Visa Types

Visa Types & Categories to Apply for Botswana

There are different types of visas available for Botswana. You will be required a visa even if you are transiting through Botswana unless you are from a visa-exempt group.

You can realize your planned trip to Botswana by obtaining a Botswana visa. Foreign nationals can apply to Botswana short-term visas (Single, Multiple entries) via embassy, for temporary reasons (tourism, business, cultural, and other short-term purposes). Only Nationals of India may apply for a 14-day visa upon arrival.

Botswana Tourist Visa

Botswana Tourist visa is issued for applicants intending to visit Botswana for tourism and sightseeing. You can apply for a Botswana Tourist visa to realize your tourist activities.

 

Required Documents for Botswana Tourist Visa

 

1. Application Form 

  • Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors, below the age of 18)

2. Passport

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Botswana.
  • Signed by bearer
  • Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
  • At least one or two free “visa pages”
  • Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Two Photos

  • NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
  • A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
  • A uniform and white background.
  • Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
  • 3x4 size

4. ID Card Copy

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Botswana.

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Botswana.

6. Photocopies

  • Copy of the main page of your passport
  • Copies of previous visas

7. Travel Itinerary 

  • Flight reservation (return ticket)
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

8. Letter from Local Employer/Sponsor (Proof of Occupation)

  • The letter must include:
    • Name, postal address, and telephone number of sponsor/company
    • Details regarding the applicant’s working position, starting date of the employment, and salary
    • The timeframe of work leave (expected date to resume duties) and purpose of travel
  • Valid trade license copy and company ownership documents (if a person is an owner of the company).
  • Letter from University (if student)
  • Copy of sponsor’s valid passport and residence visa (if any) to be attached to letter from sponsor (if an applicant is a dependent)

9. Proof of Financial Means

  • Generally, there are several recognized ways to prove your financial sufficiency:
    • Personal bank statements
    • Credit card
    • Cash
    • Traveler’s cheques
    • Payslips
    • Proof of employment
    • Supporting document to attest sponsor’s readiness to cover your expenses during your stay
    • Proof of prepaid accommodation
    • Document about accommodation in private
    • Proof of prepaid transport
    • Other

10. Cover Letter

  • If coming by road, specify on the cover letter and include your contacts, e.g. telephone number.

11. Tour Plan or Copy of Travel Schedule

12. For Minors:

  • Copy and English translation of either birth certificate/proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced/death certificate of parent
  • Letter of consent from parent/s or legal guardian/s, if traveling unaccompanied

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

 

Processing Time for Botswana Tourist Visa

The average processing time for a Botswana Tourist visa is 14-21 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Botswana Tourist Visa Fee

Botswana Tourist visa fees are 30 USD for Single Entry up to 1 month and 50 USD for Multiple Entry up to 3 months. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Tourist (Single Entry up to 1 months)

30

USD

Tourist (Multiple Entry up to 3 months)

50

USD

 

Where to Apply for Botswana Tourist Visa?

You will apply for a Botswana Tourist visa in Botswana visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Botswana Visitor Visa

The Visitor’s visa is issued to people visiting Botswana for social reasons such as:

  • Visiting friends or relatives.
  • Obtaining medical treatment.
  • Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations.
  • Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating.
  • Enrolment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation).
  • For the visa to remain valid, the applicant must not work for, provide services or sell goods to businesses or the public in Botswana. The visa is valid for up to 2 years for dependents of the resident. 

 

Required Documents for Botswana Visitor Visa

 

1. Application Form 

  • Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors, below the age of 18)

2. Passport

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Botswana.
  • Signed by bearer
  • Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
  • At least one or two free “visa pages.”
  • Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Two Photos

  • NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
  • A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
  • A uniform and white background.
  • Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
  • 3x4 size

4. ID Card Copy

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Botswana.

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Botswana.

