With the exception of nationals from Ghana, Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, nationals of Commonwealth countries do not require a visa prior to travel. Where applicable, visitors can obtain a Tourist Visa for Botswana on arrival at any Port of Entry.
On this page you will find:
- Different Visa Categories
- Which nationalities require a visa
- Passport requirements
- Types of visas for tourists
- Traveling with minors (children under 18 years) to Botswana
- How to pay for your visa
- The current fees for the different visas
- Links to the relevant government visa websites
Different Botswana Tourist Visa Categories
There are only two categories of Tourist Visa for Botswana;
Non-Visa Category: No visa is required. Present your passport on arrival and receive a stamp allowing 30 days entry, which may be extended at an Immigration Office.
Visa Category: Visa is obtained on, or prior to arrival via the Botswana e-Visa website.
Duration of Stay – Visitors of all nationalities may stay in Botswana for holiday purposes, for a maximum of 90 days per 12 month period, without a permit.
For current Covid travel requirements into Botswana and Southern Africa, please read through the Covid travel information page.
Nationalities that Require a Tourist Visa for Botswana
To find out which Category of Tourist Visa for Botswana applies to you, visit the Botswana Tourism Website.
Passport Requirements for entering Botswana
Before travelling to Botswana, please ensure that you have the following:
- Passport valid for at least six months
- At least three blank pages in your passport
- Sufficient funds for the duration of your stay
- Return ticket or onward ticket, if arriving by air.
- Temporary passports are not accepted in Botswana
Traveling with Minors (Children under 18 Years) to Botswana
As of 2016, Botswana enacted regulations regarding children under the age of 18, travelling through the country, either alone or with parents/guardians. In simple form, the rules state the following:
- In addition to having a valid passport and visa, the minor child must have a certified copy of their unabridged birth certificate (detailing both their, and their parents’ personal information.
- If only one parent is accompanying the minor child, they must have an affidavit from the absent parent giving permission for travel. If the absent parent is not named on the birth certificate, an affidavit is not required.
While these are the basic rules, there are exceptions and situations that are detailed in the table below where you will find more specific information for different circumstances:
| DESCRIPTION | REQUIREMENTS |
|---|---|
| Minor travelling with both parents |
|
| Minor travelling with one parent |
NOTE: In the case of single parents, where only one parent’s particulars appear on the Unabridged Birth Certificate, a consent letter is not required. In the case where parents were never married but both parents’ particulars appear on the Unabridged Birth Certificate, a consent Affidavit by a non-travelling parent administered by any Commissioner of Oath is required. |
| Minor travelling with one parent who is divorced or legally separated and who has been granted full parental responsibilities and rights (previously called ―sole custody) or full legal guardianship in respect of the minor |
|
| Minor travelling with one parent who is divorced or legally separated and who has been granted specific parental responsibilities and rights (previously called ―joint custody) or legal guardianship in respect of the minor |
NOTE: Where the accompanying parent presents a Parental Consent Affidavit and both parents’ names on the Unabridged Birth Certificate correspond with the names on the Parental Consent Affidavit and the travelling parent’s passport, a court order granting specific parental responsibilities and rights or joint legal guardianship may be dispensed with. |
| Minor travelling with widow or widower parent |
|
| Orphaned minor where no formal order of guardianship or adoption has been granted as yet |
|
| Minor accompanied by a person who is not his or her biological parent |
Where a Parental Consent Affidavit is presented:
|
| Minor accompanied by his or her adoptive parent(s) |
NOTE: Where only one of the adoptive parents is travelling with the minor or where such a minor is travelling unaccompanied, the Parental Consent Affidavit will still be required by the absent adoptive parent(s) or in the case of a deceased adoptive parent, a copy of such parent’s death certificate. |
| Unaccompanied Minor |
|
| Child in alternative care e.g foster care |
|
Types of Botswana Tourist Visas
Single Entry – Once off entry and exit for Botswana. Valid for one month from issue.
Multiple Entry – Multiple entries and exits from the country. Valid for up to 3 months.
NB: Issued to Visa Category nationals at Ports of Entry.
Current Fee Structure for Botswana Visas*
There are no fees applicable for non-Visa Category arrivals. However, fees related to road use are applicable to self-drivers at the Ports of Entry.
Visa Category arrivals can either pay on arrival, or prior to arrival where online applications are made. Payment is accepted in US Dollars, Pound Sterling, Euros and South African Rands. Only Visa and Mastercard are accepted for online payments. Contact your nearest Botswana Mission Abroad, Africa’s Eden Travel, or your tour operator for more information.
- Single Entry – 300 Pula or US$30 per person
- Multiple Entry – 500 Pula or US$50 per person
- Transit Visa – As above
* Please confirm the current visa price prior to travel.
Useful Links:
The following links will help you obtain your Tourist Visa for Botswana and other important information.
Botswana Tourism Board Information Page:
https://www.botswanatourism.co.bw/
Botswana Visitor Information: