---
title: South Africa visa for citizens of Burundi
description: "Citizens of Burundi need a visa for South Africa and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 30 days. Fee: ZAR 425 + ZAR 1,800 service fee. Processing: 5–15 days. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/south-africa/burundi
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# South Africa visa for citizens of Burundi

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

- **Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages)** (Travel): Must be valid for at least 30 days after intended stay.
- **Completed visa application form (BI-84)** (Supporting): Download from embassy website.
- **Two recent passport-size photographs** (Supporting): White background, 35x45mm.
- **Proof of travel (flight itinerary or booking)** (Travel): Round-trip or onward ticket.
- **Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)** (Travel): For the entire stay.
- **Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, payslips, etc.)** (Financial): Last 3 months, showing at least ZAR 3,000 per month of stay.
- **Employment letter or proof of business registration** (Employment): Must include salary, leave approval, and return date.
- **Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if traveling from endemic area)** (Health, optional): Required only if coming from or transiting through yellow fever zone.
- **Invitation letter (if visiting friends/family)** (Supporting, optional): From South African host, including ID copy and proof of residence.
- **Proof of payment of visa fee** (Financial): Receipt from bank or VFS.
- **Medical insurance** (Health, optional): Highly recommended but not mandatory.
- **Birth certificate (if minor)** (Supporting, optional): For children under 18.
- **Parental consent affidavit (if minor traveling alone or with one parent)** (Supporting, optional): Unabridged birth certificate may be required.
- **Additional documents as requested by embassy** (Supporting, 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.

## FAQs

### 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.

## More

- [South Africa visa for every passport](/visa/south-africa)
- [Every destination for Burundi passport holders](/visa/passport/burundi)