Visa requirements for Botswana

Updated 2025

Traveling to Botswana offers a unique opportunity to explore one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife destinations. Understanding the visa requirements is essential for a smooth entry into the country. As of 2025, Botswana has streamlined its visa policies to facilitate tourism and business travel, introducing electronic visas (e-Visas) and other entry options.

Who Can Enter Botswana Without a Visa

As of 2025, citizens of the following countries and territories do not require a visa to enter Botswana for short stays (typically up to 90 days within a 12-month period):

From Africa: Angola, Botswana (nationals), Burundi, Cape Verde, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

From Asia and Oceania: Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines.

From Europe: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom (including citizens of the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man).

From the Americas: Argentina, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, and the United States.

From the Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

This list is not exhaustive, and visa policies may change, so it’s always a good idea to verify the latest requirements with official sources before traveling.

Visa on Arrival

As of 2025, nationals from several countries are eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VoA) when traveling to Botswana. These countries include Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire), Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Travelers from these countries can obtain a Visa on Arrival for stays typically up to 30 days, but it’s important to confirm the latest entry requirements before traveling, as visa policies may change.

E-Visa

Botswana has introduced an electronic visa (e-Visa) system to simplify the application process for travelers. The e-Visa is available to citizens of countries that are not on the visa-free list and are seeking a short-term stay for tourism or business.

Extended Stays

For travelers intending to stay in Botswana for more than 90 days, additional arrangements are necessary:

Tourist Visa Extension: Visitors can apply for an extension of their tourist visa at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship in Botswana. Extensions are typically granted for up to 30 days.

Residence Permits: For long-term stays, such as employment or study, applicants must apply for a residence permit through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. Requirements vary depending on the purpose of stay.

Requirements to obtain a Botswana Visa

Regardless of the visa type, applicants must meet certain requirements:

Valid Passport: A passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Botswana.
Completed Application Form: A duly filled visa application form.
Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs.
Proof of Accommodation: Details of where you will be staying during your visit.
Travel Itinerary: A copy of your travel itinerary, including return or onward travel.
Financial Proof: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Botswana.
Visa Fee: Payment of the applicable visa fee.

It’s crucial to ensure all documents are accurate and complete to avoid delays or rejections.