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Visa Application – Tourism Visa

This is  issued to people who intend to visit Botswana for recreational purposes, or for other short-term non work related purposes. This visa allows entry into Botswana for up to one (1) month and is extendable on justification. The applicant must not engage in any employment while on a tourism visa, or else the visa will be rendered invalid.

All foreigners who require visas to enter Botswana as tourists are eligible for this service.

  •  Any immigration office (contact information listed below), Botswana embassy or consulate to fill and submit Form 1 (Application for Visa in person.
  • Submit the required documents (listed below) with the application form.
  • Check the outcome of your application from the office where the application was submitted after seven (7) working days.
  • An approval/rejection letter is sent to the office where the application was made.
  • If the Visa application is approved, it will be printed at that office where the application was made or if not printed the applicant can travel with the approval letter as proof of a Visa to Botswana and the Visa will be printed at the Airport/Immigration Ports of Entry.

The following documents are required to be submitted with the application form:

  • Certified copy of page 1 and 2 of passport showing validity period not less than six (6) months.
  • Two recent coloured passport size photos.
  • Covering letter indicating reasons for visit.
  • Flight itinerary and accommodation bookings or residential address in Botswana.
  • A re-entry permit to the country where the applicant is ordinarily resident if such a permit is required by that country.
  • Trip itinerary.
  • Intent to depart Botswana after your trip.

It takes seven (7) to fourteen (14) days after the date of application for the service to be completed and or one (1) day if it is Visa on arrival.

The costs associated with this service are as follows:

  • Single entry for a period up to one (1) months is BWP 300.00(US$30.00)
  • Multiple entry for a period up to five (5) years is BWP 500.00 (US$50.00)

All Regional Immigration Offices, District Immigration Offices and Missions Abroad.

Department of Immigration and Citizenship

Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs

Tel . (+267) 361 1300

Toll Free . 0800 600 777

Opening hours: 7:30 to 12:45, and 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

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Do you need a visa to go to Botswana?

Melanie van Zyl

Oct 25, 2023 • 3 min read

botswana tourist visa requirements

Most travelers needing a Botswana visa can easily obtain one online or on arrival © Jason Edwards / Getty Images

Botswana is one of Africa’s most stunning safari destinations, famed for its high-end, low-impact tourism model, vast fence-free national parks and spectacular wildlife. And there's good news for travelers: many visitors can get a visa on arrival and start exploring.

The visa requirements for entering Botswana depend on your nationality. Visiting for tourism is straightforward for most travelers, but if your home country is not on the list for visa-exempt travel, you can apply for a visa online.

Here’s our guide to Botswana’s entry requirements, with all you need to know about visa types, costs and details on how to apply.

Who can travel to Botswana visa-free?

Citizens of 100 countries can enter Botswana for tourism purposes without a visa. The list of visa-exempt countries includes the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and most European countries, as well as South Africa and Namibia. If you're still unsure, you can check whether you need a visa on the Botswana evisa website .

  You'll get a stamp in your passport at the airport granting permission for stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into Botswana, with at least three unused pages. Dual nationals using two different passports can only enter the country on the same passport they used to exit the previous country.

You must also be prepared to show a round-trip or onward ticket and evidence of sufficient funds to support your stay.   

Elephant crosses the Chobe River as a safari tour in a boat looks on

Which countries need a visa for Botswana?

Nationals of around 140 countries need a visa to enter Botswana for tourism, including many citizens of countries in Central and South America, Asia and Africa. While most Commonwealth countries are exempt, citizens from Ghana, Nigeria, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka do need a visa. The up-to-date list of countries requiring a visa can be found on the Botswana evisa website .

You can apply for a Botswana tourist visa online by completing the application form and uploading the necessary documents, including a certified passport, a round-trip ticket, confirmation of accommodations and a recent photo. Allow two to three weeks for approval.

You can choose between a single-entry visa for up to 30 days for 300 Botswana pula (BWP) or a multiple-entry visa for up to 90 days for 500 BWP. 

Can I extend my visa to Botswana?

It’s possible to extend your stay with a valid reason. Visitors wishing to do this will need to apply at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship in the capital city of  Gaborone  or in Maun before the initial period of stay expires. There’s a 500 BWP charge for extensions.

How do I get a visa for volunteering or working in Botswana?

If you want to undertake volunteer work in Botswana, the organization you’ll be working for or the organization you book through can help arrange your visa.

If you’re planning to work in Botswana, your employer will need to organize an employment visa, or you can apply via the evisa website. The visa is normally valid for six months, and it’s possible to extend it while you are there.

Five year old boy with Meerkat on his head, Kalahari Desert, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Botswana

What to know if you’re traveling with children

In addition to a valid passport and visa (if applicable), children under 18 years old traveling into Botswana must provide a certified copy of their full, unabridged birth certificate.

If a child is traveling with one parent or with another adult, the parent or parents who aren’t present need to provide a certified letter giving consent for the child to travel. For more information, check with your nearest Botswana embassy.

Do I need an International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever?

Under International Health Regulations, a certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers aged one year and above arriving from or having transited through countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Check the World Health Organization for the list of affected countries.  

This article was first published August 2022 and updated October 2023

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Caution October 19, 2023

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Travel Advisory February 26, 2024

Botswana - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Updated to include information on crime.

Exercise increased caution in Botswana due to crime.

Country Summary:  Crimes of opportunity, primarily the theft of money and personal property, are common in Botswana.  Potentially violent crimes, such as home invasions, break-ins, “smash and grabs” from vehicles stopped at intersections and from locked cars in shopping mall parking lots, cell phone thefts, and muggings are routinely reported to police.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Botswana.

If you decide to travel to Botswana:

  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
  • Carry a copy of your passport and visa (if applicable) and leave originals in your hotel safe.
  • Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
  • Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
  • Review the Country Security Report for Botswana.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

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Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy gaborone.

Embassy Drive, Government Enclave Gaborone, Botswana Telephone: +(267) 395-3982 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: (+267) 373-2222 Fax: +(267) 318-0232 Email:   [email protected]

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Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

On August 28, 2022 the Government of Botswana announced that the wearing of masks, proof of vaccination, and testing at port of entry for unvaccinated travelers is no longer required in Botswana. A negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) is not required and there are no health screening procedures at airports and other ports of entry.   

A passport with at least six months of validity remaining is required. U.S. citizens are permitted stays up to 90 days total within a 12-month period without a visa. The total stay permitted for each visit is recorded on the entry stamp by Botswana immigration officials and may be less than 90 days. Travelers who attempt to enter Botswana with a temporary passport  must have a visa to enter . Visas cannot be obtained upon arrival in Botswana, and U.S. citizens without a visa in a temporary passport will face fines and long administrative delays. 

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Botswana. However,  students beginning their studies  at the University of Botswana are required to take an HIV test.  

For additional information on entry requirements and the most current visa information, contact the  Embassy of the Republic of Botswana , 1531-1533 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20036, telephone (202) 244-4990/1, fax (202) 244-4164 or the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Botswana to the United Nations, 103 E. 37th St., New York, N.Y., 10016, telephone (212) 889-2277, and fax (212) 725-5061. There are also honorary consuls in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Houston. Travelers are advised to carry a photocopy of the photo/bio information page of their passport and keep it in a location separate from their passport. Visit the  Embassy of Botswana’s webpage  for the most current visa information.  

Vaccinations:  A  yellow fever vaccination  certificate is required if entering from a country where yellow fever is endemic. The Government of Botswana does not require other vaccinations. See the  CDC’s web site  for additional information. 

Requirements for Minors Entering Botswana   

Botswana requires:  

  • a certified copy of the child’s unabridged birth certificate;  
  • a valid passport with at least 1 blank page per entry;  
  • a parental consent form from the parent or parents not accompanying the child.  

See the  Embassy of Botswana’s webpage  for complete details.  

Requirements for Minors Transiting South Africa   

South Africa requires:  

  • an unabridged birth certificate for minors traveling to or through South Africa;  
  • a parental consent form from the parent or parents not accompanying the child;  
  • at least two blank passport pages per entry. 

See  South Africa’s Country Specific Information  for further information.  

Residency Applicants and Document Certification for Botswana   

Original or certified copies of one’s birth and marriage certificates are required for residency applications, per Botswana’s Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs  website . U.S. citizens applying for residency in Botswana should have their birth and marriage certificates apostilled by the U.S. state where the documents were issued before coming to Botswana.  

Only the Secretary of State in the State where the birth or marriage certificates were issued is authorized to apostille those documents. A list of these authorities in each state can be found on the  Hague website . Teachers moving to Botswana to teach should contact the issuing educational institution registrar’s office to obtain certified copies of their transcripts.  

Please see also the  Department of State website   regarding the types of documents that can and cannot be authenticated by the U.S. Embassy.  

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.  

Safety and Security

CRIME:   Non-confrontational crime and crimes of opportunity, primarily the theft of money and personal property, are common. Home invasions, break-ins, “smash and grabs” from vehicles at intersections and from locked cars in shopping mall parking lots, cell phone thefts, and muggings - often at knife point, are routinely reported to police. Hotels and lodges are not immune from criminal activity. Visitors should remain alert and take reasonable precautions to safeguard personal property (particularly money and electronic equipment). Crime is also reported in game parks, nature reserves, and remote areas frequented by tourists. 

You should:  

  • avoid walking alone, particularly at night  
  • exercise caution near Kgale Hill (a popular hiking site) in Gaborone due to frequent criminal incidents; 
  • promptly comply if confronted by criminals as resistance may result in severe injury;  
  • avoid crowds, political rallies, and demonstrations;  
  • always maintain security awareness.  

Travelers arriving in Botswana via South Africa should be aware of serious and continuing baggage pilferage problems at OR Tambo (Johannesburg) and Cape Town International Airports. It is suggested that you:  

  • use an airport plastic wrapping service;  
  • avoid placing valuables in checked luggage;  
  • make an inventory of items in checked baggage to file claims if theft does occur;  
  • if asked to gate check a piece of hand luggage, transfer high value items and prescription drugs into a carry-on bag.  

Travelers transiting and staying overnight in Johannesburg before departing for Botswana should exercise vigilance when departing the airport as foreigners have been the victims of “follow home” robberies.  

Victims of Crime:   

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. 

Report crimes to local police at 999 and if American Citizen Services assistance is required, contact the U.S. Embassy at + (267) 395-3982. The Botswana Police Service is responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.  

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .  

We can:  

  • help you find appropriate medical care  
  • assist you in reporting a crime to the police  
  • contact relatives or friends with your written consent  
  • explain the local criminal justice process in general terms  
  • provide a list of local attorneys  
  • provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.   
  • provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution  
  • help you find accommodation and arrange flights home  
  • replace a stolen or lost passport  

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance. If you are at risk for bodily injury, contact the Botswana Police Service immediately for assistance 

Tourism:  The tourism industry in Botswana is unevenly regulated. Many tourism operators provide top quality equipment and facilities; however, authorities conduct annual safety inspections for equipment and facilities inconsistently. Hazardous areas/activities are often, but not always, identified with appropriate signage, and some staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available in the capital, Gaborone, and in the cities of Maun, Francistown, and Kasane. First responders are generally able to access areas outside of the capital and to provide medical treatment, however there may be delays reaching remote areas. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more i nformation on insurance providers for overseas coverage .  

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  

Some crimes are prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.  

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.  

Arrest Notification:   If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.  

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES   

Power and water:  Power outages can leave areas without electricity for several hours, and may affect home security systems, garage doors and gates, and kitchen equipment. Power surges may harm computers, televisions, or other electrical appliances. In times of drought, the Water Utilities Corporation may ration water.  

Game and Animal Trophies:  Botswana strictly enforces its laws controlling trade in animal products, often by means of spot checks for illegal products on roadways or at airports. Violators are subject to arrest and may face a penalty of up to five years imprisonment and substantial fines. Unwitting U.S. citizens have been arrested and prosecuted under this law.  

  • Hunting in public and privately controlled areas is not permitted.  
  • It is illegal to possess or remove any living or dead animal or animal trophy (any horn, ivory, tooth, tusk, bone, claw, hoof, hide, skin, hair, feather, egg, or other durable portion of an animal) without a government permit.  
  • Travelers departing the country with a trophy must have a receipt from a store licensed to sell such items.  
  • Ivory and endangered rhinoceros horn products may not be removed from the country under any circumstances.  
  • Elephant hair jewelry may be removed only with the appropriate license from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks.  

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:  

  • Faith-Based Travel Information   
  • International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports  
  • Human Rights Report  – see country reports  
  • Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers   
  • Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad   

LGBQTI+ Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Botswana.   

In November 2021, the Botswana Court of Appeals ruled to officially decriminalize consensual same-sex sexual activity. There are no reports of police targeting persons suspected of same-sex sexual activity. There is stigma and discrimination against LGBTQI+ persons particularly in villages and rural areas outside the capital. LGBTQI+ travelers should exercise caution with regard to public displays of affection.  

