Visa Process Guide for Botswana

Botswana Visa Guide

Visa Types

Botswana offers various visa types depending on the purpose of travel:

• Tourist Visa: For leisure or holiday purposes, valid for 90 days.
• Business Visa: For business meetings, conferences, or negotiations, valid for 90 days.
• Transit Visa: For travelers transiting through Botswana, valid for 7 days.
• Study Visa: For students pursuing studies in Botswana, valid for the duration of the study program.
• Work Visa: For individuals seeking employment in Botswana, valid for the duration of the employment contract.

Required Documents

The general requirements for all visa types include:

• Valid Passport: With a validity of at least 6 months beyond the intended departure date from Botswana.
• Visa Application Form: Completed and signed.
• 2 Passport-sized Photographs: In color and taken within the last 6 months.
• Cover Letter: Explaining the purpose of travel and itinerary.
• Proof of Accommodation: Hotel reservations or invitation letter from a host in Botswana.
• Proof of Financial Means: Bank statement or credit card details showing sufficient funds for the duration of stay.
• Additional Documents: May be required depending on the visa type, such as a letter from an employer or university.

Application Procedures

Online Application:

• Visit the eVisa portal: https://evisa.gov.bw/
• Create an account and fill out the online application form.
• Upload the required documents and pay the visa fee.

Embassy/Consulate Application:

• Contact the nearest Botswana embassy or consulate.
• Collect the visa application form and submit it along with the required documents.
• Pay the visa fee and provide biometric information (if required).

Fees

Visa fees vary depending on the visa type and nationality of the applicant. The approximate fees for the most common visa types are as follows:

• Tourist Visa: BWP 250 (approximately USD 20)
• Business Visa: BWP 500 (approximately USD 40)
• Transit Visa: Free

Timelines

• Online Application: Processing time is typically within 5-10 working days.
• Embassy/Consulate Application: Processing time can vary depending on the embassy or consulate, but generally takes 1-2 weeks.

Additional Notes

• Visas can be extended while in Botswana by applying at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services.
• Yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers coming from or transiting through countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
• Visitors are allowed a maximum stay of 90 days on a tourist visa, unless otherwise specified.
• It is recommended to apply for a visa well in advance of your travel dates to avoid any delays.