6. Photocopies

  • Copy of the main page of your passport
  • Copies of previous visas

7. Travel Itinerary 

  • Flight reservation (return ticket)
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)
  • A copy of the state residential address where the applicant will be staying

8. Letter from Local Employer/Sponsor (Proof of Occupation)

  • The letter must include:
    • Name, postal address, and telephone number of sponsor/company
    • Details regarding the applicant’s working position, starting date of the employment, and salary
    • The timeframe of work leave (expected date to resume duties) and purpose of travel
  • Valid trade license copy and company ownership documents (if a person is an owner of the company).
  • Letter from University (if student)
  • Copy of sponsor’s valid passport and residence visa (if any) to be attached to letter from sponsor (if an applicant is a dependent)

9. Proof of Financial Means

  • Generally, there are several recognized ways to prove your financial sufficiency:
    • Personal bank statements
    • Credit card
    • Cash
    • Traveler’s cheques
    • Payslips
    • Proof of employment
    • Supporting document to attest sponsor’s readiness to cover your expenses during your stay
    • Proof of prepaid accommodation
    • Document about accommodation in private
    • Proof of prepaid transport
    • Other

10. Cover Letter

  • If coming by road, specify on the cover letter and include your contacts, e.g. telephone number.

11. Invitation Letter from the Host

12. Sworn Statement from the Host

  • Personal appearance of the host to the nearest immigration office in Botswana to fill in the affidavit

13. A Certified Copy of the Host National Identity/Residence Permit, Work Permit/Exemption Certificate/Naturalization Certificate

14. Proof of Civil Status

  • Copies of certified marriage and birth certificates (in case of married couples/dependants)

15. For Minors:

  • Copy and English translation of either birth certificate/proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced/death certificate of parent
  • Letter of consent from parent/s or legal guardian/s, if traveling unaccompanied

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

 

Processing Time for Botswana Visitor Visa

The average processing time for a Botswana Visitor visa is 14-21 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Botswana Visitor Visa Fee

Botswana Visitor visa fees are 30 USD for Single Entry up to 1 month, 50 USD for Multiple Entry up to 3 months, and 150 USD for Multiple Entry over 3 months up to 2 years. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

The visitor (Single Entry up to 1 months)

30

USD

The visitor (Multiple Entry up to 3 months)

50

USD

The visitor (Multiple Entry over 3 months up to 2 years)

150

USD

 

Where to Apply for Botswana Visitor Visa?

You will apply for a Botswana Visitor visa in Botswana visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Botswana Business Visa

Botswana Business visa is issued for prospective investors, entrepreneurs or traders to visit and explore Business opportunities in Botswana. Business activities may include consulting with business associates; attending scientific, educational, professional or business conventions or conferences; setting up estates; and negotiating contracts. It will be issued for a period of up to one year and may not be extended.

 

Required Documents for Botswana Business Visa

 

1. Application Form 

  • Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant 

2. Passport

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Botswana.
  • Signed by bearer
  • Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
  • At least one or two free “visa pages.”
  • Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Two Photos

  • NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
  • A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
  • A uniform and white background.
  • Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
  • 3x4 size

4. ID Card Copy

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Botswana.

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Botswana.

6. Photocopies

  • Copy of the main page of your passport
  • Copies of previous visas

7. Travel Itinerary 

  • Flight reservation (return ticket)
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

8. Letter from Local Employer/Sponsor (Proof of Occupation)

  • The letter must include:
    • Name, postal address, and telephone number of sponsor/company
    • Details regarding the applicant’s working position, starting date of the employment, and salary
    • The timeframe of work leave (expected date to resume duties) and purpose of travel
  • Valid trade license copy and company ownership documents (if a person is an owner of the company).
  • Letter from University (if student)
  • Copy of sponsor’s valid passport and residence visa (if any) to be attached to letter from sponsor (if an applicant is a dependent)

9. Proof of Financial Means

  • Generally, there are several recognized ways to prove your financial sufficiency:
    • Personal bank statements
    • Credit card
    • Cash
    • Traveler’s cheques
    • Payslips
    • Proof of employment
    • Supporting document to attest sponsor’s readiness to cover your expenses during your stay
    • Proof of prepaid accommodation
    • Document about accommodation in private
    • Proof of prepaid transport
    • Other

