Moving to Burundi

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence permit process for Burundi requires careful attention, and specific requirements often depend on your nationality. For citizens of the European Union, the process might differ significantly from those from non-EU countries. Common routes for obtaining a residence permit include work permits, family reunification visas, study visas, or general residence permits for those not covered by other categories. It is crucial to verify the most current requirements directly with the Burundian embassy or consulate in your home country, or with the relevant authorities upon arrival. Requirements can change, and official sources will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding necessary documentation, application procedures, and processing times.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Burundi typically involves a mix of online searches, local real estate agents, and word-of-mouth recommendations. For initial temporary accommodation, options might include serviced apartments or hotels, which can be booked in advance. For long-term rentals, particularly in cities like Bujumbura, it's advisable to work with reputable local real estate agents who have a good understanding of the market and available properties. The typical rental process usually involves viewing properties, negotiating terms, and signing a lease agreement. Deposits are common, often equivalent to one or two months' rent, and are usually required upfront along with the first month's rent. Ensure all terms and conditions are clearly understood before committing, and consider having a local expert review the contract if possible.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Burundi is influenced by several key factors. The volume of goods you intend to move is a primary determinant; larger shipments naturally incur higher costs. The distance of the move, specifically the origin country to Burundi, also plays a significant role. The time of year or season can impact shipping availability and pricing, with peak seasons sometimes leading to higher rates. Accessibility at both your origin and destination locations, such as narrow roads or lack of elevator access, can add to labor costs. Finally, any extra services you opt for, such as professional packing, unpacking, or storage solutions, will contribute to the overall expenditure. For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, a free quote is always recommended.

Timeline & Packing Tips

4-8 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Declutter extensively: Decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Moving less means spending less.
• Research and understand visa/residence requirements thoroughly. Begin gathering necessary documents.
• Start researching housing options and potential temporary accommodation.
• Obtain multiple quotes from international moving companies.

2-4 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Confirm your moving date and finalize arrangements with your chosen mover.
• Begin packing non-essential items. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room.
• Organize important documents (passports, visas, birth certificates, medical records, financial statements) into a dedicated, easily accessible folder that you will carry with you.
• Notify utility companies (electricity, water, internet) of your move-out date.
• Arrange for mail forwarding.

1 Week Before Your Move:

• Pack a "first-night" box with essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, basic kitchen items, and important medications.
• Confirm travel arrangements to Burundi.
• Empty and defrost your refrigerator/freezer.
• Ensure all necessary financial arrangements are in place for your arrival.

Day Before/Day of Move:

• Do a final walk-through of your old home.
• Ensure all important documents are secured with you.
• Confirm utility disconnections.

For a precise cost estimate and personalized planning, request a free quote on relocation123.com.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Burundi: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to a new country involves navigating customs regulations, and Burundi is no exception. This guide provides a clear, user-friendly overview of what you need to know to ensure a smooth import process for your belongings.

If you're relocating as a new resident

Bringing your used household goods and personal effects to Burundi requires careful planning. Ensure your items are genuinely used to avoid complications. It's advisable to limit large quantities of alcohol.

What you'll need

• Packing List (PL)
• Valued inventory
• Passport copy
• Tax Identification Number (TIN)
• Work permit
• Bill of Lading (BL) or Air Waybill (AWB)
• Exemption document

Good to know

• Your goods must arrive in Burundi within 4 months of the shipping date.
• Customs clearance typically takes 3 working days.
• An Import License and insurance are mandatory for any shipment valued above $5,000. The Import License is processed through the Customs system and validated by a bank where you hold a local account.

Diplomatic moves

If you are moving to Burundi under diplomatic status, there is a specific process for securing customs waivers.

What you'll need

• All documents listed for new residents (PL, valued inventory, passport copy, TIN, work permit, BL/AWB, exemption).

Good to know

• Diplomatic missions must request their waivers directly from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
• It generally takes three days for diplomatic missions to secure these waivers.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing a vehicle to Burundi has specific age restrictions and documentation requirements.

What you'll need

• Invoice
• Previous sales agreement (if applicable)
• Bill of Lading (BL) or Air Waybill (AWB)
• Original previous log books/registration certificate
• Waiver
• Tax Identification Number (TIN)

Good to know

• Vehicles should not be older than 10 years.
• If your vehicle is shipped in the same container as your personal effects, customs clearance can take approximately 4 days.

Pets

Bringing your furry friends to Burundi requires pre-clearance and specific health documentation.

What you'll need

• Passport copy of the receiver
• Veterinary certificate
• Import license
• Air Waybill (AWB)

Good to know

• Pets should be pre-cleared to avoid extended stays at the airport.
• The import license for pets is only valid for 30 days once issued.
• There is no inspection for pets upon arrival.
• It is recommended to book pet arrivals for daytime flights.

Restricted & prohibited items

Be aware of items that are either restricted in quantity or strictly prohibited from entering Burundi.

Food, nuts, drinks shipped as Personal Effects

What you'll need

• Invoice
• Exemption document
• Air Waybill (AWB) or Bill of Lading (BL)
• Certificate of Origin (COO)
• Tax Identification Number (TIN)
• Receiver’s passport

Good to know

• These goods should be in minimal quantities.
• They must be within their consumable period.

Prohibited goods

• Asbestos
• Firearms, weapons
• Dangerous goods
• Narcotics
• Ivory
• Pornography

Alcohol & tobacco

While not explicitly detailed, it is generally advised to avoid loading large quantities of liquor with your household goods.

Frequently asked questions

What is an ECTN and do I need one?
An ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) is a special waiver certificate required for all goods arriving in Burundi via shipping containers. Failure to have one can result in penalties ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. It provides details about the exporter/importer, shipping method, goods, vessel, and freight cost.

How long does customs clearance take for household goods?
Customs clearance for used household goods and personal effects typically takes 3 working days.

Is there a limit to how much cash I can bring into Burundi?
Travellers are permitted to carry $10,000 USD or less in hard cash.

Are goods imported by parcel or courier inspected?
Goods imported by parcel or courier are generally not inspected.

What is a TIN?
TIN stands for Tax Identification Number, and it is a required document for various import processes in Burundi, including household goods and vehicles.

What if my shipment is valued over $5,000?
If your shipment is valued above $5,000, you will need both an Import License and insurance. The Import License is processed through the Customs system and validated by a local bank where you have an account.

For personalized assistance with your move to Burundi, please contact relocation123.com.

Get help with your move →