See   our  LGBTI Travel Information   page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for details.  

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Botswana prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States. The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and communication/access to services/ease of movement or access. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure. 

The government mandates access to public buildings and transportation for persons with disabilities, but civil society sources report access for persons with disabilities is limited. Many privately owned buildings and business, and older government buildings remain inaccessible. The law does not specifically include air travel with other modes of transportation but in general, persons with disabilities are provided access to air transportation.  

Students:   See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .  

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers . 

For emergency services in Botswana, dial 999 for the Police, 998 for Fire, and 992 for Ambulance (MRI).  

Ambulance services are: 

  • widely available but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.  

Adequately equipped private medical facilities, emergency rooms, and trained physicians are available in Gaborone for simple medical problems but services are rudimentary elsewhere. Ability to pay for care must be established before you will receive medical care. More advanced care is available in South Africa. Many South African manufactured prescription drugs are available in Gaborone, although there have been recent shortages of routine prescription drugs.  

Avoid drinking tap water and ice made from tap water. Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe to drink.  

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.  

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.   

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.  

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority to ensure the medication is legal in Botswana.   

Check with the government of  Botswana   to ensure the medication you are carrying is legal in Botswana. Always, carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.  

The following diseases are present:  

  • HIV   
  • Malaria  (only in the north of the country)  
  • Tuberculosis   
  • Leptospirosis   
  • Schistosomiasis  
  • African Tick-Bite Fever 
  • Chikungunya   (very rare) 
  • Dengue  (rare) 
  • Hantavirus (very rare)  
  • Hepatitis A 
  • Hepatitis B   
  • Measles 
  • Rabies   
  • Typhoid  
  • Yellow Fever  (rare) 

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

Further health information:   

  • World Health Organization   
  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Traveler’s Health  (CDC)  

Health facilities in general:   

Adequate health facilities are available in Gaborone and other major cities but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards.     

Hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient.    

Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight. Consider hiring a private nurse or having family spend the night with the patient, especially a minor child.   

Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.  

Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions      

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery: 

  • Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information on Medical Tourism.    
  • Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information on Medical Tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Botswana.   
  • We strongly recommend supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.
  • Although Botswana has many elective/cosmetic surgery facilities thatare on par with those found in the United States, the quality of care varies widely. If you plan to undergo surgery in Botswana, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available and professionals are accredited and qualified.    

Pharmaceuticals:    

  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.     

Non-Traditional Medicine:  U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died while seeking medical care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in Botswana. Ensure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases.   

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy:  Although surrogacy agencies/clinics claim surrogacy is legal in Botswana, there is no legal framework for foreigners or same-sex couples to pursue surrogacy in Botswana. As a result, surrogacy agreements between foreign or same-sex intending parents and gestational mothers are not enforced by Botswana courts.   

Water Quality:  In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.   

Adventure Travel   

  • Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel .   

General Health Language:    

  • The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mosquito repellents, sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets, and wearing protective clothing in certain areas . Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for travelers going to certain areas of Botswana take prescription medicine to prevent malaria, even for short stays.  
  • HIV/AIDS: Botswana has high HIV prevalence. Travelers are at low risk unless they engage in risky practices, such as unprotected sex or sharing needles. Prevention information is available at U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Traveler’s Health/HIV .   
  • There have recently been shortages of routine medications reported throughout Botswana.   
  • Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Botswana.    

Air Quality:

  • Infants, children, and teens  
  • People over 65 years of age   
  • People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.   
  • People with heart disease or diabetes   
  • People who work or are active outdoors   

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Roads in major population centers are generally good but rural roads can be in poor condition. Traffic lights and streetlamps often do not work properly. Approach traffic lights with caution as opposing traffic frequently continues well after a red light. The combination of long stretches of two-lane highways without shoulders or lights, high speed limits, free-range domestic animals, intoxicated drivers, and large numbers of pedestrians and hitchhikers in the roadways make fatal accidents a frequent occurrence, especially on weekends and end-of-month Friday paydays.  

Traffic Laws:  Traffic circulates on the left in Botswana. A valid international driver’s license, along with vehicle registration documents, is required to drive in Botswana and drivers should always carry them. Traffic accidents should be reported to the Botswana Police Service.  

Public Transportation:  Local citizens travel around and out of Gaborone in low-cost, cash-only “combis” and taxis that are typically flagged down on the roadside. Tourists do not typically take combis. Taxis are generally safe and can be arranged through hotels or at the airport. Scheduled coach bus service is available between Botswana and South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Zambia and is generally a safe mode of transport. Internal bus services, typically used by local citizens, link many towns and villages across Botswana.  

See our  Road Safety page  for more information.

Visit the website of  Botswana’s national tourist office   and national authority responsible for road safety 

Aviation Safety Oversight:   As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered Botswana, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Botswana’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page . 

For additional travel information

  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
  • See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
  • Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
  • See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Botswana .  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Guidelines for completing a visa application, countries whose citizens do not require a visa to enter botswana.

Citizens of the United States of America do not require a visa to enter Botswana. Here is the full list of countries whose citizens do not require a visa to enter Botswana:

Countries Which Require a Visa to Enter Botswana

Notice on visas and permits to botswana.

Applicants are advised to give twenty-one (21) working days to process the application. Any visa granted on this application will be subjected to compliance with the immigration regulations of the Republic of Botswana.

In the case of a lost or damaged visa or permit, the applicant will be required to pay P 1,500, an equivalency of US $ 321, to have their visa or permit reproduced. Please contact the nearest Botswana embassy while abroad and any immigration office if in Botswana.

General Requirements for Visa Application

  • Apply online at https://evisa.gov.bw
  • Fully completed visa application form (Form 1)
  • Certified (notarized) copy of passport page of applicant (showing names, validity & photograph of bearer)
  • The original passport may be sent at the same time with the application or once the visa is approved
  • Cover letter from the applicant
  • If applicant previously applied for a visa, PLEASE ATTACH THE COPY OF THE VISA OUTCOME.
  • If coming by road, specify on the cover letter and include your contacts, e.g. telephone number.
  • Travel schedule/flight itinerary/hotel bookings
  • Include a prepaid/self addressed shipping label or envelope to return your passport
  • Finger prints will be captured at the point of entry in Botswana. (Applicants will be required to have their finger captured as one of the requirements)
  • The passport must have the validity of six months and more with three or more unused pages.
  • Applicants who would not be collecting their visa (endorsed in the passport) should write a letter authorizing someone to collect their visa and passport. The letter should include full names, ID or passport numbers and contact numbers.
  • PLEASE READ http://www.botswanatourism.co.bw/tourismlevy
  • NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR MINORS TRAVELLING THROUGH ALL BOTSWANA POINTS OF ENTRY
  • Minors travelling through the country's borders will be required to produce certified copies of unabridged birth certificates
  • In the event that one parent is not travelling with the child, the other parent's affidavit consenting to such travel should be availed. Temporary guardianship must be given if both parents are not travelling with the minor, as well as the abovementioned requirements. However, an affidavit will not be required if the father's name does not appear on the child's birth certificate.

Additional Requirements

  • Invitation letter from the host
  • Sworn statement from the host (personal appearance of the host to the nearest immigration office in Botswana to fill in the affidavit)
  • A copy of hotel/lodge bookings or state residential address where the applicant will be staying
  • A certified copy of the host, national identity/residence permit, work permit/exemption certificate/naturalization certificate
  • Copies of certified marriage and birth certificates (in case of married couples/defendants)
  • Certified copies of ordination certificates of religious leaders
  • Business profile if coming to establish a business (host)
  • Confirmation of employment or business registration
  • Recent Bank statement (1st page)
  • Return visa or residence permit from the country of residence
  • US$30 for single entry for a period up to 3 months
  • US$50 for multiple entry for a period up to 3 months
  • US$150 for multiple entry for a period over 3 months up to 2 years for dependents of residents
  • Invitation letter from the host or facilitator in Botswana
  • Business profile if coming to establish a business
  • Certified copies of ordination certificate for religious leaders
  • Labour clearance/exemption if coming for a month or more
  • Meeting schedule if coming to attend or organize a meeting
  • Certified copies of Certificate of Incorporation, Trade License, Share Certificate of host if running a business
  • US$50 for single entry for a period up to 3 months
  • US$100 for multiple entry for a period up to 3 months
  • US150 for multiple entry for a period up to 6 months to 1 year
  • Waiver from department of labour and social security or copies of work and residence permits
  • Letter of confirmation of employment/contract of employment or offer letter
  • Copies of RELEVANT qualifications
  • Copies of work and residence permits
  • Certified copies of certificate of incorporation, trade license, share certificate, list of directors, bank statement
  • US$100 for multiple entry for a period up to 6 months
  • US$250 for multiple entry for a period up to 5 years
  • Tour plan or copy of travel schedule
  • Confirmation of bookings at hotels/lodges
  • US$30 for single entry for a period up to 1 month
  • Visa fee is non-refundable.
  • Allow at least 21 working days for visa processing.
  • Personal checks are not accepted.
  • All copies must be notarized.
  • All supporting documents must be in English. Translations must be notarized by a relevant authority.
  • No visa fee charged for Diplomatic Passport and the United Nations Laissez Passer holder travelling on official business
  • International Health certificate of vaccination for Yellow fever is required from travelers from or through the countries which have been declared Yellow Fever Infected Areas.
  • Malaria shots are advised.

Send completed applications to:

  • Consular Section Embassy of the Republic of Botswana 1531-33 New Hampshire Ave., NW Washington, DC 20036

For more information and inquiries: Tel.: (202) 244-4990 Fax: (202) 244-4164

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Entry Formalities

botswana tourist visa requirements

Citizens of most European and Commonwealth countries do not require a visa for entry into Botswana. However, visitors should check with Botswana embassies or consulates, or their travel agents, before departure.It is vital for visitors to carry a valid passport and sufficient funds to facilitate their stay.

Note : For countries with whom Botswana has no diplomatic representation, visa information and processing are available through British Embassies and High Commissions.

Luggage Restrictions

It is advisable to adhere to the luggage restrictions for scheduled international, domestic and charter flights: 20kgs (44lbs) on domestic flights, 12kgs (26lbs) on light aircraft (including Okavango Delta charter flights), and 20kgs (44lbs) on international flights.

Vaccinations

If you are travelling to Botswana from areas infected with Yellow Fever, you must have a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, no other immunisations are required. However, it would be wise to have an updated TPD (tetanus, polio, diphtheria) vaccine, and a Hepatitis A vaccine.Furthermore, depending on your destination within Botswana and the time of year you wish to travel, it may be advisable to visit a travel medicine clinic in your home country to establish if further vaccinations are required/advised.

All goods acquired outside Botswana must be declared when you enter the country.

The importation of animals is closely regulated for public health reasons and also for the well-being of the animals. Domestic pets and livestock may be imported subject to animal health restrictions.

For more information contact: Director of Animal Health & Production P/Bag 0032, Gaborone Tel: 267 395-0500

Note: A valid certificate of identity, rabies vaccination and movement permit issued in Lesotho, Malawi, South Africa, Swaziland, Namibia or Zimbabwe will be accepted at the time of importation into Botswana.

No boat, mokoro or aquatic apparatus may be imported into Botswana unless the owner is in possession of an import permit issued by the Department of Water Affairs.

For more information contact: Department of Water Affairs P/Bag 0029, Gaborone Tel: 267 360-7100

Drivers' Licenses

Drivers are required to carry their licenses at all times. Licenses from neighbouring countries are accepted in Botswana. International drivers’ licenses are accepted in Botswana. If not written in English, a certified written translation is required.

Importation of Motor Vehicles

Non-residents visiting Botswana and coming from a country outside the Southern African Common Customs Area for a limited period are normally required to produce a carnet or bill of entry (any duty liability thereon being secured by bond or cash deposit) in respect of their motor vehicles. For further information, please contact BURS (Customs & Excise Division) - http://www.burs.org.bw/index.php/customsexcisemain/customs-clearance . Note: The Southern African Common Customs Area comprises Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa, Swaziland and Namibia.

Customs Offices

Regional offices, south region, central region, south central region, north region.

P O Box 457, Francistown Tel: +267 241 3635 Fax: +267 241 3114/4267

North West Region

P O Box 219, Maun Tel: +267 686 1312 Fax: +267 686 0194

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The basic rule when comes to visa's to Botswana is that visitors from Commonwealth countries do NOT require a visa before travelling to Botswana. However, citizens of Ghana, Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka DO require a visa to Botswana.

What are the Botswana Visa Categories?

Botswana has two visa categories which different nationalities fall under. These are listed below:

Non-Visa Category: No visa is required. No action or fee needed. Stamp on arrival is for 30 days, and this can be extended.