10. Cover Letter

  • If coming by road, specify on the cover letter and include your contacts, e.g. telephone number

11. Original Invitation Letter by the Company/Organization

12. Business Profile if Coming to Establish a Business

13. Labour Clearance/Exemption if Coming for a Month or More

14. Meeting Schedule if Coming to Attend or Organize a Meeting

15. Certified Copies of Certificate of Incorporation

  • Trade License, Share Certificate of host if running a business

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

 

Processing Time for Botswana Business Visa

The average processing time for a Botswana Business visa is 14-21 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Botswana Business Visa Fee

Botswana Business visa fees are 50 USD for Single Entry up to 1 month, 100 USD for Multiple Entry up to 3 months, and 150 USD for Multiple Entry up to 6 months to 1 year. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Business (Single Entry up to 1 months)

50

USD

Business (Multiple Entry up to 3 months)

100

USD

Business (Multiple Entry up to 6 months to 1 year)

150

USD

 

Where to Apply for Botswana Business Visa?

You will apply for a Botswana Business visa in Botswana visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Botswana Investment Visa

This visa is issued to business people who visit Botswana regularly as directors of companies based in the country. It is also issued to individuals with investment projects in Botswana. The visa allows the holder to enter Botswana for investment purposes for a period of up to five (5) years.

 

Required Documents for Botswana Investment Visa

 

1. Application Form 

  • Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant 

2. Passport

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Botswana.
  • Signed by bearer
  • Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
  • At least one or two free “visa pages.”
  • Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Two Photos

  • NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
  • A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
  • A uniform and white background.
  • Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
  • 3x4 size

4. ID Card Copy

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Botswana.

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Botswana.

6. Photocopies

  • Copy of the main page of your passport
  • Copies of previous visas

7. Travel Itinerary 

  • Flight reservation (return ticket)
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

8. Letter from Local Employer/Sponsor (Proof of Occupation)

  • The letter must include:
    • Name, postal address, and telephone number of sponsor/company
    • Details regarding the applicant’s working position, starting date of the employment, and salary
    • The timeframe of work leave (expected date to resume duties) and purpose of travel
  • Valid trade license copy and company ownership documents (if a person is an owner of the company).
  • Letter from University (if student)
  • Copy of sponsor’s valid passport and residence visa (if any) to be attached to letter from sponsor (if an applicant is a dependent)

9. Proof of Financial Means

  • Generally, there are several recognized ways to prove your financial sufficiency:
    • Personal bank statements
    • Credit card
    • Cash
    • Traveler’s cheques
    • Payslips
    • Proof of employment
    • Supporting document to attest sponsor’s readiness to cover your expenses during your stay
    • Proof of prepaid accommodation
    • Document about accommodation in private
    • Proof of prepaid transport
    • Other

10. Cover Letter

  • If coming by road, specify on the cover letter and include your contacts, e.g. telephone number

11. Copies of Work and Residence Permits

12. Certified Copies of Certificate of Incorporation

  • Trade License, Share Certificate, List of Directors, Bank Statements

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

 

Processing Time for Botswana Investment Visa

The average processing time for a Botswana Investment visa is 14-21 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Botswana Investment Visa Fee

Botswana Investment visa fees are 100 USD for Multiple Entry up to 6 months and 250 USD for Multiple Entry for up to 5 years. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Investment (Multiple Entry up to 6 months)

100

USD

Investment (Multiple Entry up to 5 years)

250

USD

 

Where to Apply for Botswana Investment Visa?

You will apply for a Botswana Investment visa in Botswana visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Botswana Study Visa

Students who have been accepted by educational institutions in Botswana are issued a Study visa. The visa will be issued for a period of up to three months and may be extended with justification.

 

Required Documents for Botswana Study Visa

 

1. Application Form 

  • Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors, below the age of 18)

2. Passport

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Botswana.
  • Signed by bearer
  • Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
  • At least one or two free “visa pages.”
  • Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Two Photos

  • NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
  • A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
  • A uniform and white background.
  • Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
  • 3x4 size

4. ID Card Copy

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Botswana.

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Botswana.

