
Burundi's e-visa platform has been upgraded for faster processing (typically 3-5 days) and supports more payment options, including mobile wallets. The fee remains $50 for single-entry, valid for 30 days, making it easier for independent travelers to plan ahead without embassy visits.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure from Burundi, with a minimum of two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. This is strictly enforced at Bujumbura International Airport and land borders to prevent issues upon arrival.
Always carry a photocopy of your passport and visa while traveling within the country, as checkpoints are common in rural areas.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of select East African Community (EAC) countries like Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda can enter visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. This facilitates regional travel but requires proof of onward travel and sufficient funds.
For all other nationalities, including most Western countries, a visa is mandatory, though exemptions may apply for diplomatic passport holders.
Visa Applications
Apply for an e-visa online via the official Burundi immigration portal (www.visaburundi.bi) at least two weeks in advance, submitting a scanned passport photo, itinerary, and proof of accommodation. The single-entry tourist visa costs $50, while multiple-entry options are $100 for extended stays.
Processing times vary from 72 hours to one week; print your approval letter as it's required for boarding flights and entry. Embassy applications are available in major cities like Brussels or Washington for those preferring in-person processing.
Border Crossings
Visa on arrival is available at Bujumbura International Airport and select land borders like those with Rwanda (Gatsibo) and Tanzania (Gatumba) for $50 cash (USD preferred), but e-visa holders get priority lanes to avoid long queues. Expect health screenings and questions about your itinerary upon entry.
Overland crossings from neighboring countries can take 1-2 hours due to customs checks; always have exact change and avoid crossing after dark for safety.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended and often required for visa approval, covering medical evacuation (essential given limited facilities outside Bujumbura), trip delays, and activities like hiking in Kibira National Park. Policies should include coverage for tropical diseases like malaria.
Choose providers like World Nomads or Allianz starting at $30 for a two-week trip; ensure it covers adventure sports if planning safaris or boat trips on Lake Tanganyika.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 30 additional days can be applied for at the Immigration Office in Bujumbura before your current visa expires, requiring a fee of $50, proof of funds ($50/day), and a valid reason like ongoing research or family visits.
Overstaying incurs fines of $10/day and potential deportation; always apply early as processing can take 3-7 days with interviews.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Burundi uses the Burundian Franc (BIF). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Bujumbura by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for regional flights from Nairobi or Kigali.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at roadside stands for ugali and grilled fish under BIF 5,000, skipping hotel buffets to save up to 60% on food costs in Bujumbura or Gitega.
Local markets like those in Ngozi offer fresh fruits, vegetables, and ready-to-eat meals at bargain prices, supporting community vendors.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for shared minibuses (matatus) at BIF 2,000-5,000 per leg, or negotiate multi-day taxi deals for BIF 50,000 to cover rural routes efficiently.
EAC regional passes aren't common, but bundling transport with eco-tour operators can include free park entry and reduce overall costs.
Free Attractions
Explore public sites like the Livingstone-Stone on Lake Tanganyika or community drum performances in Bujumbura, which are cost-free and provide cultural immersion.
Many natural areas, including beach walks and hill viewpoints, offer authentic experiences without fees; join free local festivals for added value.
Card vs Cash
Cash is king outside major hotels; ATMs in Bujumbura dispense BIF but have limits (BIF 500,000/day), so carry USD for exchanges at better rates.
Avoid airport exchanges; use licensed bureaus in the city center and withdraw small amounts to minimize fees and risks.
Park & Tour Passes
Purchase a multi-park entry pass for BIF 50,000 covering Kibira and Ruvubu National Parks, ideal for nature lovers visiting multiple sites.
It pays for itself after two parks and often includes basic guiding, enhancing safety and value on extended trips.
Smart Packing for Burundi
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothes for the tropical climate, including long sleeves and pants for sun protection and mosquito repellent during hikes in Rusizi National Park.
Include modest attire for cultural sites like royal palaces in Gitega and quick-dry layers for sudden rain showers common year-round.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type C/G), solar charger for remote areas with unreliable power, offline maps via apps like Maps.me, and a waterproof phone case for lake activities.
Download French/Kirundi translation apps and a VPN for secure browsing, as internet can be spotty outside urban centers.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a robust first-aid kit with antimalarials, bandages, and rehydration salts, plus yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory).
Include high-SPF sunscreen, DEET insect repellent, and water purification tablets, as tap water isn't safe; add altitude sickness meds for highland areas like Mount Heha.
Travel Gear
Pack a durable daypack for safaris, reusable water bottle with filter, lightweight sleeping net for rural stays, and small USD bills for tips and exchanges.
Bring passport photocopies, a money belt, and a headlamp for power outages; consider a dry bag for boat trips on Lake Tanganyika.
Footwear Strategy
Choose sturdy hiking boots with good traction for trails in Kibira Forest and lightweight sandals for beach relaxation or urban exploration in Bujumbura.
Waterproof shoes are vital for muddy paths during rainy seasons; pack extra socks to handle humidity and frequent stream crossings on nature walks.
Personal Care
Include eco-friendly toiletries, high-factor lip balm, and a compact mosquito net treated with permethrin for overnight stays in rural guesthouses.
Travel-sized wet wipes and antifungal powder help with humidity; don't forget biodegradable soap for eco-sensitive areas like national parks.
When to Visit Burundi
Dry Season Short (June-September)
Prime time for wildlife viewing in Ruvubu National Park with temperatures of 20-28°C, low humidity, and minimal rain allowing easy access to remote trails.
Ideal for birdwatching and cultural festivals in the highlands, though cooler evenings call for light jackets; fewer crowds mean better deals on lodges.
Dry Season Long (December-February)
Peak warmth around 25-30°C perfect for beach relaxation on Lake Tanganyika and water sports, with clear skies enhancing scenic drives to Gitega.
Expect holiday crowds in Bujumbura but vibrant New Year's celebrations; book safaris early as animal sightings peak with lush vegetation.
Short Rains (October-November)
Milder rains with temperatures of 22-27°C create lush landscapes for photography in Kibira National Park, though paths can be slippery—great for fewer tourists.
Harvest season brings local markets to life with fresh produce; it's a shoulder period for budget travel with 20-30% lower accommodation rates.
Long Rains (March-May)
Heavy showers (25-28°C) limit outdoor activities but offer dramatic waterfalls and blooming flora; best for indoor cultural experiences like drumming workshops in Bujumbura.
Lowest tourist numbers mean peaceful stays, but prepare for road closures—focus on urban exploration or eco-retreats with rain discounts up to 40%.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Burundian Franc (BIF). USD widely accepted in tourist areas; exchange at banks or hotels for best rates. ATMs limited outside Bujumbura.
- Language: Kirundi (national), French and English (official). Basic English in cities; learn simple Kirundi phrases for rural interactions.
- Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT), UTC+2
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Type C (Europlug) and G (British three-pin) sockets; power outages common—bring a portable charger.
- Emergency Number: Police 117, Ambulance 111, Fire 118. For general emergencies, dial 112 if available; contact your embassy for assistance.
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; 10% in restaurants, BIF 1,000-2,000 for guides or porters in parks.
- Water: Not safe to drink from taps; boil or use bottled/filtered water. Avoid ice in rural areas.
- Pharmacies: Available in Bujumbura and Gitega; look for "Pharmacie" signs. Stock up on essentials before traveling to remote regions.