Visa-Category: Visa is required. Visa must be applied at the nearest mission abroad, or by making use of the Botswana e-visa portal .

Length of stay - All nationalities can stay for a maximum of 90 days in any 12 month period for holiday purposes, without a permit.

What Other Requirements are There?

All travellers to Botswana will need: • Passports must be valid for at least six months. • Sufficient funds for your stay • At least 3 unused passport pages • Round-trip or onward ticket if flying into Botswana

You should also be aware of additional requirements when minors are travelling to Botswana . Click on the below for more details.

What are the Botswana Visa Types?

A Single Entry visa allows you to enter Botswana one time. Once you have used it for an entry and exit, you cannot use it again. Valid for 1 month.

A Multiple Entry visa allows you to enter Botswana more than once. Valid for up to 3 months.

How Much is a Botswana Visa?

Those who do not need a visa to Botswana need not worry about fees at the point of entry except for self-drivers. Read more...

Nationals who require a visa to Botswana will need to pay for it at the time of their arrival or on the online portal if they apply online, and the fees vary with each visa type. Payment can be made in foreign currency - United States Dollar, Pound Sterling, Euro and South African Rand. Online payments can be made using Visa or MasterCard. Contact your nearest embassy, high commission or consulate for more information.

1. Single entry visa - 300 Pula or US$30 per person 2. Multiple entry visa - 500 Pula or US$50 per person 3. Transit visa - cost the same as above.

Do I Need a Botswana Visa?

Depending on where you are from, you may need to apply for a visa before your travel to Botswana. Check on the lists below for your country, or use the search tab for a quick search to see if you may need a visa.

Visa Required

Visitors from the list below DO require a visa to travel to Botswana

A Aaland Islands Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Armenia Anguilla Armenia Aruba Ascension Islands Azerbaijan B Bangladesh Belarus Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia Herzegovina Bouvet Island British Virgin Islands Burkina Faso Burundi C Cambodia Cameroon Cape Verde Islands Cayman Islands Central African Rep Chad China Christmas Island Colombia Comoros Congo Congo DRC Cook Islands Cote d`Ivoire Curacao D Djibouti E East Timor Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Ethiopia F Faeroe Islands Fiji French Antilles French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories G Gabon Georgia Ghana Gibraltar Greenland Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea Bissau H Haiti Heard and McDonald Island Honduras I India Indonesia Iran Iraq J Jordan K Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan L Laos Lebanon Liberia Libya M Macau Macedonia Madagascar Mali Marshall Island Martinique Mauritania Mayotte Micronesia Moldova Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Myanmar N Nepal Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Island Norfolk Island North Korea Northern Mariana Islands P Pakistan Palau Palestine Panama Philippines Pitcairn Puerto Rico R Reunion Islands Rwanda S Saint Barth lemy Saint Martin French part Sao Tome & Principe Senegal Serbia Sint Maarten Dutch part Somalia South Georgia Sri Lanka St. Helena St. Pierre and Miquelon Sudan Suriname Syria T Taiwan Tajikistan Thailand Togo Tokelau Tunisia Turkmenistan U Ukraine Uzbekistan V Vietnam Virgin Islands British Virgin Islands US W Western Sahara Western Samoa Y Yemen

No Visa Required

Visitors from the list below DO NOT require a visa to travel to Botswana

A Angola Antigua & Barbuda Argentina Australia Austria B Bahamas Bahrain Barbados Belgium Belize Brazil Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria C Canada Chile Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic D Denmark Dominica Dominican Republic E Estonia F Finland France G Gambia Germany Greece Grenada Guyana H Holy See Hong Kong Hungary I Iceland Ireland Israel Italy J Jamaica Japan K Kenya Kiribati Kuwait L Latvia Lesotho Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxemburg M Malawi Malaysia Maldives Malta Mauritius Mexico Monaco Mozambique N Namibia Nauru Netherlands New Zealand Norway (and colonies) O Oman P Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Poland Portugal Q Qatar R Republic of Ireland Romania Russian Federation S Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Saudi Arabia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovenia Solomon Islands South Africa South Korea South Sudan Spain Swaziland Sweden Switzerland T Tanzania Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Turkey Tuvalu U Uganda United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States of America Uruguay V Vanuatu Venezuela Y Yugoslavia Z Zambia Zimbabwe

Please search below to see if you DO or DO NOT require a visa for Botswana:

Aaland Islands - Visa required

Afghanistan - Visa required

Albania - Visa required

Algeria - Visa required

American Samoa - Visa Required

Andorra - Visa required

Anguilla - Visa required

Armenia - Visa required

Angola - No visa required

Antigua & Barbuda - No visa required

Argentina - No visa required

Aruba - Visa required

Ascension Islands - Visa required

Australia - No visa required

Austria - No visa required

Azerbaijan - Visa required

Bangladesh - Visa required

Belarus - Visa required

Bermuda - Visa required

Benin - Visa required

Bhutan - Visa required

Bolivia - Visa required

Bosnia and Herzegovina - Visa required

Burkina Faso - Visa required

Burundi - Visa required

Bahamas - No visa required

Bahrain - No visa required

Barbados - No visa required

Belgium - No visa required

Belize - No visa required

Bouvet Island - Visa required

Brazil - No visa required

British Virgin Islands - Visa required

Brunei Darussalam - No visa required

Bulgaria - No visa required

Cambodia - Visa required

Cape Verde - Visa required

Cayman Islands - Visa required

Central African Republic - Visa required

Chad - Visa required

China - Visa required

Christmas Island - Visa required

Colombia - Visa required

Comoros - Visa required

Congo - Visa required

Cameroon - Visa required

Canada - No visa required

Chile - No visa required

Cook Islands - Visa required

Costa Rica - No visa required

Croatia - No visa required

Cuba - No visa required

Curacao - Visa required

Cyprus - No visa required

Czech Republic - No visa required

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC, Zaire) - Visa required

Djibouti - Visa required

Denmark - No visa required

Dominica - No visa required

Dominican Republic - No visa required

East Timor - Visa required

Ecuador - Visa required

Egypt - Visa required

El Salvador - Visa required

Equatorial Guinea - Visa required

Eritrea - Visa required

Ethiopia - Visa required

Estonia - No visa required

Faero Islands - Visa required

French Antilles - Visa required

French Guiana - Visa required

French Polynesia - Visa required

Fiji - Visa required

Finland - No visa required

France - No visa required

French Southern Territories - Visa required

Gabon - Visa required

Georgia - Visa required

Ghana - Visa required

Gibraltar - Visa required

Greenland - Visa required

Guadeloupe - Visa required

Guam - Visa required

Guatemala - Visa required

Guinea - Visa required

Guinea Bissau - Visa required

Gambia - No visa required

Germany - No visa required

Greece - No visa required

Grenada - No visa required

Guyana - No visa required

Haiti - Visa required

Honduras - Visa required

Hungary - No visa required

Holy See (Vatican City) - No visa required

Hong Kong - No visa required

India - Visa required

Indonesia - Visa required

Iran - Visa required

Iraq - Visa required

Ivory Coast (Cote de Ivoire) - Visa required

Iceland - No visa required

Ireland - No visa required

Israel - No visa required

Italy - No visa required

Jordan - Visa required

Jamaica - No visa required

Japan - No visa required

Kazakhstan - Visa required

Korea DPR - Visa required

Kyrgyzstan (Kirghizia) - Visa required

Kenya - No visa required

Kiribati - No visa required

Kuwait - No visa required

Laos PDR - Visa required

Lebanon - Visa required

Liberia - Visa required

Libya - Visa required

Latvia - No visa required

Lesotho - No visa required

Liechtenstein - No visa required

Lithuania - No visa required

Luxemburg - No visa required

Macau - Visa required

Macedonia - Visa required

Madagascar - Visa required

Mali - Visa required

Marshall Islands - Visa required

Martinique - Visa required

Mauritania - Visa required

Mayotte - Visa required

Micronesia - Visa required

Moldova - Visa required

Mongolia - Visa required

Montenegro - Visa required

Monserrat - Visa required

Morocco - Visa required

Myanmar (Burma) - Visa required

Malawi - No visa required

Malaysia - No visa required

Maldives - No visa required

Malta - No visa required

Mauritius - No visa required

Mexico - No visa required

Monaco - No visa required

Mozambique - No visa required

Nepal - Visa required

Netherlands Antilles - Visa required

New Caledonia - Visa required

Nicaragua - Visa required

Niger - Visa required

Nigeria - Visa required

Niue Island - Visa required

Norfolk Island - Visa required

Namibia - No visa required

Nauru - No visa required

Netherlands - No visa required

New Zealand - No visa required

Norway (and colonies) - No visa required

Northern Mariana Islands - Visa required

Oman - No visa required

Pakistan - Visa required

Palau - Visa required

Palestine - Visa required

Panama - Visa required

Philippines - Visa required

Papua New Guinea - No visa required

Paraguay - No visa required

Peru - No visa required

Pitcairn - Visa required

Poland - No visa required

Portugal - No visa required

Puerto Rico - Visa required

Qatar - No visa required

Reunion Islands - Visa required

Rwanda - Visa required

Republic of Ireland - No visa required

Romania - No visa required

Russian Federation - No visa required

Samoa - No visa required

Sao Tome and Principe - Visa required

Senegal - Visa required

Serbia - Visa required

Slovakia - No visa required

Somalia - Visa required

Sri Lanka - Visa required

Saint Helena - Visa required

Saint Kitts and Nevis - No visa required

Saint Lucia - No visa required

Saint Pierre/Miquelon - Visa required

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - No visa required

Samoa - Visa required

Saudi Arabia - No visa required

Seychelles - No visa required

Sierra Leone - No visa required

Singapore - No visa required

Slovenia - No visa required

Solomon Islands - No visa required

South Africa - No visa required

South Georgia - Visa required

South Korea - No visa required

South Sudan - No visa required

Spain - No visa required

Sudan - Visa required

Sumatra - Visa required

Suriname - Visa required

Syria - Visa required

Swaziland - No visa required

Sweden - No visa required

Switzerland - No visa required

Taiwan - Visa required

Tajikistan - Visa required

Thailand - Visa required

Togo - Visa required

Tokelau - Visa required

Tunisia - Visa required

Turkmenistan - Visa required

Tanzania - No visa required

Tonga - No visa required

Trinidad and Tobago - No visa required

Turkey - No visa required

Tuvalu - No visa required

Ukraine - Visa required

Uzbekistan - Visa required

Uganda - No visa required

United Arab Emirates - No visa required

United Kingdom - No visa required

United States of America - No visa required

Virgin Islands (US) - Visa required

Uruguay - No visa required

Vietnam - Visa required

Vanuatu - No visa required

Venezuela - No visa required

Western Sahara - Visa required

Western Samoa - Visa required

Yemen - Visa required

Yugoslavia - No visa required

Zambia - No visa required

Zimbabwe - No visa required

[Top of Page]

Where Can I Find My Nearest Botswana Embassy?

You may not want to do an online visa application and visit your nearest embassy instead. Here is a list of Botswana diplomatic missions around the world.