6. Photocopies

  • Copy of the main page of your passport
  • 1 copy of residence permit/visa (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)
  • Copies of previous visas

7. Travel Itinerary 

  • Flight reservation (return ticket)
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

8. Letter from Local Employer/Sponsor (Proof of Occupation)

  • The letter must include:
    • Name, postal address, and telephone number of sponsor/company
    • Details regarding the applicant’s working position, starting date of the employment, and salary
    • The timeframe of work leave (expected date to resume duties) and purpose of travel
  • Valid trade license copy and company ownership documents (if a person is an owner of the company).
  • Letter from University (if student)
  • Copy of sponsor’s valid passport and residence visa (if any) to be attached to letter from sponsor (if an applicant is a dependent)

9. Proof of Financial Means

  • Generally, there are several recognized ways to prove your financial sufficiency:
    • Personal bank statements
    • Credit card
    • Cash
    • Traveler’s cheques
    • Payslips
    • Proof of employment
    • Supporting document to attest sponsor’s readiness to cover your expenses during your stay
    • Proof of prepaid accommodation
    • Document about accommodation in private
    • Proof of prepaid transport
    • Other
  • In the case of sponsorship:
    • Latest current account bank statement of a sponsor (showing sponsor’s name, an end balance, and date of issue).
    • Sponsorship letter, copy of the first page of the sponsor’s passport with the data.

10. Cover Letter

  • If coming by road, specify on the cover letter and include your contacts, e.g. telephone number.

11. Acceptance Letter to Education Establishment in Botswana

12. Study/Research Permit

13. For Minors:

  • Copy and English translation of either birth certificate/proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced/death certificate of parent
  • Letter of consent from parent/s or legal guardian/s, if traveling unaccompanied

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

 

Processing Time for Botswana Study Visa

The average processing time for a Botswana Study visa is 14-21 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Botswana Study Visa Fee

There are no visa fees in case a person applying for a Study visa. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Where to Apply for Botswana Study Visa?

You will apply for a Botswana Study visa in Botswana visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Botswana Employment Visa

Bostwana Employment visa will be issued to persons wishing to travel to Botswana for the purpose of Employment, Internship, Research, Work, or Voluntary service. This visa will be issued for a period of validity of six months and may be extended with justification.

 

Required Documents for Botswana Employment Visa

 

1. Application Form 

  • Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant 

2. Passport

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Botswana.
  • Signed by bearer
  • Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
  • At least one or two free “visa pages.”
  • Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Two Photos

  • NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
  • A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
  • A uniform and white background.
  • Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
  • 3x4 size

4. ID Card Copy

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Botswana.

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Botswana.

6. Photocopies

  • Copy of the main page of your passport
  • Copies of previous visas

7. Travel Itinerary 

  • Flight reservation (return ticket)
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

8. Letter from Local Employer/Sponsor (Proof of Occupation), if any

  • The letter must include:
    • Name, postal address, and telephone number of sponsor/company
    • Details regarding the applicant’s working position, starting date of the employment, and salary
    • The timeframe of work leave (expected date to resume duties) and purpose of travel
  • Valid trade license copy and company ownership documents (if a person is an owner of the company).
  • Letter from University (if student)
  • Copy of sponsor’s valid passport and residence visa (if any) to be attached to letter from sponsor (if an applicant is a dependent)
  • Letter of confirmation of employment/contract of employment or offer letter

9. Proof of Financial Means

  • Generally, there are several recognized ways to prove your financial sufficiency:
    • Personal bank statements
    • Credit card
    • Cash
    • Traveler’s cheques
    • Payslips
    • Proof of employment
    • Supporting document to attest sponsor’s readiness to cover your expenses during your stay
    • Proof of prepaid accommodation
    • Document about accommodation in private
    • Proof of prepaid transport
    • Other

10. Cover Letter

  • If coming by road, specify on the cover letter and include your contacts, e.g. telephone number

