A passport with at least six months of validity remaining is required. U.S. citizens are permitted to stay 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.
PASSPORT VALIDITY:
6 months
BLANK PASSPORT PAGES:
Three or more unused pages; one blank page per entry
TOURIST VISA REQUIRED:
No
VACCINATIONS:
Yes, if entering from yellow fever endemic countries. The Government of Botswana requires all non-Botswana citizens age 12 and over entering the country to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or to present a negative PCR test at the port of entry taken no more than 72 hours before entry.
CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY:
None
CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR EXIT:
None
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: consulargaborone@state.gov
The Government of Botswana will allow entry for all travelers who have completed the primary COVID-19 vaccination series without proof of a negative PCR test. For those travelers not vaccinated or partially vaccinated, proof of negative PCR test results, taken not more than 72 hours before arrival, is required. Please visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Botswana.
A passport with at least six months of validity remaining is required. U.S. citizens are permitted stay 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 website 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.
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 for 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 provide medical treatment, however, there may be delays in reaching remote areas. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
Embassies and Consulates
Destination Description
Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements
Safety and Security
Local Laws & Special Circumstances
Fact Sheet
Please see the Fact Sheet for this country/area.
Which countries need visas to Botswana?
The basic rule when comes to visas to Botswana is that visitors from Commonwealth countries do NOT require a visa before traveling to Botswana. However, citizens of Ghana, Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka DO require a visa to Botswana.
How can I get a visit visa for Botswana?
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.
How many countries are visa-free for Botswana?
87
The Botswana passport ranking is 63; the number of visa-free destinations accessible with a Botswana passport is 87. Please note, the list of visa-free countries is calculated to reflect the number of countries Botswana passport holders can enter without a visa, through a visa on arrival, and through the eTA.
How long does it take to get a Botswana visa?
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.