Burundi travel advisory today

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Burundi’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Burundi set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Burundi Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Burundi, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have one blank page.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit Burundi.

Applying for a visa

You should apply for a visa online ahead of travelling. Visas are issued on arrival in Burundi. A one-month visa costs $90 which can be paid online or in cash on arrival and is valid for single and multiple entries.

All travellers without a valid settlement visa or permanent residence must complete the Airport entry visa or Transit visa application before arriving in Burundi. Once the application is submitted, you will receive a validation certificate. This certificate will be needed to get your visa upon arrival.

Vaccine recommendations

To enter Burundi, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination, due to a risk of yellow fever transmission.

For more details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Burundi guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Burundi. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Burundi and have at least one blank page.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Transit visa: required

You can obtain a visa either from the Burundian Embassy in Ottawa or by applying online for a “visa certificate.” This certificate will allow you to receive your visa upon arrival at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura.

Entry visa application – Burundian General Commission for Migration

Border closures

The border between Burundi and Rwanda has been closed since January 2024.

Local authorities regularly close the border between Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo without prior notice. Check the status of border crossings before travelling there.

Other requirements

Visitors entering Burundi must have a return ticket or an onward ticket if they’re in transit.

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).