Botswana Embassies Worldwide

Australia Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Brisbane, Australia Apt 602, The Grosvenor 12 Edward Street Brisbane, Queensland 4000 TEL: (+61) 7 3210 1986, (+61) 419 705 846 FAX: (+61) 7 3210 1987 EMAIL: [email protected]

Australia Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Melbourne 48 Lumeah Road, Caulfield Victoria 3161 TEL: (+61) 3 9532 8066 FAX: (+61) 3 9533 0856 EMAIL: [email protected]

Australia Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Perth, Australia 223 Vincent Street, P.O. Box 256 Leederville Western Australia 6005 TEL: (+61) 8 9227 5538, (+61) 410 408 370 FAX: (+61) 8 9227 5540 EMAIL: [email protected]

Australia Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Sydney 3 Spring Street, GPO Box 4216 Sydney, New South Wales 2001 TEL: (+61) 2 8249 4428 FAX: (+61) 2 8249 4001 EMAIL: [email protected]

Austria Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Vienna Linke Wienzeile 4 1060 Wien TEL: (+43) (1) 587 96 16 FAX: (+43) (1) 587 34 32 EMAIL: [email protected]

Belgium Embassy of Botswana in Brussels and Mission of the European Union 169 Avenue de Tervuren, B 1150 Brussels, Woluwe Siant Pierre TEL: (+322) 735 2070 / 735 6110 FAX: (+322) 735 6318 /732 7264 EMAIL: [email protected]

Brazil Embassy of Botswana in Brasilia Shis QI 09, Conjunto 16, Casa 03, Lago Sul, Brasillia-DF TEL: (+5561) 3120 1250/ 1 FAX: +5561)3120 1271

China Embassy of Republic of Botswana in Beijing No.1 Don San Jie, Sanlitun, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100600 TEL: (+8610) 65326898 FAX: (+8610) 65326896 EMAIL: [email protected]

China Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Hong Kong Room 821A, 8th floor Star House 3 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui Kowloon TEL: (+852) 2366 9978 FAX: (+852) 2366 9832

Cyprus Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Limasso Visionshire Building Manoli Kalomiri & Marikas Kotopouli Suite 201 , P.O. Box 50514, 3606 Limassol TEL: (+357) 25 344 525 FAX: (+357) 25 343 044 EMAIL: [email protected]

Czech Republic Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Prague Filmarske 19/1153 152 00 Praha 5 TEL: (+420) 737 238 288 FAX: (+420) 556 709 123, (+420) 242 488 823 EMAIL: [email protected] ; [email protected]

Denmark Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Copenhagen Perle Alle 2 3500 Verlese TEL: (+45) 4035 4742 EMAIL: [email protected]

Ethiopia Embassy of Botswana in Addis Ababa Old Airport, K.04, Nifas Silk Lafto Kifle Ketema P.O. Box 22282, 1000 Addis Ababa TEL: (+251 11) 371 5422/3 FAX: (+251 11) 371 4099

Finland Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Helsinki Annankatu 11, B 00120 TEL: (+358) 9-612 6363, (+358) 50-363 5334 FAX: (+358) 9-6126 3610 EMAIL: [email protected]

France Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Paris 88, avenue dIena 75116 Paris TEL: (+33) 1 47.20.08.23 FAX: (+33) 1 47.20.42.58

Germany Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Berlin Bregenzer Strasse 1, 10707 Berlin TEL: (+49) 30 393 731 47 FAX: (+49) 30 223 999 80 EMAIL: [email protected]

Germany Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Hamburg Steinheft 5-7 Hamburg 20459 TEL: (+49) 40 732 61 91 FAX: (+49) 40 732 85 06

Germany Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Munich Theresienhehe 12, 80339 Munchen TEL: (+49) 89 839 307 29 23 23 EMAIL: [email protected]

Iceland Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Reykjavik Strokkur Energy ehf., Selfoss Frekirkjuvegi 3 TEL: (+354) 820 5000 FAX: (+354) 568 0645 EMAIL: [email protected]

India High Commission of Botswana in New Delhi, Plot F8/3, Vasant, Vihar, New Dehli – 110057 TEL: (+91) 11 4653 7000 FAX: (+91) 11 4603 6191

India Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Mumbai 405, Dharam Palace 100-103, N.S. Patkar Marg, Mumbai 400 007 TEL: (+91) 22 2363 8002 FAX: (+91) 22 2369 2525 EMAIL: [email protected]

Italy Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Rome Via di Ripetta, 258, 00186 Roma TEL: (+39) 06 3215063 FAX: (+39) 06 3215063 EMAIL: [email protected]

Italy Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Treviso Via Erizzo, 107/A, 1035 Crocetta del Montello TEL: (+39) 042 3665244 FAX: (+39) 042 3665154 EMAIL: [email protected]

Japan Embassy of Botswana in Tokyo 6F Kearney Place Shiba, 4-5-10 Shiba Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108 - 0014 TEL: (+813) 5440 5676 FAX: (+813) 5765 7581 WEBSITE: https://www.botswanaembassy.or.jp EMAIL: [email protected]

Kenya High Commission of Botswana in Nairobi Gigiri Drive, off United Natioans Avenue, LR/Block 91/238 P.O. Box 754-00606 TEL: (+254) 20 712 3412/ 4 FAX: (+254) 20 712 3418 EMAIL: [email protected]

Kuwait Embassy of Botswana in Kuwait City Block 3, Street 319, House 3 Mubarak Al Abdulla Al Jaber Area, West Mishref P.O Box 26145, Code 13122 TEL: (+965) 25383619 FAX: (+965) 25393529

Lebanon Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Beirut Fabraka Street Broumana TEL: (+961) 1 21 88 50, (+961) 4 961 401 FAX: (+961) 4 961 401 EMAIL: [email protected]

Mexico Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Mexico City Paseo de Tamarindos 400 P.B. Local 6 Bosques de las Lomas C.P. 05120, Mexico City D.F. TEL: (+52) 55 5258-0311 FAX: (+52) 55 5258-0308 EMAIL: [email protected]

Mozambique High Commission of Botswana in Maputo Rua de Dar es Salaam, No. 141 Sommerschield TEL: (+258) 2124 3800 FAX: (+258) 2149 4917 EMAIL: [email protected]

Namibia High Commission of Botswana in Windhoek 101 Nelson Mandela Avenue, Klein Windhoek P.O. Box 20359 TEL: (+264) 61 221 941/2/7 FAX: (+264) 61 23 6034

Netherlands Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Amsterdam Keizersgracht 310 1016 EX Amsterdam TEL: (+31) (20) 420 88 44 EMAIL: [email protected]

New Zealand Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Auckland 42 Curran Street Herne Bay Auckland 1011 TEL: (+64) 21 633 951 EMAIL: [email protected]

Nigeria High Commission of Botswana in Abuja Plot 1241, Oguta Lake Street (off River Benue Street) Maitama Extension, Abuja TEL: (+234) 97 822181/ 782 FAX: (+234) 7034 103 830 EMAIL: [email protected]

Norway Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Oslo Niels Juels gate 7 0272 Oslo TEL: (+47) 67 57 10 41, (+47) 454 01 041 FAX: (+47) 22 18 36 95 EMAIL: [email protected]

Singapore Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Singapore City 15 Beach Road #03-10 Beach Centre Singapore 189677 TEL: (+65) 6333 0652 FAX: (+65) 6339 0438 EMAIL: [email protected]

South Africa High Commission of Botswana in Pretoria, 24 Amos Street, Colbyn, Pretoria 0083 P.O.Box 57035, Acadia, 0007 Pretoria TEL: (+27) 12 430 9640 FAX: (+27) 12 3421845/4783

South Africa Consulate General of Botswana in Johannesburg 66 Jorrisen Street, Braamfontein, Ground Floor, Jorrisen Place P.O. Box 32051, Braamfontein, 2017 Johannesburg TEL: (+27) 11 403 3748 FAX: (+27)11 403 1384 / 4031286

South Korea Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Seoul 774-2, Yongam-li Bongdong-eup Wanjugun Jeonbuk Seoul TEL: (+82) (63) 261-7555

Sweden Embassy of Botswana in Stockholm Tyrgatan 11, Box 26024, 100 41 Stockholm TEL: (+46) 8 545 258 80 FAX: (+46) 8 723 00 87 EMAIL: [email protected]

Sweden Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Gothenburg Mester Johansgatan 8, 416 62 Gothenburg TEL: (+46) 31-19 39 35 FAX: (+46) 31-707 39 58 EMAIL: [email protected]

Switzerland Botswana Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva 80, Rue de Lausanne, 1202 Geneva TEL: (+4122) 9061060 FAX: (+4122) 9061061 EMAIL: [email protected]

Thailand Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Bangkok Pin Siam Co., Ltd. 32/9 Moo 5 Phaholyothin Roaf, Khlong-Nueng Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, Bangkok TEL: (+66) 2901 8778, (+66) 2901 8338 FAX: (+66) 2901 8757, (+66) 2901 7608 EMAIL: [email protected]    [email protected]

Uganda Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Kampala Pan Africa House, Plot 3 Kimathi Avenue,5th Floor, Suite 513, P.O.Box 5318, Kampala TEL: +256-414-232679 FAX: +256-414-259052 EMAIL: [email protected]

United Kingdom High Commission of Botswana in London 6 Stratford Place, London W1C 1AY TEL: (+44) 207 647 1000 FAX: (44) 207) 495 8595

United States Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Houston 3200 Southwest Freeway, 34th Floor, Houston, Texas 77027 TEL: (+1) (713) 940-4580 FAX: (+1) (713) 940-4545 EMAIL: [email protected]

United States Embassy of the Republic of Botswana 1531-1533 New Hampshire Ave., NW,Washington, DC 20036 TEL: (+1)202-244-4990/1 EMAIL: [email protected]

United States Consulate General of Botswana in Atlanta, Georgia 5580 Queensborough Drive, NE Atlanta, Georgia 30338 TEL: (+1) (202) 669 8776 EMAIL: [email protected]

United States Permanent Mission of the Republic of Botswana to the United States 154 East 46th Street, New York, N.Y. 10017 TEL: (+1212) 889 2277 FAX: (+1212) 725 5061 EMAIL: [email protected]

United States Honorary Consulate of Botswana in Houston 3200 Southwest Freeway, 34th Floor , Houston, Texas 77027 TEL: (+1) (713) 940-4580 FAX: (+1) (713) 940-4545 EMAIL: [email protected]

Zambia High Commission of Botswana in Lusaka 5201 Pandit Nehru Road, Diplomatic Triangle, P.O.Box 31910, Lusaka TEL (+260) 211 250555 / 253903 / 250019 FAX (+260) 211 253895/883

Zimbabwe Embassy of Botswana in Harare 22 Phillips Avenue, Belgravia, P.O.Box 563, Harare TEL: (+2634) 794 645/7/8 FAX: (+2634) 793 030/ 705 809/ 793 416 EMAIL: [email protected]

Last Updated 21 October 2022

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Botswana Tourist Visa Requirements: What Are They?

There are a couple of Botswana Tourist Visa Requirements that every traveler will need to remember. First up is your passport’s expiry date. If it’s due to expire in the next 6 months, then you’ll need to renew it in order to meet the Botswana Tourist Visa Requirements. You also need an email address or access to an email account to receive your digital Botswana Tourist Visa .

We go into a bit more detail about these visa requirements in this great informational page with FAQ section

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the botswana evisa, and how do i apply for it.

This visa is one of the Botswana Tourist Visa Requirements for travelers arriving from any country that doesn’t make the visa-free list. The application form is 100% electronic, so there’s no need to make an appointment at the embassy. iVisa.com is a travel document processing agency that can submit the information on your behalf. Government sites can be slow and translations make the process difficult to follow. iVisa.com offers a user-friendly interface and agents are online to help if you have any questions about these requirements.

What documents do I need to apply at iVisa.com?

To get the ball rolling for your next adventure to Botswana, we’ll just need a few pieces of information from you. If you have any questions about extra Botswana Tourist Visa Requirements, reach out to us through the chat function or by email:

  • Email address
  • Payment card

What are the Botswana Tourist Visa fees and processing times?

Whether it’s a family emergency, an important business trip or a surprise getaway, iVisa.com agents have experience with every kind of visa and health declaration application form. Your form will be checked for errors, regardless of the processing speed you choose, reducing the risk of your application being rejected. Our prices include an expert review:

  • Standard Processing Time : USD $123.99 - 7 Business Days
  • Rush Processing Time : USD $194.99 - 5 Business Days
  • Super Rush Processing Time : USD $282.99 - 3 Business Days

Check that you meet Botswana Tourist Visa Requirements with help from iVisa.com .

Can I trust iVisa.com?

iVisa.com has been processing travel documents for almost 10 years. It started as a small team of agents, enthusiastic about helping other travelers who had experienced the same challenges with international travel paperwork as they had. Take a look at our customer reviews to read feedback left by past customers, and feel free to get in contact with one of the team if you have any questions.

Where can I get in touch with iVisa.com about Botswana Tourist Visa Requirements?

The iVisa.com customer service team is a global operation, so there’s always someone on the helpdesk to provide more information about Botswana Tourist Visa Requirements. Leave your worries behind and enjoy a stunning safari in Botswana. Our form is so simple that you can complete the application in minutes.

iVisa.com Recommends

Whether it’s your first time, or you’ve been on a safari before, the sights you’ll see in Botswana are guaranteed to stay with you for a long time. There are many reserves and natural parks spread about the country, some of which have won global accolades. Moremi Game Reserve was voted the best on the entire African continent in 2008 and protects countless species of animals within its protective confines. Visitors can stay in camper vans or tents, remembering that food should always be left outside the area. Hikers will enjoy the routes and trails around the village of Gabane, which is also home to a multitude of different artisanal manufacturers of glass and pottery. Leave time for the pottery factory and pick up a few gifts to bring home from the shop. Reptile-lovers will have a great time at the snake park. Don’t worry, they won’t bite! There are, at the time of writing, over 50 snakes and within that there are 14 species. Stop off in nearby Kasane and see if you can find the prison tree. In the center of the town there is a Baobab tree which the town’s residents previously used as a type of prison-see if you can fit!

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  • iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. The source of information: https://www.gov.bw/immigration-civil-registration?txterm=97

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botswana tourist visa requirements

  • Passports, travel and living abroad
  • Travel abroad
  • Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Botswana set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Botswana High Commission in the UK .

Telephone: 0207 499 0031

Email: [email protected]    

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Botswana.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Botswana, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least 3 blank pages.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Make sure you get your passport stamped.

This will record your date and port of entry. Unstamped passports will raise suspicions of illegal entry.

Dual nationals

Dual nationals must enter Botswana on the same passport they used to exit the previous country.

