UPDATE ON BOTSWANA VISA APPLICATION PROCESS

The Government of Botswana has introduced an online visa application system, e-visa. The digital platform was launched on August 12, 2021, allowing foreign visitors to apply for a Botswana visa online. The platform can be accessed at https://evisa.gov.bw

The new platform replaces the old system of applying for visa through Botswana Embassies. That notwithstanding, applicants are allowed to contact the nearest Botswana Embassy if they face challenges with the new system.

Eligible foreign citizens can apply for the e-Visa through the online Botswana visa application form. Once approved, the e–Visa for Botswana will be sent to the email address provided on the form. The holder must then download and print a copy of the approved visa to carry with them when traveling to Botswana.

 BOTSWANA e-VISA APPLICATION

Botswana e-Visa Requirements

A passport from an eligible country valid for at least 6 months validity from the intended date of arrival

  • A recent passport-type photo of the applicant
  • A valid debit/credit card for online payment of the applicable visa fee
  • A valid email address to which the approved e-Visa for Botswana may be sent.

 

Tourist e-Visa

  • Return or onward ticket
  • Flight reservations
  • Confirmation of accommodation booking(s) in Botswana
  • Travel plans/schedule

Business e-Visa

  • Invitation letter and/or business profile from the host in Botswana
  • Meeting schedule (if applicable)
  • Certified copies of trade license, certificate of incorporation, etc.

Transit e-Visa

  • Proof of right to enter the next destination country (e.g. visa, proof of residence, etc.)
  • Cover letter

Botswana visitor visa

  • Invitation letter from your host
  • Proof of the right to return to the country they arrived from (e.g. visa, proof of residence, etc.)
  • Return ticket
  • Certified copy of the host’s National Identity Card, Residence Permit, or equivalent
  • Certified copies of marriage or birth certificates for spouse or dependants, respectively (if applicable)

Study e-visa applications

  • Study permit or approval letter from a registered institution in Botswana
  • Letter of admission from a school or institution in Botswana
  • Proof of sufficient funds to support oneself

Foreign nationals applying for an employment visa online must provide their work and residence permits or approval letter.

Once the approved visa has been received via email, the traveller is required to print a copy of the e–Visa to present to Immigration Authorities at port of entry.

It may be used to access the country at any port of entry in Botswana.

 

VISA APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

General Requirements for Visa Application

  1. Fully completed visa application form Visa-Form
  2. Certified (notarized) copy of passport page of applicant (showing names, validity & photograph of bearer)
  3. The original passport may be sent at the same time with the application or once the visa is approved
  4. Cover letter from the applicant
  5. If applicant previously applied for a visa, PLEASE ATTACH THE COPY OF THE VISA OUTCOME.
  6. Travel schedule/flight itinerary/hotel bookings
  7. Include a prepaid/self-addressed shipping label or envelope to return your passport
  8. The passport must have the validity of six months and more with three or more unused pages.

Visitors Visa

  1. Invitation letter from the host
  2. Sworn statement from the host (personal appearance of the host to the nearest immigration office in Botswana to fill in the affidavit)
  3. A copy of hotel/lodge bookings or state residential address where the applicant will be staying
  4. A certified copy of the host, national identity/residence permit, work permit/exemption certificate/naturalization certificate
  5. Copies of certified marriage and birth certificates (in case of married couples/dependents)
  6. Certified copies of ordination certificates of religious leaders
  7. Business profile if coming to establish a business (host)
  8. Confirmation of employment or business registration
  9. Recent Bank statement (1st page)
  10. Return visa or residence permit from the country of residence
  11. €23.00 for single entry for a period up to 3 months
  12. €38.00 for multiple entry for a period up to 3 months
  13. €114.00 for multiple entry for a period over 3 months up to 2 years for dependents of residents

Business

  1. Invitation letter from the host or facilitator in Botswana
  2. Business profile if coming to establish a business
  3. Certified copies of ordination certificate for religious leaders
  4. Labour clearance/exemption if coming for a month or more
  5. Meeting schedule if coming to attend or organize a meeting
  6. Certified copies of Certificate of Incorporation, Trade License, Share Certificate of host if running a business
  7. Return visa or residence permit from the country of residence
  8. €38.00 for single entry for a period up to 3 months
  9. €76.00 for multiple entry for a period up to 3 months
  10. €114.00 for multiple entry for a period up to 6 months to 1 year

Employment

  1. Waiver from department of labour and social security or copies of work and residence permits
  2. Letter of confirmation of employment/contract of employment or offer letter
  3. Copies of RELEVANT qualifications
  4. Gratis

Investors

  1. Copies of work and residence permits
  2. Certified copies of certificate of incorporation, trade license, share certificate, list of directors, bank statement
  3. €76.00 for multiple entry for a period up to 6 months
  4. €190.00 for multiple entry for a period up to 5 years

Tourist

  1. Tour plan or copy of travel schedule
  2. Confirmation of bookings at hotels/lodges
  3. Confirmation of employment or business registration
  4. Recent Bank statement (1st page)
  5. Return visa or residence permit from the country of residence
  6. €23.00 for single entry for a period up to 1 month
  7. €38.00 for multiple entry for a period up to 3 months

2021-08 Visa Application Requirements