1. What are the entry requirements for travellers from Germany visiting Botswana?
The entry requirements for travellers from Germany visiting Botswana are currently a valid German passport. Nationals of Germany are not required VISA to enter Botswana. The visitor should not have visited Botswana in the recent months and exhausted the international 90 days visitation period (The 90 days is counted from the first entry into Botswana).
2. How many blank passport pages are required for entry into Botswana?
The International standard is that one should have at least three blank pages.
3. Do German passport holders require visas to Botswana?
German passport holders (nationals) are not required VISA to enter Botswana. However any national travelling on a temporary German passport will be required to have a visa to enter Botswana.
4. Does a German citizen whose original nationality would necessary require him/her to apply for a visa to Botswana need a visa to Botswana?
No.
5. Does a German passport holder with a Residence Permit for Botswana require a visa to Botswana?
No.
6. What kind of visa or permit does one require to come and work as a volunteer in Botswana?
It depends on the organisation. Some organisations have been exempted from the requirements of work and residence permits in which case the volunteer will require an Exemption Certificate. Those working for non-exempted organisation will require a work and residence permit. The work permit is issued by the department of Labour and Social Security.
7. What kind of permit does a German student coming to work and reside in Botswana on an exchange program for more than ninety (90) visitors days require?
A German student coming to work on exchange programme in Botswana would require a clearance letter from the Commissioner of Labour stating that He/she is not employed for reward or profit and a residence permit to reside in Botswana.
8. A German passport holder coming to work as a volunteer in Botswana for more than ninety (90) visitors’ days, what kind of permit does he/she require?
Same as 6.
9. A German national coming to undertake an educational/study research for more than three (3) months in Botswana, what kind of permit does he/she require?
The person would first of all require a research permit from the relevant Ministry and thereafter acquire a residence permit for the duration of stay.
10. In reference to questions 6, 7, 8 and 9 above, can German nationals be allowed to enter Botswana as visitors and apply for the residence and work permits whilst in the country?
The person would first of all require a research permit from the relevant Ministry and thereafter acquire a residence permit for the duration of stay.
11. What kind of permits do they have to apply for, i.e. work and residence permits?
a) Where do they submit their applications?
Applications for work and residence permits are submitted at any District/Regional Labour and Immigration offices across the country.
b) How much is the cost of each or both application?
The application fees are as follows:
- Work permit is BWP 1500 / EUR 150
- Residence permit BWP 1500 / EUR 150
- Exemption Certificate (work) BWP 1500 / EUR 150
- Exemption Certificate (residence) BWP 1500 / EUR 150
- Appeal for work and residence permit BWP 500 / EUR 50 each
12. What category of German nationals qualify to apply for an Exemption Certificate, i.e German diplomats, German volunteers, German technical agencies/experts, German Foundations, NGO’s?
German Diplomats. Other categories will depend on whether their employing organisations are exempted. The Immigration Act empowers the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs to exempt certain persons or categories of persons from requiring work and residence permits.
13. What are the requirements for travelling with minor children if travelling with one parent, family member or a friend not related to the minor?
Travelers with minor children are required to have a birth/certified copy of birth certificate of the child. The birth certificate should have details of parents. In a case where only one parent or a member of family or friend is travelling with the child, the parent who is not travelling or both parents in case of a situation where both parents are not travelling should provide an affidavit indicating that they have consented to the child’s trip.
14. What is the penalty for overstaying in Botswana, i.e. for more than 90 days?
The charge of overstay in terms of the Immigration Act is BWP 100 for each day of overstay. The Police determine the charge.
15. What are the requirements for applying for citizenship of Botswana?
The requirement for applying for Botswana citizenship is 10 years of residence in Botswana. Spouses of citizens qualify to apply for intention to apply for Botswana citizenship after 5 years.