Burundi
Burundi visa guide: online visa, residence and asylum
- 4 visa types
- checked 25 October 2026
How visas for Burundi work
Visas for Burundi are issued by the Commissariat Général des Migrations (CGM), part of the National Police, which controls entries and exits at land, air and lake borders and issues travel documents and visas. Visa requests are made online on migration.gov.bi: fill in the form, pay online, then print the visa application certificate from the emailed link and present it at the point of entry.
Short stays use the one-month airport entry visa, the transit visa, the stay visa (USD 10 for 5 days to USD 210 for 3 months) or the multiple-entry visa (USD 90 per month for up to three months). EAC and CEPGL citizens receive free entry visas. Foreigners settling in Burundi move to the establishment visa (USD 500 for two years) and, with Ministry of the Interior authorisation, the permanent resident visa (USD 1,200 for 99 years).
People seeking protection declare their intention at the border or within 30 days of entry and are registered by ONPRA under the 2021 migration law.
Which visa do I need?
Flying in for a short visit: airport entry visa (one month) or stay visa (5 days to 3 months).
Passing through: transit visa.
Several trips: multiple-entry visa (one to three months).
Living or working in Burundi after six months: establishment visa; long-term owners: permanent resident visa.
Seeking protection: asylum claim at the border or within 30 days of entry.
Visa types for Burundi
Residence
- Residence permit Establishment visa (visa d'établissement)
Burundi's residence title for foreigners is the establishment visa, issued by the Commissariat Général des Migrations.
Validity: Two years (ordinary and courtesy); three years (diplomatic) - Permanent residence Permanent resident visa (visa de résident permanent)
Burundi’s permanent resident visa is issued by the Commissariat Général des Migrations with the authorisation of the Ministry of the Interior.
Validity: 99 years
Online travel permits
- e-Visa Online visa application (airport entry, stay and multiple-entry visas)
Burundi's Commissariat Général des Migrations (CGM) takes visa applications online on migration.gov.bi.
Maximum stay: Airport entry visa: one month; stay visa: 5 days to 3 months
Asylum and international protection
- Asylum and international protection Asylum and refugee status (Law No. 1/25 of 5 November 2021)
Asylum in Burundi is governed by Law No.
Processing time: Interview planned within a week of registration; the case goes to the CCER within a week of the interview, but there is a backlog
Frequently asked questions
Where do I apply for a Burundi visa?
Online on migration.gov.bi, the website of the Commissariat Général des Migrations.
What do I show on arrival?
The visa application certificate, downloaded or printed from the link emailed after payment.
How long can a stay visa be?
The online form offers stay visas from 5 days up to 3 months, from USD 10 to USD 210.
How do I pay?
The visa fee is paid online during the application.
Can foreigners settle in Burundi?
Yes, with the two-year establishment visa (USD 500) and later the 99-year permanent resident visa (USD 1,200).
Embassies and consulates
Last checked 25 October 2026. Each visa page lists the official sources it is based on.