Burundi passport → South Africa

South Africa visa for citizens of Burundi

Embassy / VFSVisitor visa (tourist/business)

Citizens of Burundi need a visa for South Africa and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Visitor visa (tourist/business)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 30 days
Visa validity	90 days
Entries	Single entry
Processing time	5–15 days
Government fee	ZAR 425 + ZAR 1,800 service fee
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements for the last 3 months

How to apply

1
Determine visa type and gather documents
Confirm you need a visitor visa (tourist/business) per the requirements.
2
Complete the visa application form (BI-84)
Print and fill out neatly; do not sign until instructed at appointment.
3
Book an appointment at the South African embassy or VFS center
Schedule through VFS Global website or embassy, usually 2-4 weeks in advance.
4
Pay the visa fee
Deposit fee into embassy bank account or pay at VFS; keep receipt.
5
Attend the appointment with all documents
Bring original plus one photocopy of each document; submit biometrics (fingerprints).
6
Processing and decision
Wait 5–15 working days; you may be called for additional interview if needed.
7
Collect passport with visa decision
Either pick up in person or pay for courier service.

Documents checklist

Travel

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages)
Must be valid for at least 30 days after intended stay.
Proof of travel (flight itinerary or booking)
Round-trip or onward ticket.
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
For the entire stay.

Financial

Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, payslips, etc.)
Last 3 months, showing at least ZAR 3,000 per month of stay.
Proof of payment of visa fee
Receipt from bank or VFS.

Employment

Employment letter or proof of business registration
Must include salary, leave approval, and return date.

Health

Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if traveling from endemic area)
Optional
Required only if coming from or transiting through yellow fever zone.
Medical insurance
Optional
Highly recommended but not mandatory.

Supporting

Completed visa application form (BI-84)
Download from embassy website.
Two recent passport-size photographs
White background, 35x45mm.
Invitation letter (if visiting friends/family)
Optional
From South African host, including ID copy and proof of residence.
Birth certificate (if minor)
Optional
For children under 18.
Parental consent affidavit (if minor traveling alone or with one parent)
Optional
Unabridged birth certificate may be required.
Additional documents as requested by embassy
Optional
Case-by-case basis.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: ZAR 3,000 per month of stay

Bank statements
Payslips
Sponsor letter with proof
Traveler's cheques

Must cover entire intended stay; cash not accepted.

Good to know

Application fees are non-refundable even if visa is refused.
Ensure passport has at least two blank pages.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if traveling from a risk country.

Common refusal reasons

Incomplete documentation or incorrect information on form.

Check document checklist twice and fill form accurately.

Insufficient financial proof (less than required balance).

Submit bank statements with adequate funds for full stay.

Previous visa violations or overstay in any country.

Be honest on form; provide explanation if needed.

Invalid passport (too short validity or missing pages).

Renew passport before applying if needed.

FAQ

Do citizens of Burundi need a visa for South Africa?

Citizens of Burundi need a visa for South Africa and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Visitor visa (tourist/business).

How long can citizens of Burundi stay in South Africa?

Up to 30 days.

How much does the South Africa visa cost for citizens of Burundi?

Government fee: ZAR 425 + ZAR 1,800 service fee.

How long does South Africa visa processing take?

Typically 5–15 days.

What documents do citizens of Burundi need for South Africa?

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages); Completed visa application form (BI-84); Two recent passport-size photographs; Proof of travel (flight itinerary or booking); Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter); Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, payslips, etc.); and 8 more.

How long must my passport be valid for South Africa?

At least 6 months.

Plan your trip to South Africa

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