Botswana eVisa: Online application process explained

Last updated: July 2023

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Welcome to the Botswana e-Visa application guide! We assist travelers in smoothly navigating the process of obtaining an e-Visa for Botswana, a mesmerizing country in the heart of Southern Africa. Whether you’re planning a safari adventure, seeking cultural encounters, or exploring the breathtaking landscapes, Botswana offers a wealth of experiences.

Continue reading for step-by-step instructions, required documents, visa fees, and helpful tips to ensure a seamless online Botswana e-Visa application process. Download the iVisa app for an even more convenient experience on your mobile device!

What is the Botswana e-Visa?

The Botswana Tourist e-Visa (or Botswana eVisa) is an official document that allows you to enter the country or transit through it. With this visa, you can do business, tourism, and recreational activities in Botswana. There are two visa types to choose from:

• Single-entry e-Visa

• Multiple-entry e-Visa

What can you do with the Botswana e-Visa?

With the Botswana e-Visa, you can enjoy a wide range of activities and experiences within the country. Here are some of the things you can do with your Botswana e-Visa:

• Tourism and sightseeing: Botswana is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, including the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, and Makgadikgadi Pans. With your eVisa, you can explore these incredible landscapes, embark on thrilling safari adventures, witness diverse wildlife, and immerse yourself in the wonders of nature.

• Cultural exploration: Botswana is home to various ethnic groups, each with its own vibrant traditions and rich cultural heritage. Visit local communities, interact with the friendly locals, and learn about their customs, music, dance, and art. Discover the fascinating history of the San people or attend traditional festivals to gain a deeper understanding of Botswana's cultural tapestry.

• Business activities: Botswana offers business opportunities in different fields, from tourism, agriculture, and mining to renewable energy and software development.  This country is a great destination for entrepreneurs seeking a stable and growing market in Africa.

What can’t you do with the Botswana e-Visa?

If you want to work or reside in Botswana, you need a long-term employment visa or residence permit. Contact your nearest Botswana Embassy to learn more.

Who is eligible to apply for the Botswana e-Visa?

Here are the general eligibility criteria for the Botswana e-Visa:

• Nationality: The Botswana eVisa is available to citizens of eligible countries (see below).

• Purpose of visit: The eVisa is typically issued for tourism.

• Supporting documents: To apply, you need to gather some documents. These may include a letter of invitation, hotel reservations, flight itineraries, financial statements, medical documents, or any other documents relevant to your visit.

• Fee payment: The eVisa application process typically requires payment of a visa fee. The fee amount may vary based on the visa category and your nationality. It's important to have a valid payment method to complete the online application.

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Which nationalities must apply for the Botswana e-Visa?

The Botswana e-Visa is available for citizens of select countries. The list of eligible countries may vary and is subject to change, but currently includes citizens of China, India, Morocco, Syria, Sudan, Vietnam, Palestine, and Indonesia.

Holders of diplomatic or service passports of China and diplomatic passports of India do not need a visa to enter Botswana.

If you’re from another country, we recommend entering your nationality and destination country here to find out if you need a visa, and apply directly online!

Visa-exempt: Who doesn’t have to apply for the Botswana e-Visa?

Many foreign travelers can visit Botswana with this type of visa. However, some nationalities who are part of the visa-waiver program of Botswana can travel without a visa for up to 90 days (within a 12-month period).

This includes citizens from the European Union, Australia, Brazil, Hong Kong, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

To check if you can travel visa-free to Botswana, enter your nationality in the online application process.

Do minors/children need the Botswana e-Visa to enter the country?

Yes, minors and children under 18 and from an eligible country, also need this visa to enter the country for tourism.

Apply together as a family by clicking ‘Add another person’ during the visa application process. Some extra Botswana visa requirements apply for kids, as explained further in this article.

How long is the Botswana e-Visa valid?

As mentioned, we offer two types of Botswana Visas with the following validity conditions:

• Single-entry e-Visa: This type of Botswana Visa is valid for a stay of up to 30 days Per Entry and can be used only once to enter the country. It must be used within 30 days after issuance.

