Botswana:Visa Requirements

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Botswana Visa Requirements Map

Botswana: Visa Requirements

Visa requirements may change. Always verify the latest information through official government sources.

Visa-Free Entry Requirements

  • The traveler must carry a passport that is valid for at least six more months on the date of entry into Botswana. An exception to the six-month passport validity rule is granted for travel documents issued under United Nations conventions.
  • The total duration of stay in Botswana on visa-free visits is a maximum of 90 days per calendar year. Visitors wishing to stay longer must apply to an immigration office in Botswana to extend the visit period before the permitted period expires.
  • For extension of the visit period, the applicant's reasoned petition, a supporting letter from the host in Botswana, one color passport photo, a certified copy of the passport's information page, two certified copies of the passport pages showing entry and exit stamps, and the host's identity document, residence permit or exemption certificate are required. The official processing time for extension applications is three business days.
  • Travelers coming from a country considered endemic for yellow fever, or transiting through such a country, must carry a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis for Yellow Fever. The certificate will be requested by border health officials upon arrival in Botswana. Travelers must report to the Port Health Office at the border upon arrival.
  • Children under eighteen years of age must travel with a valid passport and a detailed birth certificate showing all parental information. If the child travels with only one parent, a consent statement from the non-traveling parent and a copy of that parent's identity document are required. If the child travels with a relative or another adult, both parents must submit an authorization statement.
  • Travel documents that are expired, have torn pages, have water damage to the cover or pages, or are damaged to the extent that verification of identity is prevented, may not be accepted at the border.
  • The number of blank pages required in the passport is not definitively specified in the central official source. The requirement for a machine-readable or biometric passport is not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • A return ticket, accommodation document, a specific amount of financial means, and travel health insurance are not explicitly required for all travelers entering visa-free in the central official source. The minimum coverage amount for insurance is not definitively specified in the central official source.

E-Visa Application Requirements

  • The e-visa application is made through Botswana's official electronic visa platform. The application documents vary according to the purpose of travel. Separate document requirements apply for tourism, family or friend visits, commercial visits, study, work, and transit travel. A single universal document list applicable to all e-visa applicants has not been published.
  • For tourism purposes, a certified copy of the first and second pages of the passport must be submitted. The passport must be valid for at least six more months. Additionally, two recent color passport photographs, a letter explaining the reason for travel, flight itinerary, accommodation reservation, travel program, and documents showing the intention to leave Botswana at the end of the travel are required. If a re-entry permit is needed for the applicant to return to the country of residence, this document must also be submitted. In the online application, all documents must be combined into a single PDF file.
  • For family or friend visit applications, a sworn declaration from the host in Botswana is required. The host may need to be physically present for the swearing-in process. For spouses and dependents, marriage certificate, birth certificate, or other documents proving the family relationship must be submitted. A certified copy of the host's national identity document, residence and work permit, or exemption certificate is required. For visits on religious duty, a certified copy of the appointment or authorization document as a religious official may be requested. A return visa or residence permit for the applicant's country of residence is also required. A visitor visa cannot be used for the purpose of work, providing services, or selling goods.
  • For commercial purpose applications, a certified copy of the first and second pages of the passport valid for at least six months, two recent color passport photographs, a letter explaining the reason for application, flight itinerary, and accommodation reservation or residential address in Botswana are required. When necessary, re-entry permit, company registration document in Botswana, business plan, trade license, share certificate, meeting schedule, and company and personal bank account statements must be submitted. Documents must be combined into a single PDF file for the online application.
  • For study purpose applications, a valid study or research permit must be held. A certified copy of the first and second pages of the passport, two recent color passport photographs, a letter explaining the reason for travel, flight itinerary, accommodation reservation or address in Botswana, acceptance letter from the educational institution, study or research permit, and document proving sponsorship are required. If a re-entry permit to the applicant's country of residence is required, this document must also be submitted. Online documents must be combined into a single PDF file.
  • A person applying for the purpose of work, internship, research, or voluntary service must have a valid work and residence permit. When necessary, a certified copy of the first and second pages of the passport valid for at least six months, two recent color passport photographs, a letter explaining the reason for application, flight itinerary, accommodation reservation or residential address, re-entry permit, exemption certificate from the Labour and Social Security unit, employment contract or employment confirmation letter are submitted. From volunteers, a mission offer letter and financial documents showing they can support themselves may be requested. Online documents must be combined into a single PDF file.
  • The official processing time for e-visa applications is seven to fourteen business days depending on the visa type. The approval or rejection letter can be viewed on the electronic visa portal. If the approved visa has not yet been printed, the traveler may carry the approval letter as evidence of visa; the visa can be printed at the airport or other immigration entry point, or affixed to the passport. Whether the approval letter must be carried only in printed form or digitally is not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • For a tourist visa, the fee for a single-entry visa valid for up to one month is 300 Botswana pula. The fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa valid for up to three months is 500 Botswana pula.
  • For a family or friend visit visa, the fee for a single-entry visa valid for up to three months is 300 Botswana pula, the fee for a multiple-entry visa valid for up to three months is 500 Botswana pula. For dependents of persons residing in Botswana, the fee for a multiple-entry visa valid for more than three months and up to two years is 1,500 Botswana pula.
  • For a commercial visa, the fee for a single-entry visa valid for up to three months is 500 Botswana pula, the fee for a multiple-entry visa valid for up to three months is 1,000 Botswana pula. The fee for a multiple-entry commercial visa valid for between six months and one year is 1,500 Botswana pula.
  • A study visa is free of charge. A work visa issued to persons with a valid work and residence permit is also free of charge.
  • The accepted e-visa payment methods are not definitively specified in the central official source. Whether the fees are refundable is not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • The exact dimensions, background color, date of taking, file type, and file size of the e-visa photograph are not definitively specified in the central official source. It has been explained that only two recent color passport-sized photographs will be required.
  • The number of blank pages required in the passport is not definitively specified in the central official source. The requirement for a biometric passport or machine-readable passport is not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • The number of months that bank account statements must cover and the minimum amount required in the account are not definitively specified in the central official source. The requirement for a valid travel health insurance for all e-visa types and the minimum insurance coverage are not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • Mandatory fingerprinting, biometric data recording, or interview practice are not definitively specified in the central official source. A central rule covering all applications regarding translation of documents, notarization, apostille, or legalization by diplomatic authorities has not been published.

