This is issued to people who intend to visit Botswana for recreational purposes, or for other short-term nonwork-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.
The visitor’s visa is issued to people visiting Botswana for social reasons such as:
- Visiting friends or relatives.
- Obtaining medical treatment.
- Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations.
- Participation by amateurs in musicals, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating.
- Enrolment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation).
- For the visa to remain valid, the applicant must not work for, provide services or sell goods to businesses or the public in Botswana. The visa is valid for up to 2 years for dependents of residents.
Who is eligible?
All foreigners who require visas to enter Botswana as visitors are eligible for this service.
How do I get this service?
- 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.
- 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 the office where the application was made. If the visa is not yet 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.
What supporting documents are required?
The following documents are required to be submitted with the application form:
- Certified copy of pages 1 and 2 of passport showing validity period not less than six months.
- Two recent colored passport-size photos.
- Covering letter.
- 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.
- Sworn statement by the host signed at the immigration office.
- A certified copy of the host’s national identity, residence permit, work permit, exemption certificate, or naturalization certificate.
- Letter of Intent to depart Botswana after your trip.
- Financial proof of support.
How long will this service take?
It takes seven to fourteen days after the date of application for the service to be completed.
How much does it cost?
- Single entry for a period up to 3 months BWP 300.00 (US$30)
- Multiple entries for a period of up to 3 months BWP 500.00 (US$50)
- Multiple entries for up to over three months up to 2 years for dependents of residents BWP 1 500.00 (US$150)
Where can I obtain this service?
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.
How to apply for a Botswana visa online?
The following documents are required to be submitted with the application form:
- Certified copy of pages 1 and 2 of passport showing validity period not less than six months.
- Two recent colored passport-size photos.
- Covering letter.
- Flight itinerary and accommodation bookings or residential address in Botswana.
How long does it take to get a Botswana eVisa?
Costs and processing times of the Botswana eVisa
Standard Processing Time: This is the standard option, which costs USD $86.99, and the approval time is 5 Business Days. Rush Processing Time: This is a faster option. It takes just 3 Business Days for a fee of USD $149.99.
How do I apply for an eVisa?
E-VISA APPLICATION PROCESS
- Apply online. Upload Photo and Passport Page.
- Pay eVisa fee online. Using Credit / Debit card / Payment Wallet.
- Receive ETA Online. Electronic Travel Authorization/ETA Will be sent to your e-mail.
- Fly To India. Print ETA and present it at Immigration Check Post where eVisa will be stamped on the passport.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Botswana?
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 a Visa on arrival. How much does it cost? The costs associated with this service are as follows: Single entry for a period of up to one (1) month is BWP 300.00(US$30.00)