Visa requirements

You can visit Botswana for up to 90 days without a visa.

If you want to work, study or volunteer in Botswana, see the requirements for business, study and employment visas .  

Overstaying a visa or a permitted visit can cause a delay to your departure. If you want to extend your stay, contact Botswana’s Department of Immigration .

Travelling with children

You must have an original or certified copy of the full birth certificate of any child aged 17 or under when you enter or leave the country.

Any parent not present must sign an affidavit giving their consent for the child to travel. For more information contact the  Botswana High Commission in the UK .

Vaccine requirements

You must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk .

For more details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Botswana guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Botswana. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into Botswana    

Declare foreign or local cash currency if the value is 10,000 Botswana pula or more. If you do not, you could be liable to prosecution.

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Botswana Travel Requirements (How To Apply For The Evisa)

This is the Botswana travel requirements for travelers visiting the country for tourism, business and more. This guide will cover all the online application requirements, fees, visa on arrival for foreign nationals.

Botswana, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, has a landscape defined by the Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta, which becomes a lush animal habitat during the seasonal floods. The massive Central Kalahari Game Reserve, with its fossilized river valleys and undulating grasslands, is home to numerous animals including giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas and wild dogs.

Do I need a visa to go to Botswana?

Botswana requires foreign nationals wishing to visit their country to go through the visa policy system. The visa policy of Botswana determines who may enter the African country without a visa and which foreign citizens need a visa for Botswana. Regardless of whether they need a visa or not, all travelers must have a passport with a minimum validity of 6 months upon arrival to gain entry to the country.

Travelers who require a visa for Botswana must now apply online. The electronic visa (e-Visa) system allows foreign nationals to obtain authorization to enter the country for tourism, business, and other purposes. This simplified electronic visa application removes the need to travel to an embassy or consulate in person and has greatly reduced processing times.

Currently, Botswana has a waiver for about 100 countries who do not need to obtain a visa before traveling to the country for Botswana for a short stay of up to 90 days within a 12-month period. Visa exemption is granted for purposes of tourism, business, or transit purposes.

In gaining visa-free entry, these visitors are simply required to present a valid passport upon arrival at a Botswana port of entry. In some cases, a foreign traveler may not be able to obtain a certain type of visa online. In this situation, they will have to make an appointment at an embassy or consulate of Botswana in the traveler’s country of residence.

Botswana’s immigration policy regarding tourism identifies up to 140 nationalities that need an approved Botswana tourist visa to visit the Republic in Southern Africa for a vacation.

At present, these visitors are required to apply for a tourist visa for Botswana online. This online application protocol allows the traveler to complete a simple electronic form in a few minutes and upload supporting documents in digital form.

Botswana online tourist visa applications are processed and approved within a few business days, and the approved tourist e-Visa will be sent by email. A copy of the approved eVisa can then be printed to gain expedited entry to Botswana at border checkpoints.

The Botswana e-Visa, or electronic visa, is an online visa introduced in August 2021. According to Botswana’s visa policy, nationals of around 140 different countries are able to use the digital platform to obtain a visa online. The e-Visa for Botswana is available for a number of purposes, including tourism, business, and transit.

Applicants are able to choose how long they plan to stay in Botswana, although some types of online visa may have limits on the maximum length of the trip. Travelers can also select how many entries they wish their Botswana e-Visa to cover.

The e-Visa platform replaced the older system of applying in person at a Botswana embassy, consulate, or immigration office. This eliminates the long waits and processing times associated with embassy visa applications.

Travelers eligible to apply for a Botswana eVisa must complete a simple online visa application form in just a few minutes with basic personal and contact information, passport data, and travel details. They must then pay the Botswana electronic visa fee using a credit or debit card before submitting the form for approval.

An eVisa for Botswana application is generally processed within a few business days. Once approved, a copy of the online visa will be sent to the traveler via email. They will then be able to print a copy to present to immigration authorities on arrival in Botswana alongside their passport.

Visa free countries for Botswana

According to the Botswana laws regarding visa rules and regulations, 100 nationalities  which do not require visa to their country, including all European Union citizens and a large number of South American and African nations. Additionally, holders of diplomatic or service passports issued by China, as well as Indian diplomatic passport holders, do not need a visa to visit Botswana.

Visa exemption is granted to these visitors for a stay of up to 90 days with a 12-month period, for purposes of tourism, transit, or business. To enter Botswana without a visa, it is necessary for these travelers to present an eligible passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in the country. If a passport holder from one of these countries wishes to visit Botswana for longer periods of stay, or for purposes not permitted visa-free such as to work or study, they will have to apply for the relevant type of visa.

The visa free countries include the following nations:

  •  Antigua and Barbuda
  • Brunei Darussalam
  • Czech Republic
  • Dominican Republic
  • Liechtenstein
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Republic of Cyprus
  • Russian Federation
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Sierra Leone
  • Solomon Islands
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • South Sudan
  • Switzerland
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • Vatican City

Which countries need visa for Botswana?

Now Botswana immigration requirements state that in the vast majority of cases, visas must be applied for online, using the e-Visa system. If an individual is unable to obtain a visa for a certain purpose or length of stay via the online platform, they can inquire at a Botswana embassy or consulate.

Replacing the visa applications made at the consular section of the embassy of Botswana in the applicant’s home country, the evisa system is put in place for applicants to apply online.

Countries that require an evisa to Botswana include the following;

  • Afghanistan
  • Aland Islands
  • American Samoa
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • British Indian Ocean Territory
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Burkina Faso
  • Cayman Islands
  • Central African Republic
  • Christmas Island
  • Cocos Islands
  • Cook Islands
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • El Salvador
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Falkland Islands
  • Faroe Islands
  • Federated States of Micronesia
  • French Guiana
  • French Polynesia
  • Guinea Bissau
  • Isle of Man
  • Ivory Coast
  • Marshall Islands
  • New Caledonia
  • Norfolk Island
  • North Korea
  • Northern Mariana Islands
  • Palestinian Territory
  • Philippines
  • Pitcairn Islands
  • Puerto Rico
  • Saint Barthelemy
  • Saint Helena
  • Saint Martin
  • Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  • Sao Tome and Principe
  • Sint Maarten
  • South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
  • Svalbard and Jan Mayen
  • Syrian Arab Republic
  • Timor Leste
  • Turkmenistan
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • United States Virgin Islands
  • Wallis and Futuna

General Requirements for Visa Application

  • Apply online at this official website .
  • Fully completed visa application form (Form 1)
  • Certified (notarized) copy of passport page of applicant (showing names, validity & photograph of bearer). The passport must have the validity of six months and more with three or more unused pages. The original passport may be sent at the same time with the application or once the visa is approved
  • Cover letter from the applicant
  • If applicant previously applied for a visa, PLEASE ATTACH THE COPY OF THE VISA OUTCOME.
  • If coming by road, specify on the cover letter and include your contacts, e.g. telephone number.
  • Travel schedule/ flight itinerary / hotel bookings
  • Include a prepaid/self addressed shipping label or envelope to return your passport
  • Finger prints will be captured at the point of entry in Botswana. (Applicants will be required to have their finger captured as one of the requirements)
  • Applicants who would not be collecting their visa (endorsed in the passport) should write a letter authorizing someone to collect their visa and passport. The letter should include full names, ID or passport numbers and contact numbers.

Minors travelling through the country’s borders will be required to produce certified copies of unabridged birth certificates

In the event that one parent is not travelling with the child, the other parent’s affidavit consenting to such travel should be availed. Temporary guardianship must be given if both parents are not travelling with the minor, as well as the abovementioned requirements. However, an affidavit will not be required if the father’s name does not appear on the child’s birth certificate.

Additional Requirements

  • Invitation letter from the host
  • Sworn statement from the host (personal appearance of the host to the nearest immigration office in Botswana to fill in the affidavit)
  • A copy of hotel/lodge bookings or state residential address where the applicant will be staying
  • A certified copy of the host, national identity/residence permit, work permit/exemption certificate/naturalization certificate
  • Copies of certified marriage and birth certificates (in case of married couples/defendants)
  • Certified copies of ordination certificates of religious leaders
  • Business profile if coming to establish a business (host)
  • Confirmation of employment or business registration
  • Recent Bank statement (1st page)
  • Return visa or residence permit from the country of residence

How much is Botswana Visitors visa fee?

  • US$30 for single entry for a period up to 3 months
  • US$50 for multiple entry for a period up to 3 months
  • US$150 for multiple entry for a period over 3 months up to 2 years for dependents of residents
  • Invitation letter from the host or facilitator in Botswana
  • Business profile if coming to establish a business
  • Certified copies of ordination certificate for religious leaders
  • Labor clearance/exemption if coming for a month or more
  • Meeting schedule if coming to attend or organize a meeting
  • Certified copies of Certificate of Incorporation, Trade License, Share Certificate of host if running a business

How much is Botswana Business visa fee?

  • US$50 for single entry for a period up to 3 months
  • US$100 for multiple entry for a period up to 3 months
  • US150 for multiple entry for a period up to 6 months to 1 year
  • Waiver from department of labor and social security or copies of work and residence permits
  • Letter of confirmation of employment/contract of employment or offer letter
  • Copies of RELEVANT qualifications
  • Copies of work and residence permits
  • Certified copies of certificate of incorporation, trade license, share certificate, list of directors, bank statement

    How much is Botswana Business (Investors)visa fee?

  • US$100 for multiple entry for a period up to 6 months
  • US$250 for multiple entry for a period up to 5 years
  • Confirmation of bookings at hotels/lodges

How much is Botswana Business (Tourists) visa fee?

  • US$30 for single entry for a period up to 1 month
  •     Visa fee is non-refundable.
  • Allow at least 21 working days for visa processing.
  • Personal checks are not accepted.
  • All copies must be notarized.
  • All supporting documents must be in English. Translations must be notarized by a relevant authority.
  • No visa fee charged for Diplomatic Passport and the United Nations Laissez Passer holder travelling on official business
  • International Health certificate of vaccination for Yellow fever is required from travelers from or through the countries which have been declared Yellow Fever Infected Areas.
  • Malaria shots are advised.

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Botswana Tourist eVisa

Botswana is a popular tourist destination in Southern Africa, known for its stunning natural landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant cultural heritage. Visitors from many countries are required to obtain a tourist visa before entering Botswana, and the Botswana government has recently introduced an electronic visa (eVisa) system to streamline the application process.

The Botswana Tourist eVisa is an electronic visa that can be obtained online from the comfort of your home or office, without the need to visit a Botswana embassy or consulate. The eVisa system was introduced to make the visa application process more efficient and to encourage more tourists to visit Botswana.

The eVisa application process is simple and straightforward, and applicants can receive their eVisa within a few days of submitting their application. To apply for a Botswana Tourist eVisa, applicants need to fill out an online application form, upload their passport photo and a copy of their passport bio-data page, and pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card.

The Botswana Tourist eVisa is valid for up to 90 days and allows multiple entries into Botswana. This means that visitors can leave and re-enter Botswana multiple times during the validity period of their eVisa, provided that they do not exceed the maximum stay of 90 days.

The eVisa system has several advantages over the traditional visa application process. It eliminates the need to visit a Botswana embassy or consulate, saving time and money. It also provides a faster and more efficient way to obtain a visa, as eVisa applications are processed electronically and can be approved within a few days.

However, it is important to note that not all countries are eligible for the Botswana Tourist eVisa, and some visitors may still be required to apply for a traditional visa at a Botswana embassy or consulate. Additionally, visitors must meet certain requirements to be eligible for the eVisa, such as having a valid passport with at least six months validity and proof of onward travel.

In conclusion, the Botswana Tourist eVisa is a convenient and efficient way for eligible visitors to obtain a tourist visa for Botswana. The eVisa system has streamlined the application process, making it easier and faster for tourists to obtain their visas and visit this beautiful African country.

Eligibility Requirements for Botswana Tourist eVisa

Sure, here is an overview of the eligibility requirements for the Botswana Tourist eVisa:

Passport Requirements: Applicants must have a valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of arrival in Botswana. The passport must have at least two blank pages for visa stamping.

Purpose of Visit: The Botswana Tourist eVisa is issued for tourism purposes only. Visitors must have a valid reason for visiting Botswana, such as sightseeing, leisure, visiting friends or family, or attending cultural or sporting events.

Travel Itinerary: Visitors must have a confirmed travel itinerary, including flight tickets and accommodation bookings for the duration of their stay in Botswana. This is to ensure that visitors have sufficient means of support during their stay in the country.

Financial Means: Visitors must have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Botswana, such as cash, traveler's checks, or credit cards. Visitors may be asked to provide proof of funds upon arrival in Botswana.

Health Requirements: Visitors must have a valid health certificate if they are traveling from countries with a high incidence of infectious diseases, such as yellow fever. Visitors may be required to undergo a medical examination upon arrival in Botswana.