11. Waiver from the Department of Labour and Social Security or Copies of Work and Residence Permits

12. Copies of Relevant Qualifications

13. Original Invitation Letter by a Company in Botswana

14. Offer Letter of Volunteer Position (if applicable)

15. Proof of Financial Means of Support for Volunteers (if applicable)

16. For Extension of a Valid Visa:

  • A letter of justification and a copy of the previously issued visa

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

 

Processing Time for Botswana Employment Visa

The average processing time for a Botswana Employment visa is 14-21 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Botswana Employment Visa Fee

Botswana Employment visa fees are 50 USD for Single Entry up to 1 month, 100 USD for Multiple Entry up to 3 months, and 150 USD for Multiple Entry up to 6 months. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Employment (Single Entry up to 3 months)

50

USD

Employment (Multiple Entry up to 3 months)

100

USD

Employment (Multiple Entry up to 6 months)

150

USD

 

Where to Apply for Botswana Employment Visa?

You will apply for a Botswana Employment visa in Botswana visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Botswana Transit Visa

This visa is for those wishing to leave the airport for a maximum of seven days while in transit. A Transit visa is not required if you are traveling on the same aircraft and from the same airport at which you arrived. Transporters and tour operators may stay in the country for a maximum of 7 days at any given time. This visa does not allow you to work or to undertake formal Studies or Training in Botswana. It cannot be extended for any reason whatsoever.

 

Required Documents for Botswana Transit Visa

 

1. Application Form 

  • Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors, below the age of 18)

2. Passport

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Botswana.
  • Signed by bearer
  • Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
  • At least one or two free “visa pages.”
  • Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Two Photos

  • NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
  • A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
  • A uniform and white background.
  • Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
  • 3x4 size

4. ID Card Copy

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Botswana.

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Botswana.

6. Photocopies

  • Copy of the main page of your passport
  • Copies of previous visas

7. Travel Itinerary 

  • Flight reservation (return ticket)
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

8. Letter from Local Employer/Sponsor (Proof of Occupation)

  • The letter must include:
    • Name, postal address, and telephone number of sponsor/company
    • Details regarding the applicant’s working position, starting date of the employment, and salary
    • The timeframe of work leave (expected date to resume duties) and purpose of travel
  • Valid trade license copy and company ownership documents (if a person is an owner of the company).
  • Letter from University (if student)
  • Copy of sponsor’s valid passport and residence visa (if any) to be attached to letter from sponsor (if an applicant is a dependent)

9. Proof of Financial Means

  • Generally, there are several recognized ways to prove your financial sufficiency:
    • Personal bank statements
    • Credit card
    • Cash
    • Traveler’s cheques
    • Payslips
    • Proof of employment
    • Supporting document to attest sponsor’s readiness to cover your expenses during your stay
    • Proof of prepaid accommodation
    • Document about accommodation in private
    • Proof of prepaid transport
    • Other

10. Cover Letter

  • If coming by road, specify on the cover letter and include your contacts, e.g. telephone number.

11. An Entry Visa (if any) and Onward Ticket to the Intended Country of Destination

12. For Minors:

  • Copy and English translation of either birth certificate/proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced/death certificate of parent
  • Letter of consent from parent/s or legal guardian/s, if traveling unaccompanied

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

 

Processing Time for Botswana Transit Visa

The average processing time for a Botswana Transit visa is 14-21 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Botswana Transit Visa Fee

Botswana Transit visa fees are 30 USD for Single Entry up to 1 week, 50 USD for Multiple Entry up to 3 months, and 150 USD for Multiple Entry up to 3 years. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Transit (Single Entry up to 1 week)

30

USD

Transit (Multiple Entry up to 3 months)

50

USD

Transit (Multiple Entry up to 3 years)

150

USD

 

Where to Apply for Botswana Transit Visa?

You will apply for a Botswana Transit visa in Botswana visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Botswana Residence Permit

If you intend to stay in Botswana for a long period, you can extend your visa or apply for a residence permit in Botswana in most cases. However, it is advisable to contact the nearest Botswana embassies/consulates for the exact information for Botswana long-term visas. In some cases, they can issue long-term visas for you or they can issue a short-term visa for you, so you can enter Botswana with that visa and apply for an extension or residence permit in Botswana. 