• Multiple-entry e-Visa: This type of Botswana Visa is valid for stays of up to 90 days Per Entry and can be used multiple times to enter the country. It must be used within 90 days after issuance.

Can I extend the Botswana eVisa while in the country?

If you already have the e-Visa and would like to stay in the country beyond the validity period, it’s possible to extend it. The extension request must be done in person at the Departmental HQ, Regional Immigration Offices and District Immigration Office. The decision takes about three working days.

For more info about how and where to extend your e-Visa for Botswana, go to the government website, check your eligibility, and gather and submit the required documents.

Botswana e-Visa required documents

You only need to provide the following info and supporting documents to complete the Botswana Visa application process online:

• Copy of your valid passport: It must be valid for at least 6 months after the arrival date in Botswana and have at least two blank pages.

• Two applicant photos: These must have a white background. If you don't have one, check out our affordable and easy-to-use digital photo service.

• Return ticket confirmation in color.

• Proof of accommodation: Hotel booking confirmations and/or invitation letters for family visits, in color.

• Financial proof to prove you have enough funds to pay for your trip.

• Return visa or residence permit (if applicable): Only needed if your nationality differs from your country of residence.

• Consent letter from one or both parents is required for minors traveling without legal guardians, or if traveling with one legal guardian (if applicable).

• Certified copy of full unabridged birth certificate for minors traveling to or through Botswana, as well as a valid passport (if applicable).

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Botswana e-Visa financial requirements

It’s recommended to submit financial documentation to show your ability to support yourself during your visit to Botswana. This could include bank statements, credit card statements, or other proof of financial means.

Generally, it’s advised to account for:

• 300 Botswana Pula (approx. US$23) per day, for a single-entry visa.

• 500 Botswana Pula (approx. US$38) per day for a multiple-entry visa.

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How to apply for the Botswana eVisa online

To apply for your Botswana e-Visa quickly online, complete the simple form on our website or our user-friendly app. It takes less than 10 minutes!

Just follow these step-by-step instructions to apply online:

• Step 1: Fill out your basic details and travel information. Additionally, you will be asked to choose a preferred processing time.

• Step 2: Pay the iVisa processing fee and visa fee with a credit or debit card after checking that all the information you’ve entered is correct.

• Step 3: Upload the required documents. Our iVisa experts will then review and process your Botswana eeVisa.

Once your visa is approved, you will receive a confirmation in your email inbox. Super easy!

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Costs and processing times of the Botswana eVisa

The price of obtaining the Botswana e-Visa depends on your needs and budget. All prices include the government fee and iVisa service fee. The options are as follows:

• Botswana Single-entry e-Visa:

• Standard Processing: This is the standard option, which costs USD $106.99, and the processing time is 7 Business Days.

• Rush Processing: This is a slightly faster option, taking just 5 Business Days for a fee of USD $164.99.

• Super Rush Processing: If you're in a rush, you can get the eVisa in 3 Business Days for a fee of USD $235.99.

• Botswana Multiple-entry e-Visa:

• Standard Processing: This is the standard option, which costs USD $129.999, and it takes 7 Business Days.

• Rush Processing: This is a faster option. It takes just 5 Business Days for a fee of USD $207.99.

• Super Rush Processing: If you're in a rush, you can get the eVisa in 3 Business Days for a fee of USD $301.99.

Apply online now!

Do I need the Botswana eVisa to transit in the country?

Visas are not required if you depart Botswana from the same airport and on the same aircraft. If you need to leave the airport, you can apply for the Botswana Tourist Visa, or contact the Botswana embassy for more info about special Transit Visas.

Botswana entry requirements and restrictions

There are currently no COVID-19 restrictions or requirements to visit Botswana. Travelers also don't have to fill out a health declaration.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination against COVID-19, Hepatitis A and B, Malaria, Measles, Rabies, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever.

• The Botswana eVisa allows applicants to stay from 30 to 90 days in the country.

• You must have a valid passport for at least 6 months after your arrival in Botswana.

• If you are only going to make stopovers at Botswana airports you'll also need an eVisa.

• This visa DOES NOT replace any health document required.

iVisa is a legitimate company accredited and recognized by IATA.