Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Allows nationals from specific countries to enter Botswana without a visa for tourism, family visits, or business purposes for up to 90 days within a 1-year period. Travelers are required to have sufficient funds and a return or onward ticket. Employment during the stay is not permitted.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
Unlimited
Visa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
The right of visa-free entry is unlimited as long as the criteria for such entry are met and all applicable rules and laws are complied with.
to 3 months
Duration of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
The decision on the permitted length of stay is made by the border officer upon entry, based on the documents presented, the purpose of the visit, financial means, and immigration history. A stamp is placed in the passport upon entry. The stamp or accompanying note indicates the date until which stay in the country is authorized. Under the standard visa-free regime, a foreign national may stay in Botswana for up to 90 days within a 12-month period.
Individually
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
To extend the period of stay, the foreigner must apply to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship before the permitted stay expires. The extension may be refused or limited depending on the circumstances.
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
The number of visa-free entries is unlimited as long as the criteria for such entry are met and all applicable rules and laws are complied with.
Not applicable
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
No preliminary actions or procedures are required for visa-free entry. Visa-free entry can be used at any time, as long as all the rules and laws that regulate it are observed.
Free of charge
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
Visa-free entry is free of fees.
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
Valid for at least 6 months after the intended date of entry and with at least 2 blank pages for stamps.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Proof of financial means
Recent bank statement for the last three months or any other proof of income. This document must demonstrate sufficient funds to support oneself for the entire stay and for return expenses. In cases of sponsorship by a host, an invitation letter with financial commitments and proof of the sponsor's income must also be provided.
Proof of accommodation
A hotel reservation, lease, or rent documents.
Return or onward ticket
Paid in full or flight booking confirmation. Must be issued by airline or travel company and must contain the applicant's name, flight number and date.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Documents for minor children
Birth certificate, adoption certificate, or guardianship certificate evidencing parental or guardianship rights; certified power of attorney or permission from parents or legal guardians for minors traveling abroad.
Travel itinerary
Documents confirming planned activities and travel arrangements, such as tickets, event registrations, travel itinerary, etc.
Health insurance
Medical insurance is not mandatory for entry; however, it is strongly recommended to have a policy covering emergency medical care, injuries, accidents and repatriation.
Vaccination certificate
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if the traveler is arriving from a country where yellow fever occurs, or if they have transited through such countries.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purpose of the visit and documents confirming it, in accordance with the visa-free entry conditions.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Visa-free entry
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Visa-free entry
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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support@terrana.orgEligible individuals
The main categories of individuals for whom the visa is intended and who it is best suited for.
Tourist, businessman, visitor, visa exempt
Last updated 2026-03-17