Netherlands diplomatic mission in Burundi
Dutch Embassy in Bujumbura, Burundi
Find the address, opening hours and contact details of the Dutch Embassy in Bujumbura. Learn which consular services are available locally and where to apply for Dutch passports, identity cards and visas.
Contact
Dutch Embassy in Bujumbura: Contact Details
Place de l’Indépendance
Bujumbura
Burundi
Friday: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Important: the embassy offers selected consular services but does not accept ordinary Dutch passport or identity card applications. Schengen visa applications for the Netherlands are handled by the Belgian Embassy in Bujumbura.
Location
Where Is the Dutch Embassy in Bujumbura?
The Dutch Embassy is located in Immeuble Old East, Place de l’Indépendance, Bujumbura, Burundi.
Bujumbura is a major commercial and diplomatic centre in Burundi. The embassy serves as the official diplomatic representation of the Netherlands in the country.
Planning your visit
Use the complete visiting address when arranging transport. Before attending, confirm that your requested service is available in Bujumbura.
For services requiring an appointment, contact the embassy by email and follow the instructions provided.
Different locations for different services
The embassy in Bujumbura handles selected consular matters, including emergency travel documents, certain legalisations and certificates.
Ordinary Dutch passport and identity card applications must be submitted outside Burundi, such as at the Dutch Embassy in Kigali, Rwanda.
For a regular Schengen visa for the Netherlands, residents of Burundi can apply through the Belgian Embassy in Bujumbura.
Before travelling: check which authority handles your application. The Dutch Embassy, Belgian Embassy and Dutch Embassy in Kigali provide different services.
Diplomatic representation
About the Dutch Embassy in Bujumbura
The Dutch Embassy in Bujumbura represents the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Burundi.
It maintains diplomatic relations with the Burundian authorities and supports cooperation between the two countries.
The embassy’s work includes political engagement, international cooperation and contacts with government institutions and other organisations.
Limited consular services
The embassy also handles selected consular requests from eligible Dutch nationals.
These include emergency travel documents, legalisation of signatures, certification of identity document copies and certain consular certificates.
Not every Dutch government service can be arranged in Bujumbura.
Consular cooperation in the region
For services not offered locally, NetherlandsWorldwide directs applicants to other authorised locations.
The Dutch Embassy in Kigali is particularly relevant to residents of Burundi who need ordinary Dutch passports, identity cards or an MVV visa sticker.
Consular services
Consular Services at the Dutch Embassy in Bujumbura
Emergency Travel Documents
Eligible Dutch nationals can contact the embassy about an emergency travel document when urgent travel is necessary.
Legalisations
The embassy can arrange legalisation of signatures and copies of identification documents by email appointment.
Consular Certificates
Selected certificates concerning marital status, residence and proof of life are available under specific procedures.
Emergency travel documents
If your Dutch passport or identity card is lost or stolen and you urgently need to travel, contact the embassy to discuss an emergency travel document.
Request an appointment by emailing buj-ca@minbuza.nl.
The embassy will explain the eligibility requirements and the supporting documents needed for your circumstances.
Signature legalisation
If you require official legalisation of your signature, request an appointment by email.
Bring valid identification and the document that requires your signature, following the embassy’s instructions.
Legalisation of a copy of an identity document
You can also request an appointment to legalise a copy of an identification document.
Contact buj-ca@minbuza.nl and check that the receiving organisation accepts this form of certification.
Certificate of marital status
A certificate concerning marital status can be requested directly by email.
You do not need to book an initial in-person appointment to submit this request.
Certificate of legal capacity to marry
Eligible applicants can request a certificate of legal capacity to marry by email.
The embassy will explain the supporting civil-status documents required for the application.
Certificate of residence
A certificate confirming your residence can also be requested by email without an initial personal appointment.
Prepare evidence of your current address and any additional documents requested.
Proof-of-life certificate
If a pension provider or another organisation requires a proof-of-life certificate, arrange an appointment by emailing buj-ca@minbuza.nl.
Follow the embassy’s instructions concerning personal attendance and identification.
Certificate of Dutch nationality
The procedure for obtaining a certificate of Dutch nationality depends on your personal circumstances.
Check the official eligibility requirements and application instructions before submitting a request.
Caribbean Carpet Programme
Eligible organisations can submit a completed Caribbean Carpet Programme registration form by email to the embassy.
Services arranged outside Burundi
Other Dutch government services, including ordinary passport and identity card applications, are not available through the embassy in Bujumbura.
NetherlandsWorldwide refers applicants to Rwanda or another authorised application location, depending on the service.
Important: certain certificates can be requested directly by email, while emergency travel documents, signature legalisation and proof-of-life certificates require an appointment arranged by email.
Travel documents
Applying for a Dutch Passport or Identity Card from Burundi
Dutch nationals living in Burundi cannot apply for an ordinary Dutch passport or identity card at the embassy in Bujumbura.
NetherlandsWorldwide directs applicants to an authorised application location abroad, such as the Dutch Embassy in Kigali, Rwanda.
1. Prepare Your Checklist
Create a personal document checklist for each applicant and collect the necessary supporting documents.
2. Book in Rwanda
Arrange an appointment with the Dutch Embassy in Kigali or another authorised application location.
3. Attend in Person
Bring the completed application form, printed checklist and original supporting documents to your appointment.
Proof of legal residence in Burundi
Applicants must demonstrate that they reside legally in Burundi.
Depending on their circumstances, supporting evidence may include:
- A valid visa and relevant supporting documents.
- A valid residence permit.
- For applicants who also hold Burundian nationality, a valid Burundian passport or identity card.
Birth and marriage certificates
Birth and marriage certificates issued in Burundi must be legalised when required for a Dutch passport or identity card application.
Documents from other countries may follow different legalisation procedures.
Translation requirements
Documents in Dutch, English, German or French can generally be submitted.
Documents in other languages may need translation by a sworn translator.
Applications for children
Children must attend their passport or identity card application in person.
Parental consent may be required for passport applicants under 18 and identity card applicants under 12.
Check your personal checklist for the exact requirements.
Applying at a Dutch border municipality
Residents of Burundi may also apply at a participating border municipality in the Netherlands, subject to its appointment requirements.
Document collection
Follow the collection procedure published by the location where you apply.
If applying in Kigali, confirm the separate appointment requirements for collecting a completed Dutch passport or identity card.
Important: there is no ordinary passport or identity card application service at the embassy in Bujumbura. Confirm your appointment and the entry requirements for Rwanda before travelling.
Visas
Applying for a Visa for the Netherlands in Burundi
The correct visa application procedure depends on your nationality, residence status and purpose of travel.
Short-stay Schengen visas
Residents of Burundi who need a regular Schengen visa for the Netherlands can apply at the Belgian Embassy in Bujumbura.
The Dutch Embassy in Bujumbura does not accept these applications.
1. Check Requirements
Confirm whether you need a Schengen visa and whether the Netherlands is your main destination.
2. Prepare Your Application
Gather the supporting documents required for your trip and follow the Belgian authorities‘ instructions.
3. Contact the Belgian Embassy
Use the Belgian Embassy in Bujumbura’s official application and appointment procedure.
Visa facilitation for parents of Dutch children
Special arrangements apply if you are requesting visa facilitation to live with your Dutch child under 18.
This application cannot be submitted at the Belgian Embassy in Bujumbura. You must use an authorised Dutch mission or visa application centre in another country.
Airport transit visas
If you need an airport transit visa for the Netherlands, the official appointment guidance refers residents of Burundi to the Belgian Embassy in Bujumbura.
MVV visa stickers
An MVV visa sticker cannot be requested in Burundi.
If the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) has approved your residence application, check your IND approval letter for the authorised collection location.
For many applicants, this is the Dutch Embassy in Kigali, Rwanda.
You must use the location specified in the IND letter.
Entry visas
If your Dutch residence permit has expired or been lost or stolen while you are in Burundi, you may need an entry visa for your return to the Netherlands.
Entry visa applications are not available in Burundi. NetherlandsWorldwide directs applicants to the Dutch Embassy in Rwanda.
Other visa categories
For Caribbean visas and other specialised visa procedures, check the official country-specific guidance before making an appointment.
Do not assume that every type of Dutch visa can be requested in Bujumbura.
Important: regular Schengen visa applications are handled by the Belgian Embassy in Bujumbura. MVV visa stickers and entry visas must be arranged at an authorised location outside Burundi.
Opening hours
Opening Hours of the Dutch Embassy in Bujumbura
NetherlandsWorldwide publishes the following general opening hours for the embassy:
Consular visits
These are general embassy opening hours. They do not guarantee that a particular consular service is available without an appointment.
For emergency travel documents, signature legalisation, certified identity document copies and proof-of-life certificates, arrange an appointment by email.
Public holiday closures
The embassy is also closed on selected Dutch and Burundian public holidays.
Check its official contact page for the applicable closure dates before visiting.
Reminder: contact the embassy before travelling for a consular service. Ordinary Dutch passports, identity cards and Schengen visas are not processed at this location.
Appointments
How to Arrange an Appointment in Burundi
Email the Dutch Embassy
For emergency travel documents, selected legalisations and proof-of-life certificates, email buj-ca@minbuza.nl.
Passports and ID Cards
Arrange an application appointment outside Burundi, for example at the Dutch Embassy in Kigali.
Schengen Visa Applications
Contact the Belgian Embassy in Bujumbura and follow its official visa appointment instructions.
Emergency travel document appointments
Request an appointment by emailing buj-ca@minbuza.nl.
Legalisation appointments
Signature legalisation and legalisation of an identification document copy require an email appointment with the embassy.
Consular certificates
Certificates concerning marital status, legal capacity to marry and residence can be requested directly by email without an initial personal appointment.
Proof-of-life appointments
If you need a proof-of-life certificate, email the embassy to arrange an appointment.
Other Dutch government services
If the service you require is not listed among the procedures available in Burundi, consult the official appointment instructions for Rwanda.
Before your visit
Preparing to Contact or Visit the Dutch Embassy in Bujumbura
Confirm the Service
Check whether your request can be handled in Bujumbura or requires another application location.
Arrange an Appointment
Email the embassy for services requiring personal attendance and follow the instructions provided.
Prepare Your Documents
Bring the identification and supporting documents specified for your consular request.
Consular fees
Fees may apply to emergency travel documents, legalisations and certificates.
Check the applicable amount and accepted payment method with the embassy before visiting.
Travelling to Rwanda for a passport application
If you must travel to Kigali, confirm your passport or identity card appointment and check the entry requirements for Rwanda.
Also plan for the separate arrangements for collecting a completed travel document.
Urgent consular assistance
Dutch nationals who need urgent assistance in Burundi can contact NetherlandsWorldwide at any time.
Emergency assistance: call +31 247 247 247, available 24 hours a day. WhatsApp support is available at +31 857 737 400. Do not share sensitive personal documents via WhatsApp. In immediate danger, contact local emergency services first.
Frequently asked questions
Dutch Embassy in Bujumbura: FAQ
Where is the Dutch Embassy in Bujumbura?
The embassy is located at Immeuble Old East, Place de l’Indépendance, Bujumbura, Burundi.
What is the telephone number of the Dutch Embassy in Bujumbura?
Call +257 22 25 20 55. NetherlandsWorldwide is available at +31 247 247 247.
What are the embassy’s opening hours?
The embassy is open Monday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM, and Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, except on official closure days. Consular services may require an appointment.
Can I apply for a Dutch passport or identity card in Bujumbura?
No. Ordinary Dutch passport and identity card applications must be submitted at an authorised location outside Burundi, such as the Dutch Embassy in Kigali, Rwanda.
Where can I apply for a Schengen visa for the Netherlands?
Residents of Burundi can apply for regular Schengen visas through the Belgian Embassy in Bujumbura.
Can I apply for an MVV visa sticker in Burundi?
No. You must use the location stated in your IND approval letter. For many residents of Burundi, this is the Dutch Embassy in Kigali.
Can the embassy issue emergency travel documents?
Eligible Dutch nationals can request assistance with emergency travel documents by emailing buj-ca@minbuza.nl.
Can I have my signature legalised in Bujumbura?
Yes. Arrange an appointment by emailing the embassy and bring the identification and documents required for your request.
How do I request a certificate of residence or marital status?
Eligible applicants can request these certificates by emailing buj-ca@minbuza.nl, without an initial counter appointment.
How can Dutch nationals obtain emergency assistance in Burundi?
Contact NetherlandsWorldwide on +31 247 247 247, available 24 hours a day. In immediate danger, contact local emergency services first.
Official information