Criminal Record: Visitors must not have a criminal record or be on any wanted list in Botswana or any other country. Visitors may be required to undergo a criminal background check before their eVisa is approved.

Travel History: Visitors must have a valid travel history, such as previous visa stamps, entry and exit stamps, and boarding passes. Visitors with a history of visa violations or illegal immigration may be denied entry to Botswana.

It is important to note that meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee the approval of the Botswana Tourist eVisa. The final decision on visa approval is at the discretion of the Botswana Immigration authorities.

How to Apply for Botswana Tourist eVisa Online

To apply for a Botswana Tourist eVisa online, you can follow these steps:

  • Visit the official website of the Botswana eVisa portal.
  • Create an account by clicking on the " Register " button on the top right corner of the page.
  • Fill in the required details, including your name, email address, and password.
  • Once you have created an account, log in and click on "New Application."
  • Choose "Tourism" as your visa type and select your nationality and country of residence.
  • Fill in the application form with your personal information, travel details, and passport information.
  • Upload the required documents, including a copy of your passport bio-data page, a passport-size photo, and any other supporting documents requested.
  • Pay the visa fee online using a credit card or debit card.
  • Submit your application and wait for processing.

After your application is processed, you will receive an email notification with your eVisa approval or rejection. If your eVisa is approved, you can download and print it out. Make sure to carry a copy of your eVisa with you when you travel to Botswana, as you may be asked to present it at the border.

How to Apply for Botswana Tourist Visa through Embassy 

If you want to apply for a tourist visa to visit Botswana, you will need to contact the Botswana embassy or consulate in your country. Here are the general steps you should follow:

Check if you need a visa: Check if you are required to obtain a visa before visiting Botswana. You can check the visa requirements on the official website of the Botswana embassy or consulate in your country.

Gather the required documents: Gather all the required documents such as a valid passport, a completed visa application form, a recent passport-size photograph, and proof of financial means to cover your stay in Botswana.

Fill out the visa application form: Fill out the visa application form completely and accurately. You can download the application form from the official website of the Botswana embassy or consulate in your country.

Submit the application : Submit the completed application form and supporting documents to the Botswana embassy or consulate in your country. You may need to schedule an appointment to submit your application in person.

Pay the visa fee: Pay the visa fee as required by the embassy or consulate. The fee may vary depending on your country of origin.

Wait for a decision: Wait for the embassy or consulate to process your application. The processing time may vary, so it is best to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates.

Collect your visa: If your visa application is approved, you will be notified and asked to collect your visa from the embassy or consulate.

Note that the specific requirements and procedures for applying for a Botswana tourist visa may vary depending on the embassy or consulate in your country. It is best to check the official website of the embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.

Required Documents for Botswana Tourist eVisa Application

The Botswana tourist eVisa application requires several documents to be submitted:

  • A valid passport that is signed and issued within the last ten years, with at least one or two free visa pages and undamaged pictures securely affixed to the passport. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure from Botswana.
  • Two recent photos with a frontal view of the face covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo, a uniform and white background, and clear facial features and eyes, not covered by hair or glasses frame. The photo size should be 3x4.
  • A copy of the main page of the passport and copies of previous visas.
  • A travel itinerary that includes a flight reservation (return ticket), valid hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.), and a copy of the state residential address where the applicant will be staying.
  • A letter from the local employer/sponsor (proof of occupation) that includes the name, postal address, and telephone number of the sponsor/company, details regarding the applicant's working position, starting date of employment, and salary, the timeframe of work leave (expected date to resume duties) and purpose of travel, and valid trade license copy and company ownership documents (if applicable).
  • A letter from the university (if the applicant is a student) and a copy of the sponsor's valid passport and residence visa (if any) to be attached to the sponsor's letter if the applicant is a dependent.
  • Proof of financial means, such as personal bank statements, credit cards, cash, traveler's cheques, and payslips.
  • Proof of employment, such as supporting documents to attest the sponsor's readiness to cover expenses during the stay, proof of prepaid accommodation, documents about accommodation in private, proof of prepaid transport, and others.
  • A cover letter specifying if coming by road and including contact information such as telephone number, an invitation letter from the host, and a sworn statement from the host.
  • Proof of civil status, such as copies of certified marriage and birth certificates (in the case of married couples/dependents).
  • For minors, a copy and English translation of either birth certificate/proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced/death certificate of parent and a letter of consent from parent/s or legal guardian/s if traveling unaccompanied.

It's important to note that all documents submitted must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure from Botswana, and incomplete or inaccurate documentation may result in the rejection of the application.

Botswana Tourist eVisa Fees and Processing Time

The cost of Botswana Tourist eVisa is 30 USD for a Single Entry visa valid for up to 1 month and 50 USD for a Multiple Entry visa valid for up to 3 months. However, please note that the visa fee may vary based on your nationality or the country where you submit your application. Additionally, the processing time for the eVisa is typically within 5 business days.

Benefits of Botswana Tourist eVisa Over Traditional Visa

There are several benefits of applying for a Botswana Tourist eVisa over a traditional visa:

Convenience: The eVisa application process can be completed online, which means you don't have to visit the embassy or consulate in person. This saves you time, money, and effort.

Faster Processing: The eVisa processing time is usually faster than traditional visa processing. In most cases, you can receive your eVisa within 5 business days, while traditional visa processing can take several weeks or even months.

Availability: The eVisa system is available 24/7, which means you can apply for your visa at any time from anywhere in the world. This is especially useful if you are applying from a country without a Botswana embassy or consulate.

Transparency: With the eVisa system, you can track the status of your application online and receive updates via email. This provides greater transparency and peace of mind during the visa application process.

Cost-effective: Applying for an eVisa is generally more cost-effective than a traditional visa. The eVisa fee is fixed and does not vary depending on your nationality or country of submission, unlike traditional visas that may have varying fees.

Overall, the Botswana Tourist eVisa system offers a faster, more convenient, and cost-effective way to obtain a tourist visa for Botswana.

Duration of a Botswana Tourist eVisa

The duration of a Botswana Tourist eVisa depends on the type of visa you apply for. The Single Entry visa allows you to stay in Botswana for a maximum of 30 days , while the Multiple Entry visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days within a 3-month period. Both types of visas are valid for 90 days from the date of issue.

It's important to note that the duration of your stay in Botswana is at the discretion of the immigration officer at the port of entry, and may be shorter than the duration of your visa if they deem it necessary. Therefore, it's recommended that you plan your trip and apply for the appropriate visa type based on the length of your intended stay in Botswana.

Botswana Tourist eVisa vs Botswana Tourist Visa

The main difference between a Botswana Tourist eVisa and a Botswana Tourist Visa is the application process.

A Botswana Tourist Visa is obtained through the Botswana embassy or consulate in your home country, while a Botswana Tourist eVisa can be obtained online through the Botswana government's eVisa portal.

Another difference is the processing time. A traditional Botswana Tourist Visa may take several days or weeks to process, depending on the embassy's workload and your nationality. On the other hand, a Botswana Tourist eVisa is generally processed within a few business days, making it a quicker and more convenient option for many travelers.

In terms of validity and duration of stay, both types of visas offer the same duration of stay in Botswana, which varies based on the type of visa and the applicant's nationality. The visa fees may differ depending on the type of visa and the applicant's nationality.

Overall, a Botswana Tourist eVisa is a convenient and efficient option for travelers who want to apply for a Botswana visa without having to visit an embassy or consulate.

Frequently asked questions

A Botswana Tourist eVisa is an electronic visa that allows foreign nationals to visit Botswana for tourism purposes.

Citizens of eligible countries can apply for a Botswana Tourist eVisa. The list of eligible countries can be found on the Botswana government's eVisa portal.

The requirements for a Botswana Tourist eVisa include a valid passport, a travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, and a recent passport-sized photo.

A Botswana Tourist eVisa is typically processed within a few business days, depending on the workload of the immigration authorities.

A Botswana Tourist eVisa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.

The duration of stay in Botswana varies depending on the type of visa and the applicant's nationality. The Single Entry visa allows you to stay in Botswana for a maximum of 30 days, while the Multiple Entry visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days within a 3-month period.

It may be possible to extend your stay in Botswana by applying for an extension through the Botswana Immigration office.

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Botswana Visa Requirements

Visa requirements & general information you should be aware of before visiting botswana.

Botswana is a Southern African nation known as a leader in eco-tourism with over 38% of their land mass protected for wildlife and nature conservation.

It is home to the vast Okavango Delta river which is one of the last remaining unspoiled wilderness areas of Africa. Botswana also has a number of rare species which can be seen on safari including the black-maned Kalahari lion, sitatunga, puku and red lechwe antelope, brown hyena, the African skimmer and aardvark.

The country hosts a number of exclusive safari lodges that blend beautifully into the ecosystem in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.

Botswana allows a large number of countries visa free access, if you are unfortunately not from one of these countries, you will need a visa to enjoy the natural beauty of Botswana, a nation who is genuinely committed to conservation of environment, wildlife and cultural heritage.

This information piece tells you everything you need to know about visa requirements for visiting Botswana.

It is important that you familiarise yourself with these legal requirements of entry before your visit, in particular if you are travelling with minors.

Visa requirements are governed by the Botswana Embassy or Consulate located in the area you reside and can be found through visiting the Botswana Embassy.org website and may be subject to change without prior notice.

WHAT IS A VISA?

A visa is issued to international travellers visiting Botswana for a short stay on a temporary basis for tourism, business, study or medical reasons. Visas are normally issued for a maximum 30 or 90 days, depending on your country of residence.

A valid visa allows you to enter the country through a port of entry and stay in the country for the period specified in your visa. Note that you are restricted to the activity or reason stated in your application, for example, if you applied for a visa for a holiday or family visit, you are not allowed to work in the country during your stay.

VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR VISITING BOTSWANA

The Botswana tourist visa is issued for short-term purposes – up to 90 days maximum. Nationals of most countries are exempt from applying for a Botswana tourist visa prior to travel, but they still have to obtain a visa if they want to stay long-term.

Visitors holding passports from countries that are classified as ‘exempt’ do not need to apply for a visa prior to arriving in Botswana. Instead, they are issued with a short-stay visa at the point of entry for a period of time relevant to the status of the visitor’s country.

The time it takes to process a Botswana visa is 21 working days, this is for all visa types and for all non-exempt countries. Unfortunately, Botswana does not yet allow e-visas.

It is advised to apply for your Botswana visa 1 to 2 months before your trip.

The duration of a Botswana visa depends on the number of entries it allows. Botswana multiple entry tourist visa allows a stay of 3 months and is valid for 3 months. While a single-entry visa allows a stay of one month and is valid for one month.

A transit visa is not required if you are continuing your journey by the same or first connecting aircraft, and you do not leave the airport.

COUNTRIES EXEMPTED AND COUNTRIES THAT NEED VISA

Visitors to Botswana except those from the countries listed below, must have a visa to enter Botswana:

Angola, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Gambia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guyana, Holy Sea, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kuwait, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Samoa, San Marico, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Korea, South Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Cyprus, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Kiribati, Norway, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Spain, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Czech Republic and Denmark.

DIFFERENT KINDS OF VISAS

When applying for a Botswana visa, you need to know which one to apply for according to your reason for traveling to Botswana:

  • Visitor’s visa is applicable when you plan to travel to Botswana to visit someone in the country and they will be hosting you.
  • Business visa is needed when you will be conducting business in Botswana.
  • Employment visa is needed when you are visiting to look to work in Botswana
  • Investors visa is required when you are looking to invest in a Botswanan enterprise.
  • Tourist visa when you visit as ordinary tourist staying in paid accommodations in Botswana.

HOW AND WHERE TO APPLY FOR VISAS WHEN VISITING BOTSWANA

Botswana does not yet support e-visas so you cannot apply for a visa online. You will have to make an appointment at the nearest Botswana consulate or embassy

Complete a Botswana visa application form obtainable from the embassy/consulate offices

Gather the required documents, pay the visa fee and submit the documents and application at the embassy/consulate. Some offices require you to submit the documents in person, whereas others also allow submissions through the mail.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED FOR APPLICATION FOR VISA

When you apply for a Botswana visa, you need the following documents to support your application: (Note that the exact required documents depend on the purpose of your travel as well as the embassy or consulate in which you apply).

The general requirements are as follows:

  • A fully completed visa application form
  • A certified copy of your passport page showing names, validity & photograph of you
  • The original passport may be sent at the same time with the application or once the visa is approved
  • A cover letter – specify on the cover letter if you are arriving by road and include your contacts, e.g. telephone number.
  • Travel schedule, a copy of your plane ticket with proof of enter and exit dates and proof of your accommodation bookings.
  • Your original passport may be sent with the application or once the visa is approved, provide a prepaid/self-addressed shipping label or envelope to return your passport
  • If you are not collecting your visa (endorsed in the passport) you must then write a letter authorizing someone to collect your visa and passport. The letter should include full names, ID or passport numbers and contact numbers.

