Burundi offers various visa types for foreign nationals, including business, tourist, student, and work visas. Requirements may include a valid passport, application form, passport-sized photos, proof of financial means, and a letter of invitation or acceptance letter. Application can be made online or at the Burundian embassy or consulate. Processing times may vary. Ensure you meet all requirements before applying to avoid delays.
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Important informations
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Who Needs a Visa? | Citizens of Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda do not need a visa. Diplomats from Turkey, Brazil, China, and Russia, and holders of passports for public affairs from China do not need a visa. |
| How to Apply? | Contact the nearest embassy or consulate, fill out the application form, gather required documents, and submit the application. |
| Required Documents | Valid passport, completed application form, two passport-sized photographs, flight itinerary, yellow fever vaccination card, accommodation proof, bank statement, proof of visa fee payment, health insurance, and clean criminal record. |
| Processing Time | Within 15 working days, but may take longer depending on individual circumstances. |
| Duration of Visa | Three months. |
| Visa Fees | $70 for single entry visa, $90 for multiple entry visa, $40 for transit visa. |
| Types of Visas | Short-stay tourist visa and business visa. |
| Long-Stay Visas | Apply for a residence permit or extend a short-stay visa. |
| Reasons to Visit | Rich culture, delicious food, friendly people, wildlife-rich national parks, historical significance. |
Who Needs a Visa for Burundi?
Burundi is a landlocked country located in the Eastern African region. For individuals planning to travel to Burundi, it’s essential to determine if they require a visa to enter the country. Generally, citizens of the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand do need a visa to travel to Burundi. However, visa-free entry is granted to citizens of some African countries under the African Union’s Eastern African Community (EAC) and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) agreements. The visa application process can be initiated online or at the Burundian embassy or consulate in the applicant’s country of residence. The type of visa required depends on the purpose of travel, such as tourism, business, or work. It’s recommended to check the Burundian embassy or consulate website for the most up-to-date visa requirements and application procedures.
How to Apply for a Burundi Visa?
To apply for a Burundi visa, follow these steps:
1. Identify the type of visa you need: Burundi issues various types of visas, including tourist, business, student, and work visas. Choose the one that suits your purpose.
2. Prepare the required documents: Gather all necessary documents, such as a valid passport, completed application form, passport-sized photos, proof of accommodation, and proof of financial means.
3. Submit your application: You can apply for a Burundi visa through the Burundian embassy or consulate in your country or an accredited visa agency. Submit your application, along with the required documents and application fee.
4. Wait for processing: The processing time for a Burundi visa varies, but it usually takes between 5 to 15 business days. You can check the status of your application online or by contacting the embassy or consulate.
5. Receive your visa: Once your application is approved, you will receive your Burundi visa. It may be issued as a sticker in your passport or as an electronic visa. Make sure to print a copy of your electronic visa for travel purposes.
Note: The visa application process, requirements, and fees may change, so it’s essential to check the Burundian embassy or consulate website for the most up-to-date information.
Burundi Visa Requirements
Burundi visa requirements include a valid passport with at least six months’ validity from the intended date of arrival. Applicants must also provide one recent passport-size photograph and complete the online visa application form. The application fee is payable online and the processing time varies. Applicants may be required to submit additional documents, such as proof of accommodation, return ticket, and proof of financial means. Business travelers may need to provide a letter from their employer or an invitation letter from the hosting company in Burundi. Visas are generally issued for a maximum stay of 30 days, but extensions may be granted upon request. It is recommended to apply for a visa well in advance of travel to allow sufficient processing time.
Processing Time of a Burundi Visa
The processing time for a Burundi visa varies depending on the type of application and the embassy or consulate processing the application. For urgent matters, such as diplomatic or official visits, visas can be issued within a few hours or days. Regular visa applications, however, can take anywhere from two weeks to a month to be processed. Applicants are advised to submit all required documents and pay the application fee in a timely manner to ensure a quick processing time. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee. It is recommended to contact the Burundi embassy or consulate in your country for the most accurate and up-to-date information on processing times.
Duration of a Burundi Visa
A Burundi visa comes in two types: a 30-day single entry visa and a 90-day multiple entry visa. The processing time for a Burundi visa application can take up to 10 business days for a single entry visa and up to 20 business days for a multiple entry visa. Once issued, the validity period for a Burundi visa starts from the date of entry into Burundi. For a single entry visa, the duration of stay is limited to 30 days, while for a multiple entry visa, the maximum duration of stay per visit is 90 days, with a total maximum stay of 180 days within a year. It’s important to note that overstaying the visa duration may result in fines or other penalties.