Visa on Arrival Requirements

  • For an entry visa issued at the border crossing, the traveler must carry a passport that is valid for at least six more months. Travel documents issued under United Nations conventions are an exception to this general passport validity rule.
  • Entry visas obtained at border crossings are valid for a maximum of 14 days. A detailed and up-to-date central list showing for which travel purposes and at which land borders, airports, or other entry points the visa can be issued has not been published.
  • Travelers coming from a country endemic for yellow fever, or transiting through such a country, must present a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis for Yellow Fever upon arrival.
  • Travelers under eighteen years of age must carry a valid passport and a detailed birth certificate. If the child travels with a single parent or with a person other than the parents, the necessary parental consent declarations and copies of identity documents must be submitted. Damaged or expired travel documents may not be accepted at the border.
  • The number of photographs required for a visa on arrival and their specifications are not definitively specified in the central official source. The number of blank pages required in the passport is not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • The visa on arrival fee and accepted payment methods are not definitively specified in the central official source. A universal central checklist regarding return ticket, accommodation document, invitation letter, and proof of financial means has not been published.
  • The requirement for travel health insurance and minimum insurance coverage for a visa on arrival are not definitively specified in the central official source. Single or multiple entry entitlement, extension procedure, and whether biometric data is collected at the border are not definitively specified in the central official source.

