Botswana Visas Types
Botswana is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa. It is known for its diverse wildlife, vast savannas, and the Kalahari Desert. Botswana is a popular destination for tourists, and visitors from certain countries may require a visa to enter the country.
Considering a vacation to Botswana? Knowing the many types of visas is essential whether you are travelling for business, safari, or a layover. This guide will assist you in selecting the best one for a memorable journey—where adventure meets breathtaking beauty.
Below are the Botswana eVisa typesthat can be applied online. Each visa serves a specific purpose, so understanding them is vital for a smooth travel experience.
Visitor eVisa
The Botswana Visitor eVisa is intended to facilitate a smooth and stress-free entry into the country. The visitor eVisa covers:
- Visiting friends or relatives
- Medical treatment
- Social events hosted by organizations
- Amateur participation in sports or music events (unpaid)
- Short recreational courses (non-degree), e.g., cooking class
Note: You cannot work, provide services, or sell goods during your stay.
Visitor eVisa Validity and Stay Duration
- Single Entry Visa: Valid for up to 3 months from the date of issue, allowing a stay of up to 3 months.
- Multiple Entry Visa: Valid for up to 3 months, allowing multiple entries within this period.
- Multiple Entry Visa (for dependents of residents): Valid for over 3 months up to 2 years, depending on approval, with multiple entries allowed during the period.
Tourist eVisa
The Botswana Tourist eVisa is designed for recreational visits and short-term stays. It covers:
- Recreational activities
- Leisure activities and sightseeing
- Short non-work-related trips
- Participation in cultural or social events (non-paid)
Tourist eVisa Validity and Stay Duration
- Single Entry: Valid for 1 month, allowing a stay of 1 month.
- Multiple Entry: Valid for up to 5 years, allowing multiple visits, allowing a stay of 3 months.
Business eVisa
The Botswana Business eVisa is issued for the following purposes:
- Attending meetings
- Participating in conferences or seminars
- Facilitating business operations
- Organizing or attending business events
Business eVisa Validity and Stay Duration
- Single Entry: Valid for up to 3 months, allowing a stay of the same duration.
- Multiple Entry: Valid for up to 3 months, allowing multiple visits within this period.
- Multiple Entry: Valid for up to 1 year, allowing multiple visits during the validity period.
Employment eVisa
The Botswana Employment Visa is issued for the following purposes:
- Employment
- Internships
- Research
- Work-related assignments
- Voluntary services
Employment eVisa Validity and Stay Duration
- Single Entry: Valid for up to 3 months, with a stay of up to 3 months.
- Multiple Entry: Valid for up to 3 months, with multiple visits and a stay of up to 3 months per visit.
- Multiple Entry: Valid for up to 6 months, with multiple visits and a stay of up to 6 months, extendable with valid justification.
Study eVisa
The Botswana Study Visa is issued for the following purposes:
- Enrolling in academic programs
- Attending courses at educational institutions
- Participating in short-term educational programs.
Study eVisa Validity and Stay Duration
- Validity: Issued for up to 3 months.
- Stay Duration: Allows a stay of up to 3 months, extendable with valid justification.
Investor eVisa
The Botswana Investor Visa is issued to individuals for the following purposes:
- Regular visits by business people serving as company directors.
- Carrying out or managing investment projects in Botswana.
Validity and Stay Duration
- Multiple Entry (short-term): Valid for up to 6 months, with multiple visits allowed.
- Multiple Entry (long-term): Valid for up to 5 years, allowing multiple visits for investment purposes.
Diplomatic eVisa
The Botswana Diplomatic Visa is issued for the following purposes:
- Engaging in diplomatic or official missions.
- Representing their countries in Botswana.
Validity and Stay Duration
- Validity: Granted for the duration of the diplomatic mission or assignment.
- Extension: The duration can be extended upon request if needed.
Transit eVisa
The Botswana Transit Visa is issued for the following purposes:
- Leaving the airport during a layover.
- Staying in Botswana while in transit for up to 7 days.
- Facilitating short stays for transporters and tour operators.
Validity and Stay Duration
- Single Entry: Valid for up to 1 week, with a stay of up to 7 days.
- Multiple Entry (short-term): Valid for up to 3 months, allowing multiple visits.
- Multiple Entry (long-term): Valid for up to 3 years for transporters and tour operators, with a stay of up to 7 days per entry.
Note: This visa does not permit work, formal studies, or training and cannot be extended.
Essential Documents Required for Botswana eVisa
You will typically require the following documents in order to apply for a Botswana eVisa:
- A digital copy of the passport bio pag, in addition to a valid passport with a minimum of six months of validity from the date of entry.
- A recent passport-sized photographthat complies with the standard visa photo requirements.
- A travel itinerar that includes the dates of your visit, departure date, and return ticket.
- Evidence of lodging,such as a hotel reservation or an invitation letter from a host.
- To demonstrate your ability to pay for your stay, you should provide financial documentation, such as bank statements.
Note: Depending on the purpose of your visit, you may require additional documents.
Botswana eVisa Fees
The cost of Botswana eVisa is contingent upon your nationality and the type of visayou are applying for. To get up-to-date information on the eVisa fee, visit the Botswana eVisa fee page.
How Can I Apply for Botswana eVisa?
Follow these steps for a smooth and convenient application process:
- Visit the website: To fill out the Botswana eVisa application form, visit the Botswana eVisa webpage.
- Fill out the application: Complete the form accurately and double-check all information.
- Upload Documents: Upload clear, scanned copies of your passport and required documents.
- Pay the Fee: Pay the visa fee online using a valid credit or debit card.
- Submit Your Application: Review and submit your application for processing.
- Receive and Print Your eVisa: Once approved, download and print your eVisa to present upon arrival in Botswana.
Botswana eVisa Processing Time Options
The following processing options are available to you, depending on the urgency of your eVisa request:
Processing Type |
Processing Time |
Description |
Standard Processing |
25 - 30 Working Days |
The standard option for travellers who have ample time before their trip. Ideal for routine eVisa applications. |
Rush Processing |
20 - 25 Working Days |
A faster alternative designed for individuals who need their eVisa processed more quickly due to time constraints. |
Super-Rush Processing |
18 - 22 Working Days |
The fastest option, suitable for urgent, last-minute travel plans that require immediate eVisa approval. |
Checking Your Botswana eVisa Status
Yes, you can check the status of your Botswana eVisa application by visiting the Botswana eVisa check webpage.
Note: To check the status, you need to have an application ID and passport number.
Conclusion
Botswana is a beautiful country that you can easily explore if you have the right eVisa. Pick the visa that works best for your trip, follow the easy steps, and get ready for an amazing adventure—where every moment feels like a new discovery!
Frequently asked questions
Citizens of eligible countries can apply. Check eligibility onthe Botswana eVisa policy page.
You may need to reapply if the dates do not align with the visa validity period.
No, once submitted, applications cannot be cancelled.
Applications may be denied if you have a criminal history.
Content Disclaimer: Although this information was last updated in January 2025, we suggest verifying all details with the appropriate agencies.