All non-citizens wishing to stay in Botswana should apply for a Residence Permit to be allowed to live in Botswana. Persons above 18 years old are required to apply separately if they wish to stay in Botswana, and their applications should be supported by the person(s) on whom they will depend while in Botswana.

 

Required Documents for Botswana Residence Permit

 

1. Application Form 

  • Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors, below the age of 18)

2. Passport

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Botswana.
  • Signed by bearer
  • Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
  • At least one or two free “visa pages.”
  • Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Two Photos

  • NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
  • A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
  • A uniform and white background.
  • Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
  • 3x4 size

4. ID Card Copy

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Botswana.

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Botswana.

6. Photocopies

  • Copy of the main page of your passport
  • Copies of previous visas

7. Proof of Civil Status

  • Copies of certified marriage and birth certificates (in case of married couples/dependants)
  • Certified copy of the birth certificate. If the applicant is unable to provide such proof of birth, a statement setting out the reasons must be attached

8. A Medical Report of Full Physical Examination

9. Supporting Documents that Show Your Reason for a Trip

        For Students:

  • Proof of admission letter

        For Employees:

  • Certified copies of educational certificates and references
  • Job posting of position secured
  • Localization plan
  • Stock Card and Brand Certificate (Herd Boy)
  • Field certificate or lease agreement (Farm Labourer)
  • Accreditation from Botswana Football Association (Footballers and coaches)
  • Ordination certificate and Church registration certificate (Pastors)
  • Clearance Certificate from Education (Teachers)
  • Clearance from the Ministry of Health (Doctors)
  • Clearance from Botswana Accountancy Association (Accountants)

        For Investors:

  • Name of business
  • Location of business
  • Service provided or goods sold
  • Number of employees hired
  • Shares held
  • Value of property owned or copy of lease agreement
  • Type of trading license held
  • Tax returns
  • Company bank statement for the most recent 3 months

        For Dependents:

  • Supporter’s particulars- Copy of Omang or Residence Permit, Work Permit and letter of support
  • Letter of consent from the parent if the supporter is not a biological parent
  • If legally separated, provide a copy of the court order certified as being correct by an official of the court which made it
  • Certified copy of adoption certificate where applicable

10. For Minors:

  • Copy and English translation of either birth certificate/proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced/death certificate of parent
  • Letter of consent from parent/s or legal guardian/s, if traveling unaccompanied

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

 

Processing Time for Botswana Residence Permit

The average processing time for a Botswana Residence Permit is 30 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Botswana Residence Permit Fee

Botswana Residence Permit fees are BWP 1500.00 (approximately 150 USD). The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

 

Where to Apply for Botswana Residence Permit?

You will apply for a Botswana Residence Permit in Botswana Departmental HQ, Regional Immigration Offices and District Immigration Offices, Department of Immigration and Citizenship, and Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affair.

FAQ

I am from a country whose citizens do not need a visa to enter Botswana. Can I experience any problems at the border, while entering Botswana?

You must meet certain requirements to enter Botswana, even if you are not required a visa:

  • The purpose of your trip to Botswana must be plausible and comprehensible.
  • Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in Botswana.
  • You must be able to finance your own living and travel costs.
  • You must hold a confirmed return flight to prove that you are prepared to leave Botswana before the duration ends.
  • You must not pose a threat to security or public order.

Will my fees be refunded if my visa is refused?

All fees are non-refundable and will not be refunded if your visa application is not successful.

Can I extend the validity of my Botswana visa?

The validity of a visa can be extended in some exceptional and force-major cases. You can get information about that directly at the Migration Department of Botswana. 

Do I have to participate in the Embassy in person for applying for Botswana visa?

It depends on your country of residence or the embassy/consulate/Visa Administrative Center’s rules and obligations. In some countries, sending your documents via courier is enough to the embassy/consulate/Visa Administrative Center. 

Can the Embassy/Consulate request me to provide additional documents or information?

The embassy may request you to provide additional documents or information, according to your personal situation, even after you have submitted all the required documents mentioned on the official website of the Embassy/Consulate/Visa Application Center.