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.
Visa Application Terms
General Requirements
- Valid Passport. The passport must have left validity of at least six months and more with at least three or more unused pages.
- Recently taken photo in JPG format not bigger than 30Kb in size.
- All supporting documents must be in English and uploaded as ONE Pdf file not bigger than 5Mb in size.
- Copies of required documents must be certified.
- Applicants without name/surname should add (apostrophe) on the field to represent no name/surname.
- We currently accept VISA/MasterCard for payment. The card must be enabled for online payment.
Additional Requirements
Visitors
- Invitation letter from the host.
- Certified copies of marriage/Birth Certificate for spouse and dependents.
- Certified copies of host National Identity Card/ Residence and Work permit/Exemption Certificate. Certified copies of Ordination Certificates from Religious Leaders if invited by a church.
- Return VISA or Residence permit from country of residence.
- For unaccompanied minors (less than 18 years), travelling without biological parents, consent letter from both parents is required..
- Return ticket.
- 300 BWP for single entry for a period up to 3 months.
- 500 BWP for multiple entry for a period up to 3 months.
- 1500 BWP for multiple entry for a period over 3 months up to 2 years for dependants of residents.
Business Trips
- Business profile/Invitation letter from the host or facilitator in Botswana.
- Meeting schedule (If coming to attend or organize a meeting).
- Certified copies of trade license, certificate of incorporation, share certificate of host if operating a business.
- 500 BWP for single entry for a period up to 3 months.
- 1000 BWP for multiple entry for a period up to 3 months.
- 1500 BWP for multiple entry for a period up to 1 year.
Employment
- Work and residence permits/approval letter.
- No payment (gratis).
Investors
- Copies of work and residence permits.
- Certificate of incorporation, trade license, share certificate & list of directors.
- 1000 BWP for multiple entry for a period up to 6 months.
- 2500 BWP for multiple entry for a period up to 5 year.
Tourists
- Tour plan or copy of travel schedule.
- Flight bookings.
- Confirmation of bookings at hotel/lodges.
- Return ticket.
- 300 BWP for single entry for a period up to 1 months.
- 500 BWP for multiple entry for a period up to 3 months.
Transit
- Return Visa or proof of Residence and Visa from destination country.
- Companies/Individual letter.
- 300 BWP for single entry for a period up to one week.
- 500 BWP for multiple entry for a period up to 3 months.
- 1500 BWP for multiple entry for a period up to 3 years.
Diplomatics, Officials
- Copy of passport.
- Letter from foreign affairs.
- No payment (gratis).
Study
- Study permit/study permit approval letter.
- Admission letter from the school.
- Source of funds/means of support.
- No payment (gratis).
Notes: Visa fee is non-refundable. Payment does not guarantee approval. Any visa granted will be subject to compliance with the Immigration Regulations of the Republic of Botswana.
In addition to the information above for more, please click on this link.
Photo Requirements
- The image should be in color and 28mm by 36mm.
- The size of the photo must be less or equal to 30 kilobytes (kB).
- The image should be in JPG format.
- The image must have adequate brightness and contrast.
- The skin tone should be natural.
- Either too dark or too light, photo will not be acceptable.
- It should show a close up of the head and (partial) shoulders.
- The image should be straight looking, centered with neutral expression.
- Face should be in sharp focus and clear with no ink marks/creases/lines.
- The face (from forehead edge to bottom of chin) should be 70 to 80% of the photo.
- The eyes must be open and no hair obscuring the face.
- Prescription glasses if worn should be clear and thin framed and should not have flash reflection or obscure the eyes.
- Head coverings, hair, head-dress or facial ornaments should not obscure the face.
- The photo must have plain light background.
- There must be no other people or object in the photo.
- The lighting must be uniform with no shadows on the face or behind.
- Red eye photos are not allowed.
In addition to the information above for more, please click on this link.
Passport Requirements
Please upload a document, in color, in PDF format, of your passport to the information page that contains photo and personal details. The size of the photo must be less or equal to 1 megabyte (MB).
Use a scanner or camera for taking an image of the passport (not a copy of it) and save as a PDF document.
Before uploading, please review the PDF document and make sure that the following information is clearly readable:
- Passport Number
- Names
- Nationality
- Date of Birth
- Date of Issuance and Expiration
If your passport document is not clearly readable it will be rejected at verification stage and you will be required to send another document thus delaying your application Process.
In addition to the information above for more, please click on this link.