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Visitor & short-stay visas

Burundian Regional Access Visa (EAC & CEPGL)

Free regional access for citizens of East African Community and CEPGL member states, allowing them to enter Burundi without the usual visa charge.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Burundi government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
EAC access visa / CEPGL access visa
Route type
Regional free-access entry
EAC validity
1 to 6 months
CEPGL validity
1 to 3 months
Cost
Free of charge
Maximum stay (EAC)
1 to 6 months
For citizens of East African Community partner states.
Maximum stay (CEPGL)
1 to 3 months
For citizens of the Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda).
Students (EAC)
Free 1-year study visa
EAC students receive a free one-year study visa; DRC students are charged a reduced fee.
Where to apply
Commissariat Général des Migrations (CGM) / at the border
Regional free-entry provisions administered by the CGM.

Who it is for

  • Citizens of EAC member states
  • Citizens of CEPGL member states

Requirements

  • Passport or accepted regional travel document proving eligible nationality
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate

What you can do

  • Enter Burundi without paying a visa fee under the regional agreement
  • Stay for the period granted (longer for EAC citizens)

How to apply

As an EAC or CEPGL citizen you are admitted without paying a visa fee under Burundi's regional free-movement arrangements. Present your passport or regional travel document to the migration authority (CGM) on entry; the corresponding free entry visa is granted for the period allowed to your nationality.

Documents you may need

  • Valid national passport or East African e-Passport / recognised regional travel document
  • Proof of nationality of an EAC partner state or CEPGL member state
  • Onward or supporting travel details if requested at the border

Frequently asked questions

  • No. On the CGM fee schedule, citizens of EAC partner states are granted a free entry visa for a period of one to six months. CEPGL citizens (from DR Congo and Rwanda) are granted a free entry visa for one to three months.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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