Before you fly to Bujumbura’s Melchior Ndadaye International Airport (BJM), it’s important to understand what documents you may need at immigration. This page gives a simple, friendly overview to help you prepare.
Rules can change and may depend on your nationality, purpose of visit and length of stay. Always confirm with official government or embassy sources before traveling – and let us take care of your airport pickup when you arrive.
Every traveler is different, but most visitors to Burundi will be asked to show basic travel documents on arrival. Prepare them in advance so your time at immigration is smooth and fast.
Make sure your passport is not close to expiring.
If your passport is nearly full or close to expiry, renew it before booking flights.
Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa before you travel or on arrival.
Always check the latest requirements with the official immigration website or your nearest Burundian embassy/consulate.
Immigration officers may ask about your stay and onward plans.
Keeping these documents easily accessible (printed or on your phone) speeds up the process.
Some travelers may need to show health-related documents when entering Burundi.
For official health requirements, check with your airline and health authorities before departure.
Some countries may ask visitors to show they can support themselves during their stay.
This is not always requested, but having it can be helpful for some travelers.
It’s always smart to know who to call once you land.
If we are picking you up, share your flight details and WhatsApp in advance.
People come to Burundi for many reasons – tourism, NGO projects, business, family visits, conferences and more. Your reason for travel often decides which visa type you should apply for.
Travelers coming to explore Burundi’s culture, nature and lakes usually enter on a tourist-type visa (depending on nationality and current rules).
Burundi hosts many NGOs, development projects and international partners. Staff and visitors often require a visa type suited for work or official missions.
Some visitors come for meetings, conferences, trade missions or to visit relatives and friends.
Every traveler’s experience is slightly different, but this is how arrival usually feels at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport (BJM).
After your flight lands, you will follow the signs to passport control.
Once your passport is stamped, you’ll collect your luggage and walk through customs.
When everything is done, you exit into the arrivals area where drivers and families wait.
These answers are meant as a friendly guide only. Visa and immigration rules can change, and may differ depending on your passport, residence and purpose of visit. Always double-check with official sources before you travel.
Many nationalities do need a visa to enter Burundi, but the exact rules depend on your passport and purpose of visit. Some travelers apply at a Burundian embassy/consulate, others may have options such as e-visa or visa on arrival (depending on current regulations). Please check with the official immigration website or your nearest Burundian embassy/consulate for the latest information for your nationality.
This website cannot provide official immigration decisions – only general guidance.
It is usually best to start the visa process well before your trip – often several weeks in advance – so you have enough time for documents, appointments and possible delays. Each embassy or visa system has its own processing times, so always follow their guidance.
We do not issue visas and we are not an official immigration office. However, we can share general advice about how other travelers usually prepare, and we can provide basic documents related to your stay in Burundi (for example, hotel or tour confirmations) when you book services with us. For official rules, always rely on government and embassy information.
Flight delays can happen. Normally, immigration officers focus on your valid passport, visa and clear explanation of your plans. If your dates have shifted slightly because of an airline delay, speak calmly with the officer and explain the situation. For serious changes, contact your airline, embassy or visa provider for guidance.
That depends on your visa type and number of entries (single or multiple). If you plan to leave Burundi and re-enter (for example, to visit a neighboring country), tell your visa provider or embassy when you apply, so you receive the correct type of visa for your plans.
Once you have your visa and flights confirmed, we can arrange a safe airport pickup, hotel transfers and even short tours to make your first hours in Burundi relaxed and welcoming.