Additional documents needed per visa type:

Visitor’s visa:

  • Invitation letter from your host
  • A sworn statement from your host (they will have to fill in an affidavit at the nearest immigration office in Botswana and send it to you)
  • A copy of hotel/lodge bookings or state residential address where you will be staying
  • A certified copy of your hosts, national identity/residence permit, work permit/exemption certificate/naturalization certificate
  • Copies of your certified marriage and birth certificates (in the case of married couples/dependants)
  • If you host is a religious leader you will have to provide certified copies of ordination certificates.
  • Business profile from your host if you coming to establish a business
  • confirmation of your employment or your business registration
  • A recent bank statement (first page)
  • Return visa or residence permit from the country of your current residence

Business visa:

  • A business profile
  • Labour clearance/exemption if you are coming for a month or longer
  • Meeting schedule if you are coming to attend or organize a meeting
  • Certified copies of Certificate of Incorporation, Trade License, Share Certificate of your host if running a business

Employment visa:

  • A waiver from the department of labour and social security or copies of work and residence permits
  • Letter of confirmation of employment/contract of employment or offer letter
  • Copies of your relevant qualifications

Investors visa:

  • Copies of your work and residence permits
  • Certified copies of certificate of incorporation, trade license, share certificate, list of directors and bank statement

Tourist visa:

  • Tour plan or copy of your travel schedule
  • Confirmation of bookings at hotels/lodges
  • Confirmation of your employment or your business registration
  • A recent bank statement (1st page)

COST OF A BOTSWANA VISA

Fees may vary depending on the consulate or embassy, therefore check with them first, the below is a guideline:

  • Visitor’s visa – 30 USD for single entry for a period up to three months, 50 USD for a multiple entry visa for a period up to three months and 150 USD for a multiple entry visa for a period of over three months and up to two years for dependents of residents.
  • Business visa – 50 USD for single entry for a period up to three months, 100 USD for a multiple entry visa for a period up to three months and 150 USD for multiple entry for a period up to six months to one year.
  • Investors visa – 100 USD for multiple entry for a period up to six months and 250 USD for multiple entry for a period up to five years.
  • Tourist visa – 30 USD for single entry for a period up to one month and 50 USD for multiple entry for a period up to three months

VACCINES NEEDED WHEN VISITING BOTSWANA

An international yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if a person is traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever virus transmission and is older than one year of age, including transit in an airport located in a country with risk of yellow fever virus transmission.

A yellow fever certificate is valid 10 days after the vaccination is administered, making it important to get the vaccination in time before leaving for Botswana. You may be refused entry if you leave it too late and arrive in Botswana within the 10-day waiting period.

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Botswana: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza

Botswana is a high-risk country for Malaria, so it is recommended that you take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria

VISITING BOTSWANA WITH MINORS

If you are travelling to Botswana with a minor, please take note of the additional documents you will need per child:

•          Minors travelling through the country’s borders will be required to produce certified copies of unabridged birth certificates

•          In the event that one parent is not travelling with the child, the other parent’s affidavit consenting to such travel should be availed. Temporary guardianship must be given if both parents are not travelling with the minor, as well as the abovementioned requirements. However, an affidavit will not be required if the father’s name does not appear on the child’s birth certificate.

WHAT HAPPENS IF ONE OVERSTAYS ON A VISA IN BOTSWANA

Overstaying the duration of your visa is a serious offence in Botswana, you will be fined daily and may even incur a ban, which prevents you from applying for a visa and re-entering Botswana for a prescribed period of time.

Individuals who have been affected by the overstay visa regulations of a country can usually lodge a visa overstay appeal.

The charge of overstay in terms of the Immigration Act is P100 for each day of the overstay. The Police determine the charge and while the Government website is a good reference point, information is not always up-to-date.

ENJOY A SAFE HOLIDAY IN BOTSWANA WITH A REPUTABLE TOUR OPERATOR

MoAfrika Tours is a leading tour operator in South Africa that offers an outstanding selection of tours to Botswana. We have a close association with the most reputable tour operators in Botswana who make safety a priority.

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  • Visa Requirements

Botswana Tourist Visa Requirements - Documents, Eligibility & Fees

Indian passport holders who are willing to apply for a Botswana Tourist visa can find the necessary visa information on this page. In the following, you can find Botswana Tourist visa requirements which mainly include the visa documents and eligibility criteria. General guidelines to be followed at the time of submission of Botswana Tourist visa documents are mentioned on the page. For further visa consultation, you can contact BTW Visa Executives.

  • Tourist Visa
  • Business Visa

Following is the list of documents required for Botswana Tourist visa for Indians.

A passport is a document that is required at the time of international travels. It is issued by the government of the country to verify the identity and nationality of the candidate.

The submitted passport must meet the parameters given below

  • It must be valid for 6 months ahead of the span of stay.
  • It must be original and genuine.
  • Passport photocopy attested by the Gazetted officer or Notary.
  • It must have minimum two blank pages for the visa stamp.
  • It must not be torn, ripped, split, or damaged in any kind of way.

One cannot cross international boundries without the passport. It is considered a criminal offense otherwise.

The photo is provided to the authority so that you can be identified based on the same.

The photographs must be provided as per the given photo specifications

  • It must cover face 80% of the frame.
  • It must be of proper size with dimensions of 35x45 mm (length - 45mm, breadth - 35mm).
  • Two copies to be submitted with general photo guidelines.
  • It must be clicked on an all white background.
  • It must have a matte finish.
  • It must be a recent photograph.
  • The expressions on the face must be neutral, there must not be any kind of smiling of frowning in the photograph.
  • Any kind of glasses must not be worn in the photograph.
  • The hair must be tied back so that the face is clearly visible.
  • The ears must be visible clearly.
  • It must not have any headgear worn apart from religious reasons.
  • It is to be taken care that your teeth do not show in the photograph.

Recent pictures are mandatory as old pictures can cause the authorities to reject your application.

An air ticket is a ticket or pass that is possessed by the traveller who is taking a flight for travelling from one location to another.

It is an important document and it should be submitted for the given reason

  • Flight tickets must be confirmed for the complete round trip.
  • It must be confirmed for the complete round trip.

An air ticket shows your course of travel and confirms your return to the native country.

An old passport is a passport that has expired or is completely stamped. In the visa processing, it is required to track the travel history of the applicant.

If available, the old passport must also be provided meeting the given criteria

  • If any of the traveler has old passport, it must be submitted along with latest passport.
  • It must be original and in a good condition to access the required information.

Without the old passport, you cannot get the visa stamp. Professional visa consultation is recommended.

Itinerary is a travel document that contains the details of travel schedule of the one who is going on the trip.

  • It must mention the day to day schedule and plans and program while in the country.

The itinerary must have proper and detailed information of the traveller's routine. Even if a single detail is missed out, it could affect the visa interview. Professional visa consultation is recommended.

Covering Letter consists of traveler's information, Itenarary, detailed travel Information, trip expense details and your return guarantee to the home country.

The covering letter provided by the visa applicant should be acceptable based on the following guidelines

  • It must mention other details as well as per the Consular's request.
  • It must mention the accommodation details of the applicant.
  • It must mention the person who will be bearing all the expenses during the trip, if not travelling alone.
  • It must specify the traveller's relationship with the fellow travellers if not travelling alone.
  • It must clearly specify the traveller's purpose of visit.
  • It must mention the travel dates as per the invitation letter or the booked flight tickets.
  • It must mention all the details as per the passport.

Covering letter is the first document that is seen by the consular. If the covering letter is not appropriate, it may cause your visa to get rejected as well. Professional visa consultation is recommended.

Bank statement is a document that issued from the bank. This is obtained for the savings bank account to show ratify if you will be able to support your stay in the country.

The Bank statement is a mandatory document and it should meet the following criteria

  • It must be original and should contain transactions for the last 6 months.
  • It must be original and should have the bank's stamp and signature on every page.

If the Bank Statement doesn't show enough funds or shows irrelevant expenditure, it could lead to visa rejection on financial means. Professional visa consultation is recommended.

An income tax return is a document that is a record of the tax that is paid to the government by the concerned tax paying citizen.

The proof of income tax returns must match the provided parameters

  • It must be provided for the last 3 years.
  • It must be provided with a legitimate documentary proof of the payment of income tax.

One cannot leave the country if they do not provide appropriate proof of tax payment. Professional visa consultation is recommended.

A hotel voucher is a ticket provided by the hotel of residence to the customers who are taking an accomodation in the hotel.

It should be submitted as per the following

  • It must be provided to ratify the purpose of visit and as proof of accommodation as well.

If you are staying in a hotel during your time in another country, a hotel voucher must be provided as proof of accommodation.

It is a declaration stating that the invitee will be responsible for your visit

It must follow the required criteria

  • It must be provided as proof of a done deal.

Without this, the host will not be able to act as an invitee.

Eligibility for getting Botswana Tourist Visa:

In order to be eligible to travel to the country on a visa, you will have to meet the following eligibility criteria.

Be a genuine traveller- You must have a valid and good intention behind travelling to the country.

Eligible to bear all expenses - You must possess sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents throughout the stay.

Reasons to return - You must have strong ties in your home country that will ensure that you will return after your stay.

Be of good character - You must have a clean criminal track record and be of good character. You may have to provide PCC (Police Clearance Certificate) for the same.

Be in good health - You must at least meet the minimum health requirements required by the authorities.

  • You must be a genuine travelling enthusiast wanting to explore the country.
  • You must already have the necessary travel arrangements made to prove your intention to visit.

Visa Fees for Botswana Tourist Visa:

*Important Note:

Embassy/Consulate reserves the right to ask for additional documents or personal appearance for an interview in special cases. Submission of the above-mentioned documents does not guarantee that a visa is granted, so It's recommonded to get the professional visa consultation. Submission of incomplete documentation or refusal to appear for a special visa interview may result in the rejection of your visa application .

Although the information on this website has been prepared with utmost care. However, regulations and requirements are subject to change.

Check Visa Requirements List for other country?

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Botswana travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: January 31, 2024 12:35 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, botswana - take normal security precautions.

Take normal security precautions in Bostwana

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Petty crime

Pickpocketing, theft and “smash and grab” robberies occur.

Theft of parked cars or their contents occurs. Thieves also reach into vehicles, including taxis, stopped at red lights to steal belongings.

  • Keep car doors locked, windows up and your belongings out of sight
  • Ensure that your personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times
  • Store valuables and important documents in a hotel safe
  • Avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash

Violent crime

Violent crime, residential break-in and carjacking do occur, but tourists are rarely targeted.

  • Be vigilant at all times
  • Avoid walking alone after dark, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

  • Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities
  • Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

National parks and wildlife

Travel to and within national parks is generally safe. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, however, and take your safety seriously in national parks. In general, there are no guides provided when you enter a park on your own.

Wildlife areas are not always fenced and there are few warning signs. Wildlife viewing poses risks, particularly on foot or at close range.

  • Closely follow park regulations and wardens’ advice
  • Don’t walk alone or unescorted after dark because of the threat from nocturnal predators, particularly lions, hyenas and leopards
  • Don’t swim in rivers or lakes, to avoid catching potential water-borne diseases and possible wildlife attacks, particularly from crocodiles and hippopotamuses
  • Share your itinerary with a family member or friend
  • If you leave the camp area, notify a family member or friend of when you expect to be back to camp
  • Only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators
  • Buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
  • Obtain detailed information on designated routes before departure
  • Use a GPS navigation system, if possible

Travel insurance

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country.

Road conditions are generally good in urban areas, but dangerous outside major centres.

Drivers can sometimes be extremely aggressive and/or reckless. Driver fatigue also poses hazards, particularly at night.

Pedestrians and livestock can often be found walking on the sides of roads, including on major highways. This is particularly the case in Chobe district, Ghanzi, Okavango Delta, Pandamatenga and the Savuti area.

Conditions in the desert and in remote areas are harsh.

  • Don’t undertake travel to remote areas without a guide
  • If travelling to remote areas, plan in advance
  • If travelling to remote areas, ensure that you travel in a four-wheel-drive vehicle that is well-equipped with provisions, fuel and water

Reliable private roadside assistance - Medical Rescue International -Botswana

Public transportation

Hotel transportation.

Some hotels operate a minibus service between Sir Seretse Khama International Airport and Gaborone. Verify whether your hotel provides this service and reserve the transfer in advance. You can rent a vehicle at the airport in Gaborone.

In major towns, taxis are generally safe, but the fare should be determined before departure.

There are reliable buses for long-distance journeys to Harare, Zimbabwe; Johannesburg, South Africa; and Lusaka, Zambia. These buses depart from the main bus rank in Gaborone.