Consular Visa Application Requirements

  • Consular visa applications can be made in person at Botswana embassies, high commissions, consulates, or immigration offices in Botswana. The applicant must complete Visa Application Form 1 and submit supporting documents appropriate for the purpose of travel.
  • The form must be completed in capital letters and only with black ink. The form has a 3 x 4 centimeter photograph space. The applicant must write their personal information, nationality, residential address, occupation, purpose of travel, requested single or multiple entry entitlement, planned duration of stay, address in Botswana, and contact persons.
  • The amount of available money and currency must be declared; the number of the passport or other travel document, place of issuance, date of issuance and expiry must be written. Sufficient evidence for the purpose of travel must be provided. From those traveling on behalf of a company, an employer's document explaining the nature of the business and the physical address of the company may be requested. The competent authority may request a banker's reference.
  • The declaration stating that the information on the application form is correct must be dated and signed by the applicant. Notification at least 14 days in advance is requested for each application.
  • For tourism applications, a certified copy of the first and second pages of the passport valid for at least six months, two recent color passport photographs, a letter explaining the reason for travel, flight itinerary, accommodation reservation, travel plan, and a document showing intention to leave Botswana must be submitted. When necessary, a re-entry permit for the country of residence is required.
  • For family or friend visit applications, a sworn declaration from the host, a certified copy of the host's identity or immigration status documents, and, where necessary, marriage or birth certificates must be submitted. The host may need to be physically present for the swearing-in process.
  • For commercial applications, in addition to passport and photographs, the reason for travel, flight and accommodation details, company registration document, business plan, trade license, share certificate, meeting schedule, and company and personal bank account statements may be required.
  • For study applications, an acceptance letter from the educational institution, a valid study or research permit, and proof of sponsorship are required. For work applications, a valid work and residence permit, employment contract or employer confirmation letter, and, where necessary, an exemption certificate from the Labour and Social Security unit must be submitted. From volunteers, an offer letter and proof of financial means may be requested.
  • The official processing time for visa applications made through consulates and immigration offices is seven to fourteen business days. If the application is accepted, the visa can be printed at the office where the application was made or affixed to the passport. If the visa has not yet been printed, the applicant can travel with the approval letter and the visa can be issued at the entry point.
  • Visa fees vary according to the purpose of travel, single or multiple entry entitlement, and the validity period of the visa. The fees applicable for tourism, visitor, commercial, study, and work visas are the same as the amounts stated in the e-visa application requirements section. Accepted consular payment methods may vary by mission and are not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • The number of blank pages required in the passport is not definitively specified in the central official source. The background color, date of taking, and other technical specifications of the photograph are not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • A common bank account statement period and minimum balance applicable to all visa types are not definitively specified in the central official source. The requirement for travel health insurance and minimum insurance coverage are not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • A common central rule applicable at all missions regarding the language in which documents must be submitted, translation, notarization, apostille, or consular legalization procedures has not been published. These conditions may vary according to the Botswana diplomatic mission applied to and the visa type.

Transit Visa Requirements

  • Travelers who will proceed to another country via Botswana and are subject to a transit visa may apply online or through a Botswana immigration office, embassy, or consulate.
  • If the traveler departs from the same airport from which they arrived in Botswana and on the same aircraft, a transit visa is not required. For this exemption to apply, the traveler must continue their journey on the same aircraft and from the same airport.
  • For a transit visa application, a certified copy of the first and second pages of the passport valid for at least six months, two recent color passport photographs, an application letter, flight itinerary, and accommodation reservation or residential address in Botswana must be submitted.
  • If a re-entry permit to the applicant's country of residence is required, this document must also be submitted. Documents such as a confirmed onward flight reservation showing that travel will continue within three days after arrival in Botswana, or a visa proving the right to enter the destination country, are required.
  • For persons engaged in cross-border transportation, the requirement to continue travel within three days may not apply and these persons may be granted up to 14 days. Carriers, tour operators, and guides must present a valid cross-border activity license.
  • A transit visa cannot be used for the purpose of work, formal study, or vocational training and cannot be extended for any reason. On the official page, a maximum stay period of seven days is also generally stated for transit passengers, carriers, and tour operators.
  • The official processing time for transit visa applications is seven to fourteen business days. The fee for a single-entry transit visa is 300 Botswana pula. The fee for a multiple-entry transit visa is 500 Botswana pula. The fee for a multiple-entry transit visa valid for up to three years for tour operators and carriers is 1,500 Botswana pula.
  • Travelers coming from a country endemic for yellow fever or passing through such a country must carry a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis for Yellow Fever.
  • The number of blank pages required in the passport is not definitively specified in the central official source. The exact dimensions, background color, and technical specifications of the photograph are not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • The accepted payment methods for a transit visa are not definitively specified in the central official source. The requirement for travel health insurance and minimum insurance coverage are not definitively specified in the central official source.
Population
2,603,388(2026 est.)
Official language
English
Government type
Parliamentary republic
Continent
Africa
Capital
Gaborone
Currency
Botswanan pulas
Area
581,737 km²
Phone code
+267

Botswana: Key Destinations

Botswana's capital, Gaborone, serves as the primary entry point for international travelers arriving via Sir Seretse Khama International Airport. Other important urban centers include Francistown in the east and Maun, a key gateway to the northern wilderness areas.

The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, draws visitors with its unique waterways and abundant wildlife. Chobe National Park in the north is renowned for its elephant herds, while the Kalahari Desert offers a starkly different landscape. Culturally, the country's Tswana heritage is celebrated through music, dance, and crafts.

Travelers often begin their journey in Gaborone or Maun, then venture to the Okavango Delta by light aircraft or 4×4 vehicle. From Maun, it is possible to reach Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls via road or charter flight. Self-drive itineraries are popular, particularly on well-maintained routes connecting major towns and wildlife reserves.