Burundi Visa Fees
Burundi visa fees vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s nationality. As of now, a single-entry tourist visa costs $60 for most nationalities, while a multiple-entry visa costs $120. Business visas cost $100 for a single entry and $200 for multiple entries. Transit visas cost $30. All applicants are required to pay an additional service fee to the visa processing company. Fees are subject to change, so it’s essential to check the Burundi embassy or consulate website for the most up-to-date information.
Burundi Visa Types
Burundi offers several visa types for foreign nationals intending to enter the country. The types include:
1. Tourist Visa: This is issued to individuals planning to visit Burundi for leisure purposes, such as sightseeing, attending conferences, or visiting family and friends. It is valid for up to 30 days and can be extended once for an equal period.
2. Business Visa: Intended for individuals traveling to Burundi for business purposes, such as attending business meetings, negotiating contracts, or setting up a business. It is valid for up to 90 days and can be extended for an equal period.
3. Work Visa: Issued to individuals who have secured employment in Burundi or intend to work as self-employed persons. It requires a work permit and is valid for up to one year, renewable upon expiration.
4. Student Visa: Issued to individuals intending to study in Burundi. It requires proof of acceptance into an accredited educational institution and is valid for the duration of the studies.
5. Transit Visa: Issued to individuals passing through Burundi en route to another country. It is valid for up to 7 days and requires proof of onward travel.
6. Diplomatic and Official Visa: Issued to diplomats, government officials, and their families. It is granted upon presentation of diplomatic or official documents and is valid for the duration of the assignment.
7. Permanent Residence Visa: Granted to individuals who have lived in Burundi for an extended period and wish to establish permanent residency. It requires proof of financial means and a clean criminal record.
Applicants are advised to apply for the appropriate visa type well in advance of their travel dates and to provide all necessary documentation to facilitate a smooth application process.
Long-Stay Visas for Burundi
Long-Stay Visas for Burundi:
Long-Stay Visas, also known as Residence Visas, allow foreign nationals to enter and reside in Burundi for an extended period, typically longer than 90 days. These visas are issued for various purposes such as employment, education, family reunification, and business. The application process involves submitting necessary documents, including a valid passport, completed application form, proof of financial means, and a letter of invitation or acceptance letter from the Burundian institution or employer. The visa fee and processing time may vary depending on the type and purpose of the visa. It is essential to comply with the visa conditions and extend or renew it as necessary to maintain legal residency in Burundi.
Why Should You Visit Burundi?
Burundi, a small landlocked country located in the Eastern African Great Lakes region, is an intriguing destination for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences and breathtaking natural beauty. Despite its turbulent past, Burundi has made significant strides towards peace and stability, making it an exciting and rewarding place to visit.
The country is home to several ethnic groups, each with its unique traditions and customs, providing visitors with a rich and diverse cultural experience. Burundians are known for their warm hospitality, and travelers are sure to be welcomed with open arms.
Moreover, Burundi boasts stunning natural beauty, with its rolling hills, lush green forests, and crystal-clear lakes. The country is home to several national parks, including the Rusizi National Park, where visitors can observe various wildlife species, including hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. The Gitega Lake, the largest lake in Burundi, is a popular spot for fishing and water sports.
Furthermore, Burundi is known for its delicious cuisine, which is a fusion of African, Arab, and European influences. Travelers can sample local dishes such as isombe (mashed cassava leaves), imbuzi (stewed goat), and sadza (maize porridge).
In summary, Burundi offers travelers an authentic cultural experience, stunning natural beauty, and delicious cuisine, making it an exciting and rewarding destination to visit.
Eligible countries
- Citizens of Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda do not need a visa for Burundi.
- Holders of diplomatic passports from Turkey, diplomatic and service category passports of Brazil, China, and Russia, and passports for public affairs from China do not need a visa.
- Others can apply for a Burundi visa at the embassy/consulate or on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport.
- Required documents for a Burundi visa: valid passport, completed application form, two passport-sized photographs, flight itinerary, yellow fever vaccination card, accommodation proof, bank statement, health insurance, and proof of clean criminal record.
- Processing time of a Burundi visa is within 15 working days.
- Duration of a Burundi visa is three months.
- Burundi visa fees: $70 for single entry, $90 for multiple entries, and $40 for transit.
- Types of Burundi visas: short-stay tourist visa and business visa.
Summary
The Republic of Burundi is a country in Africa that requires a visa for entry, except for citizens of Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. The visa application process involves contacting the Burundi embassy or consulate, filling out the application form, submitting required documents such as a valid passport, flight itinerary, yellow fever vaccination card, and proof of financial stability, among others. The processing time is within 15 working days, and the visa duration is three months. Visa fees vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s country of origin. There are two types of visas: short-stay tourist and business visas. Burundi is known for its rich culture, friendly people, and natural beauty, including Lake Tanganyika, the longest freshwater lake in the world.