United States Visa RequirementsFor Burundi passport holders
Citizens of Burundi must obtain a B1/B2 visitor visa before entering the United States. There is no US Embassy in Bujumbura. Most applicants must travel to the US Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya to complete their interview, adding extra planning to the process.
Burundi passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
Apply online at ceac.state.gov using Form DS-160. Pay the $185 USD non-refundable MRV fee. Since there is no US Embassy in Bujumbura, most Burundian applicants schedule their interview at the US Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. You must travel to Nairobi for your interview appointment. Bring all required documents with you.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
DS-160 application form
Completed online at ceac.state.gov before scheduling interview
Valid passport
At least 6 months validity beyond intended stay
MRV fee receipt
$185 USD non-refundable visa application fee
Passport photo
2x2 inch (51x51mm), white background
Interview appointment confirmation
Scheduled via US Embassy website
Proof of financial means
Bank statements, pay stubs, or tax returns
Proof of ties to home country
Employment letter, property documents, family ties, or enrollment
Travel itinerary Recommended
Intended travel dates and purpose
Current Travel Situation
Burundi to United States: What You Need to Know
Burundi and the United States have a cautious relationship, with the US regularly expressing concerns over human rights and democratic governance in the country. The US has limited aid presence focused on humanitarian assistance. Burundi is not an AGOA member. Political instability since 2015 has complicated bilateral ties. The Burundian diaspora in the US is relatively small.
How to Get There
From Bujumbura, the most practical connections to the United States are via Ethiopian Airlines through Addis Ababa (ADD), or via Kenya Airways through Nairobi (NBO). Ethiopian Airlines flies direct from Addis Ababa to JFK, IAD, and other US cities. Kenya Airways connects via Nairobi to New York with partners. RwandAir connects via Kigali to onward European and Middle Eastern hubs.
Money & Banking
The US dollar (USD) is the currency in the United States. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities. Budget around $100 to $150 per day for modest travel. Tipping is customary: 15 to 20% at restaurants and a few dollars for hotel and service staff.
Practical Tips
Because you need to travel to Nairobi for your interview, plan your application timeline at least 5 to 6 months in advance. Check current wait times at the US Embassy Nairobi at travel.state.gov/waitingtimes. Arrange your travel to Nairobi separately. Demonstrating stable ties to Burundi, including employment, property, or family, is critical to approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a US Embassy in Burundi? Where do Burundi citizens apply for a US visa?
There is no US Embassy in Bujumbura. Burundi citizens must apply at the US Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. You will need to travel there for your visa interview after completing the DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov and paying the $185 MRV fee.
How long are US visa interview wait times from Burundi?
Interview wait times at the US Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya for Burundi citizens are typically 4 to 6 months for a B1/B2 visitor visa. Wait times fluctuate based on demand and embassy staffing. Check current wait times at travel.state.gov/waitingtimes before planning your application.
How far in advance should Burundi citizens apply for a US B1/B2 visa?
Given current interview wait times of 4 to 6 months, apply at least 7 months before your intended travel date. This allows time for scheduling your appointment, attending the interview, and receiving your passport with the visa. Applying early also gives you time to gather supporting documents.
What airlines and routes are available from Burundi to the United States?
There are no direct flights from Bujumbura to the United States. Common routing options include Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa and Kenya Airways via Nairobi. Ethiopian Airlines is Africa's largest carrier and connects many African cities to JFK, IAD (Washington Dulles), ATL (Atlanta), IAH (Houston), and ORD (Chicago) via Addis Ababa.
How can I strengthen my US B1/B2 visa application from Burundi?
The key to a strong US B1/B2 application from Burundi is demonstrating strong ties to your home country and that you will return after your visit. Submit a stable employment letter, property ownership documents, bank statements showing sufficient funds, and evidence of family responsibilities. A clear travel purpose, realistic itinerary, and clean travel history also help.
What documents should I bring to my US visa interview as a citizen of Burundi?
Bring your valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay, your DS-160 confirmation page, your MRV fee payment receipt, your interview appointment confirmation, a 2x2 inch passport photo, bank statements, employment letter or proof of ties to Burundi, and any other supporting documents that demonstrate your intent to return home.
What is the US B1/B2 visa fee for Burundi citizens?
The US B1/B2 visa application fee is $185 USD, known as the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. Pay the fee through the payment portal linked on the US Embassy website before scheduling your interview.
Can a Burundi citizen with a US B1/B2 visa work in the United States?
No. A B1/B2 visa only permits business visits (B1) and tourism or pleasure (B2). Working for a US employer is not permitted on a B1/B2 visa. Unauthorized work can result in deportation and future visa denials. If you intend to work in the United States, you must apply for an appropriate work visa such as H-1B, L-1, or O-1.