Mini buses to Johannesburg leave at hourly intervals from Gaborone’s main bus rank. Long-distance buses normally leave in the early hours, around 6 a.m. For reliable transportation to Johannesburg from Gaborone, you must book at least one day before the travel date.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Botswana authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date you expect to leave Botswana.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

  • Foreign Representatives in Canada
  • Canadian passports

If you stay in the country for more than 90 days, you must request an extension from local immigration authorities.

Children and travel

Travelling by air.

Both parents travelling with child under 18

Parents travelling with children under the age of 18 must show the child’s unabridged birth certificate.

One parent travelling with child under 18

If only one parent is travelling with the child, you must show the child’s unabridged birth certificate, as well as a valid passport. You must also produce a sworn affidavit from the other parent (as registered on the birth certificate) authorizing you to enter or depart Botswana with the child.

Parent(s) who are widowers or travelling with adopted children under 18

You may be subject to additional requirements. Contact the High Commission for the Republic of Botswana before travelling with children to verify the latest requirements.

Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada

Travelling by road

Be aware of specific regulations for travel with children under the age of 18. Consult the South Africa Travel Advice and Advisories for more information.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

  • Global Measles Notice - 31 August, 2023
  • COVID-19 and International Travel - 31 August, 2023
  • Polio: Advice for travellers - 4 January, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

  • There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

  • Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

  • Vaccination is not recommended.
  • Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
  • Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Polio (poliomyelitis) is an infectious disease that can be prevented by vaccination. It is caused by poliovirus type 1, 2 or 3. Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus 2 (cVDPV2) is present in this country. Polio is spread from person to person and through contaminated food and water. Infection with the polio virus can cause paralysis and death in individuals of any age who are not immune.

Recommendations:

  • Be sure that your polio vaccinations are up to date before travelling. Polio is part of the routine vaccine schedule for children in Canada.
  • One booster dose of the polio vaccine is recommended as an adult .

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

  •  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
  •  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
  •  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

  • Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
  • Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
  • Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

There is a risk of schistosomiasis in this destination. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by tiny worms (blood flukes) which can be found in freshwater (lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands). The worms can break the skin, and their eggs can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, or urinary problems. Schistosomiasis mostly affects underdeveloped and r ural communities, particularly agricultural and fishing communities.

Most travellers are at low risk. Travellers should avoid contact with untreated freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and ponds (e.g., swimming, bathing, wading, ingesting). There is no vaccine or medication available to prevent infection.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

  • Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
  • Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
  • Minimize exposure to insects
  • Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Rift Valley fever is a viral disease that can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can be fatal. It is spread to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, from the bite of an infected mosquito, or eating or drinking unpasteurized dairy. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from insect bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock, and unpasteurized dairy. There is no vaccine available for Rift Valley fever.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

  •   washing your hands often
  • avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
  • avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)   is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). 

High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities and supplies are limited outside major centres. Private facilities may request proof of insurance or advance payment before commencing treatment. Medical evacuation, which can be very expensive, may be necessary in the event of serious illness or injury.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury. 

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Identification

You must carry photo identification, such as a photocopy of your passport. Keep another photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case it’s lost or confiscated.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Botswana.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Botswana, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Botswana.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Botswana by an abducting parent:

  • act as quickly as you can
  • consult a lawyer in Canada and in Botswana to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
  • report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

  • International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
  • Travelling with children
  • Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
  • Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Illegal and restricted activities

Illegal drugs.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect harsh punishments, including mandatory minimum jail sentences.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Prior permission is required to import firearms and munitions.

Pornographic material

Possession of pornographic material is illegal.

Photographing military and government installations

It’s prohibited to take photographs of military and government installations. Always ask permission before photographing individuals.

Removal of any animal from Botswana

Botswana law strictly regulates the sale, possession or removal from the country of any animal (dead or alive). You must obtain a government permit or a receipt from a licensed shop.

The law also applies to animal trophies, including a horn, tooth, tusk, bone, claw, hoof, hide, skin, hair, feather, egg or any other durable portion of an animal, processed or not. It is strictly prohibited to remove elephant hair, ivory and rhinoceros horn products.

Upon departure, you will need to present a receipt from a licensed store for all souvenirs.

Traffic drives on the left.

Failure to obey traffic signs, driving while intoxicated or not being in possession of a valid driver’s licence may result in arrest and heavy fines.

You should carry an international driving permit.

More about the International Driving Permit

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Botswana law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not widely accepted in Botswana.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

The currency in Botswana is the pula (BWP).

If carrying at least P10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies when crossing a Botswanan border control point, you must make a declaration to customs.

Many hotels and lodges accept major foreign currencies. They may apply a high surcharge.

There are two seasons in Botswana: summer (September to April), with frequent rains and thunderstorms, and winter (May to August), with cold and dry days and nights.

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

  • police: 999
  • medical assistance: 997
  • firefighters: 998

Consular assistance

Botswana, Malawi

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Zimbabwe in Harare and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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GABORONE, March 5 (Xinhua) — Botswana will soon engage Kenya to lobby for the exemption of its citizens from the East African country’s electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) requirement.

Botswanan President Mokgweetsi Masisi said on Monday that the eTA, a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya, has imposed unexpected costs on some Botswanan citizens wishing to travel to Kenya.

“A high-level consultative meeting on the possible exemption of Botswanan citizens from Kenya’s eTA requirements is on the cards,” Masisi said while addressing journalists in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana.

He promised to engage his Kenyan counterpart, William Ruto, during their soon-to-be-announced official engagements about the possibility of reviewing eTA requirements before travel.

The government of Kenya has announced a significant change in its visa policy, effective since Jan. 1. Tourists will no longer need a visa to enter the country; however, they must apply online at least three days before travel and pay a processing fee of 34 U.S. dollars.

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IMAGES

  1. How to Apply For Botswana Tourist Visa with Philippines Passport

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  2. Botswana Visa Application Form

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  3. Procedure for Applying Botswana Tourist Visit Visa from Ottawa

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  6. Botswana visa for Australian citizens in 2024

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COMMENTS

  1. Visa Application

    Go to any immigration office (contact information listed below), Botswana embassy or consulate to fill and submit Form 1 (Application for Visa) in person. Submit the required documents (listed below) with the application form. Check the outcome of your application from the office where the application was submitted after seven working days.

  2. Visa Application

    The following documents are required to be submitted with the application form: Certified copy of page 1 and 2 of passport showing validity period not less than six (6) months. Two recent coloured passport size photos. Covering letter indicating reasons for visit. Flight itinerary and accommodation bookings or residential address in Botswana.

  3. botswana-evisa

    Botswana, a landlocked African country known for its political stability and multi- party democracy, is widely regarded as having some of the best wilderness and wildlife areas on the African Continent

  4. Visa requirements for visiting Botswana

    You can apply for a Botswana tourist visa online by completing the application form and uploading the necessary documents, including a certified passport, a round-trip ticket, confirmation of accommodations and a recent photo. Allow two to three weeks for approval. You can choose between a single-entry visa for up to 30 days for 300 Botswana ...

  5. Botswana International Travel Information

    Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Botswana. If you decide to travel to Botswana: Enroll in the Smart Traveler ... For additional information on entry requirements and the most current visa information, contact the Embassy of the Republic of Botswana, 1531-1533 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, D.C ...

  6. Guidelines for Completing a Visa Application

    In the case of a lost or damaged visa or permit, the applicant will be required to pay P 1,500, an equivalency of US $ 321, to have their visa or permit reproduced. Please contact the nearest Botswana embassy while abroad and any immigration office if in Botswana. General Requirements for Visa Application. Apply online at https://evisa.gov.bw

  7. Visa policy of Botswana

    All visitors must hold a passport valid for 6 months. Holders of diplomatic or service passports of Bahrain, China, Malaysia (90 days), Singapore (90 days) and diplomatic passport of India do not require a visa to enter Botswana for up to 30 days (unless otherwise stated).. Botswana and Namibia signed an agreement in February 2023 allowing citizens to travel between the two countries using ...

  8. Entry Formalities

    Visas Citizens of most European and Commonwealth countries do not require a visa for entry into Botswana. However, visitors should check with Botswana embassies or consulates, or their travel agents, before departure.It is vital for visitors to carry a valid passport and sufficient funds to facilitate their stay. Note: For countries with whom Botswana has no diplomatic representation, visa ...

  9. Botswana Visa Types, Requirements, and Application

    General Botswana Visa Requirements. When applying for a Botswana visa, submit the following documents: A valid passport with a validity of at least six months after the return date and photocopies of previous visas (if applicable).; Recent passport-type photo taken at least within the last six months.; A cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit to the country.

  10. Botswana Tourist Visas

    Botswana Visa Requirements. Most nationalities, including UK, USA, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and South African passport holders, do not require a visa to visit Botswana for up to 90 days. If you are a passport holder of another nationality, check Project Visa for more information on visa requirements for Botswana.

  11. Botswana Visa Info

    Online payments can be made using Visa or MasterCard. Contact your nearest embassy, high commission or consulate for more information. 1. Single entry visa - 300 Pula or US$30 per person. 2. Multiple entry visa - 500 Pula or US$50 per person. 3. Transit visa - cost the same as above.

  12. Botswana Tourist Visa Requirements: What Are They?

    This visa is one of the Botswana Tourist Visa Requirements for travelers arriving from any country that doesn't make the visa-free list. The application form is 100% electronic, so there's no need to make an appointment at the embassy. iVisa.com is a travel document processing agency that can submit the information on your behalf ...

  13. Entry requirements

    Visa requirements You can visit Botswana for up to 90 days without a visa. If you want to work, study or volunteer in Botswana, see the requirements for business, study and employment visas .

  14. Botswana Travel Requirements (How To Apply For The Evisa)

    Botswana online tourist visa applications are processed and approved within a few business days, and the approved tourist e-Visa will be sent by email. A copy of the approved eVisa can then be printed to gain expedited entry to Botswana at border checkpoints. The Botswana e-Visa, or electronic visa, is an online visa introduced in August 2021.

  15. Botswana Tourist eVisa

    In conclusion, the Botswana Tourist eVisa is a convenient and efficient way for eligible visitors to obtain a tourist visa for Botswana. The eVisa system has streamlined the application process, making it easier and faster for tourists to obtain their visas and visit this beautiful African country. Eligibility Requirements for Botswana Tourist ...

  16. Botswana Visa Guide: Types, Requirements, Exemptions And All You Need

    Botswana Tourist visa usually has short stay with a period of 90 days and visa expires in 90 days. Applicant is required to be present when applying for visa.Applicants are advised to give twenty-one (21) working days to process the application. ... Know where you can travel with your passport tension free and find visa requirements and ...

  17. Botswana Visa

    The Botswana e-visa was unveiled in 2021 for citizens from countries not on the visa-free list. So if your country is not on the list but would like to visit Botswana for a short period, you can apply for an electronic visa. Key Details About Botswana e Visa. When applying for an electronic visa for Botswana, there are some tips to bear in mind.

  18. Botswana Visa Requirements

    It is advised to apply for your Botswana visa 1 to 2 months before your trip. The duration of a Botswana visa depends on the number of entries it allows. Botswana multiple entry tourist visa allows a stay of 3 months and is valid for 3 months. While a single-entry visa allows a stay of one month and is valid for one month.

  19. Botswana Tourist Visa Requirements (Documents Checklist)

    Following is the list of documents required for Botswana Tourist visa for Indians. Passport. A passport is a document that is required at the time of international travels. It is issued by the government of the country to verify the identity and nationality of the candidate. The submitted passport must meet the parameters given below.

  20. Botswana Tourist Visa

    Citizens of 7 countries need to obtain a visa before visiting. tourist visa has a maxiumum stay of 90 days. Visa Free has a maxiumum stay of 90 dats. Visa on Arrival has a maxiumum stay of 90 days. Botswana is part of Africa with main city at Gaborone. Its Developing country with a population of 2M.

  21. Visa requirements for Botswana citizens

    Visa requirements for Botswana citizens are administrative entry restrictions by the authorities of other states placed on citizens of Botswana. As of 26 July 2022, Botswana citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 83 countries and territories, ... An Indian e-Tourist Visa may only be obtained twice within 1 calendar year.

  22. Travel advice and advisories for Botswana

    Entry and exit requirements. ... Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date you expect to leave Botswana. Passport for official travel. Different entry rules may apply. Official travel. ... Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days. Business visa: not required for stays up to 90 days ...

  23. Visas

    The U.S. Embassy in Gaborone provides routing nonimmigrant visa interview appointments to citizens and residents of Botswana. The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the ...

  24. Botswana pushes for exemption of citizens from Kenya's eTA

    GABORONE, March 5 (Xinhua) — Botswana will soon engage Kenya to lobby for the exemption of its citizens from the East African country's electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) requirement. Botswanan President Mokgweetsi Masisi said on Monday that the eTA, a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya ...