Skip to main content

Burundi Visa for Canada Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

Canadian citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport for about USD 90 (single entry, 30 days).

Guide last updated September 29, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, with at least one blank page
  • A passport-style photo (recommended, though sometimes waived at the airport)
  • Proof of onward/return travel
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory for entry)
  • Cash in USD or EUR to pay the visa on arrival fee (cards are generally not accepted at the border)
  • Travel health insurance is recommended given limited medical infrastructure
  • Biometrics (photo and fingerprints) are typically taken on arrival

Visa types

  • Visa on arrival for Canadian citizens is generally issued as:
  • Tourist/single-entry visa: valid for a stay of up to 30 days
  • Business visa: similar validity, may require a letter of invitation from a Burundian company
  • Multiple-entry visas and longer-stay permits (work, study, residence) must be arranged in advance through a Burundian embassy or consulate, or through the Directorate General of Migration once in-country, since these are not available on arrival.

Visa on arrival

  • Available at Bujumbura International Airport (Melchior Ndadaye) for air arrivals; land border crossing visa-on-arrival availability can be inconsistent, so air entry is recommended
  • Steps: present your passport, yellow fever certificate, and return ticket at the immigration counter; complete a short arrival form; pay the fee in cash (USD or EUR)
  • Fee: approximately USD 90 for a single-entry 30-day visa, payable in cash only
  • Processing at the airport typically takes 15–30 minutes depending on queue length
  • Queue tip: arrive with exact change in USD, as officers may not always have change available, and have your yellow fever certificate readily accessible since it is checked before immigration

Fees & processing time

  • Visa on arrival fee: approximately USD 90 (single entry, 30 days), cash only
  • No separate service/agency fee since the visa is issued directly at the airport
  • Processing time: roughly 15–30 minutes at the airport counter
  • No express option; the process is the same for all arriving passengers
  • Total cost is just the visa fee, though budget extra cash for incidental airport fees

Tips for Canada travelers

  • Check current Canadian government travel advisories, as Burundi has periodically had elevated risk advisories due to political and security conditions
  • Carry exact cash in USD (crisp, newer bills are preferred by many African border posts) since change may not be available
  • Ensure your yellow fever certificate is valid and matches your passport details exactly, as this is checked before the visa is issued
  • Extensions beyond 30 days should be requested at the Directorate General of Migration in Bujumbura well before the visa expires
  • Since Burundi has no embassy in Canada, pre-arranging a visa is difficult — the airport visa-on-arrival is the standard route for Canadian travelers

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.