Visa Policy for Botswana
A visa policy determines the nationalities that need to get a visa before visiting a destination. It also details which countries have visa-free access. In this case, we will see the case of the Botswana visa policy.
In general terms, Botswana Immigration authorities request all travelers to have a passport with at least a 6-month validity. This is mandatory for all incoming visitors, whether they need a visa or not. Currently, 100 nationalities don’t need to apply for a visa to visit Botswana as long as they stay for a short period. This period shouldn’t exceed 90 days within a year. Also, travelers can enter for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
Other nationalities outside these 100 ones will need to obtain a visa even if they want to stay for a short term or the reasons mentioned. We can confirm it’s necessary to acquire a visa from a diplomatic government office. In this scenario, the applicant must request an appointment at a Botswana embassy or consulate.
The Botswana visa policy allows you to know all about the travel requirements before your trip, so you don’t get any surprises as soon as you land in Botswana.
Tourist Visa Policy for Botswana
If you have decided to travel to Botswana for tourism purposes, you’re on the right track. First, you need to identify whether your nationality requests a tourist visa. The Botswana visa policy is the perfect tool for this task. 140 nationalities around the world need to request a tourist visa to enter Botswana.
As stated before, if you’re one of those travelers that needs a tourist visa to enter Botswana, you will need to approach an embassy or consulate to secure your visa before your trip. We recommend doing it as soon as possible because the diplomatic mission takes several weeks to process the documentation you will need to present.
Continue checking more information about the Botswana visa policy. It will allow you a better look at the requirements for your next trip.
Tourist Visa for Botswana
In order to have your tourist visa for Botswana, you need to follow the travel guidelines from the Botswana visa policy. First, we will detail the documents you must gather for your visa application:
- Certified copy of the first two pages of your passport. It must be clear that the validity is a minimum of 6 months.
- Two passport photos in color.
- Cover letter explaining the purpose of the trip.
- Flight tickets and accommodation details.
- A re-entry permit to the country where the travel has stated that is resident (in case the country requests it).
- Itinerary
- Proof you will leave Botswana after your trip ends.
For the process, you need to contact any immigration office, embassy, or consulate so you can complete Form 1 (the visa application process). Take all the documentation and wait 7 working days for the outcome. After that period, you must pick up your approved letter to show that your visa has been granted.
The Tourist Visa for Botswana has the following fees:
- USD 30 for a single entry, and you can stay a maximum of 1 month.
- USD 50 for multiple entries and a 3-month stay.
According to all the activities you would like to enjoy in Botswana, choose the option that fits your travel needs. The Botswana visa policy always provides all the exact information for your news trip.
The countries that need to obtain a tourist visit for Botswana are:
- Afghanistan
- Aland Islands
- Albania
- Algeria
- American Samoa
- Andorra
- Anguilla
- Antarctica
- Angola
- Armenia
- Aruba
- Azerbaijan
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- Benin
- Bermuda
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Bonaire
- Bosnia Herzegovina
- British Indian Ocean Territory
- British Virgin Islands
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Cayman Islands
- Central Africa Republic
- Chad
- China
- Christmas Islands
- Cocos Islands
- Colombia
- Comoros
- Congo (Dem. Rep.)
- Congo (Rep.)
- Cook Islands
- Curacao
- Djibouti
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Falkland Islands
- Faroe Islands
- Fiji
- French Guiana
- French Polynesia
- Gabon
- Georgia
- Ghana
- Gibraltar
- Greenland
- Guadeloupe
- Guam
- Guatemala
- Guernsey
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Haiti
- Honduras
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Ivory Coast
- Jersey
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Liberia
- Lybia
- Macau
- Macedonia
- Madagascar
- Mali
- Marshall Islands
- Martinique
- Mauritania
- Mayotte
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Montserrat
- Morocco
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- New Caledonia
- Nicaragua
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Niue
- Norfolk Islands
- North Korea
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Pakistan
- Palestinian Territory
- Panama
- Philippines
- Pitcairn Islands
- Puerto Rico
- Reunion
- Rwanda
- Saint Barthelemy
- Saint Helena
- Saint Martin
- Saint Pierre and Miquelon
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Sint Maarten
- Somalia
- South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Suriname
- Svalbard and Jan Mayen
- Syria
- Taiwan
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Timor-Leste
- Togo
- Tokelau
- Tunisia
- Turkmenistan
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Ukraine
- United States Virgin Islands
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
- Wallis and Futuna
- Yemen
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Although we have only focused on tourist visas, the Botswana visa policy also provides details for business, employment, or investors.
For business, you will need to have a letter from the person inviting you from Botswana. Make sure to have a business profile in case you will establish a business in the country. For religious leaders, immigration authorities request certified copies of the ordination certificate. Present your work clearance if you stay for a month or more, meeting schedules, return visa, or residence permit for your country of residence. Besides, you will need to pay specific fees according to how many times you would like to enter Botswana. It could be single or multiple entries, and the visa validity. It can go from 3 months up to 1 year.
For employment, you need copies of work and residence permits, the letter confirming your contract or an offer letter, copies of your qualifications that justify your employment in Botswana.
In the case of investors, you will also need copies of residence and work permits and certified copies of trade license, company certificate, enterprise bank statements. The Botswana Government also provides fee alternatives according to how many times you would like to enter the country and the validity of the visa. It could be single or multiple entries, and the validity can go from 6 months up to 5 years.
Some final notes for your visa process:
- There isn’t a refund if your visa gets rejected.
- It will take around 21 days for Botswana Immigration authorities to process your application
- If they request a copy, it must be notarized, and the documents must be in English.
- Malaria shots are advised.
Remember that the Botswana visa policy is all you need for your next trip to Botswana. We’re sure you will have a smooth entry, as you can confirm with us what travel documents you need. Explore all the marvelous sites in Botswana and make sure to have the right documentation with you when entering the country.