Apply for Botswana Visa

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Woow, No Tourist Visa required on your trip to Botswana.

Citizens of United States of America do not require visas for travel to Botswana and as it is one of the visa exempt countries.

Botswana

Botswana is a beautiful country in Southern Africa, known for its diverse wildlife, vast desert landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage. Visitors to Botswana require a visa, and the Botswana government offers various types of visas depending on the purpose of the visit, the duration of stay, and the applicant's country of origin. In this guide, we will provide you with an overview of the Botswana visa requirements, application process, and other important information to help you obtain your visa and enjoy your trip to this amazing country.

Botswana Visa Types: An Overview of the Various Categories of e-Visas Available

  • Visitors: The Botswana Visitors eVisa is an electronic travel authorization that allows eligible citizens to enter Botswana for tourism, business, or medical purposes for a stay of up to 90 days.

  • Business :The Botswana Business eVisa is an electronic travel authorization that allows eligible citizens to enter Botswana for business purposes for a stay of up to 90 days.

  • Employment :Botswana Employment eVisa is an electronic travel authorization that allows eligible foreign nationals to enter Botswana for employment purposes with a valid job offer from a registered employer.

  • Investors: Botswana Investors eVisa is an electronic travel authorization that allows eligible foreign investors to enter Botswana for investment purposes, such as starting a business or investing in an existing one.

  • Tourists: Botswana Tourists eVisa is an electronic travel authorization that allows eligible foreign nationals to enter Botswana for tourism purposes, such as visiting national parks, cultural sites, and other tourist attractions, for a stay of up to 90 days.

  • Transit: Botswana Transit eVisa is an electronic travel authorization that allows eligible foreign nationals to pass through Botswana to reach their final destination. The stay is limited to 2 days and can't be extended.

  • Diplomatic, Official: Botswana Diplomatic, Official eVisa is an electronic travel authorization that allows eligible foreign diplomats and government officials to enter Botswana for official purposes. The visa is granted on a case-by-case basis and requires prior approval from the Botswana government.

  • Study: Botswana Study eVisa is an electronic travel authorization that allows eligible foreign students to enter Botswana for academic purposes, such as pursuing a degree or participating in a study abroad program, for a specified period.

Botswana Visa Requirements: Documents and Information Needed to Apply for a Visa

To obtain a Botswana visa, applicants must provide the following documents and information:

 

  • A valid passport with at least six months' validity from the date of entry into Botswana.
  • A completed visa application form, which can be obtained from the Botswana embassy or consulate in the applicant's country of residence or completed online.
  • Two recent passport-sized photographs.
  • Proof of accommodation in Botswana, such as a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a host in Botswana.
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover the expenses of the trip, such as bank statements or a letter of sponsorship.
  • Proof of onward travel, such as a return air ticket.

 

Additional documents may be required depending on the purpose of the visit, such as a letter of invitation from a business partner, a work contract, or a letter of acceptance from a school or university.
 

Botswana Visa Validity: Understanding the Duration and Conditions of Stay

The validity of a Botswana visa depends on the type of visa and the purpose of the visit. Single-entry and multiple-entry visas are valid for up to 90 days from the date of entry into Botswana. Long-term visas are valid for up to 12 months, and the duration of stay is determined by the purpose of the visit. Intra-company transfer visas are valid for up to 90 days per entry, while work visas are valid for the duration of the employment contract. Student visas are valid for the length of the study program.

Botswana Online e-Visa Application Form: Step-by-Step Guide and Explanation

The Botswana eVisa is a convenient way for travelers to obtain their visa online. The online visa application form is straightforward and easy to fill out. In this guide, we will provide you with a step-by-step explanation of the online Botswana visa application process. 

 

We will explain the required documents, provide you with tips on how to complete the form, and guide you through the payment process. With our detailed instructions, you can confidently submit your Botswana eVisa application and receive your visa in a timely manner.

How to Apply for a Botswana Visa: Online or at an Embassy/Consulate?

Travelers can apply for a Botswana visa either online or at an embassy or consulate. The Botswana eVisa is a quick and convenient option for travelers who meet the eligibility criteria. The online application process is straightforward, and applicants can expect to receive their visa within a few days. Alternatively, applicants can apply for a visa in-person at a Botswana embassy or consulate. 

 

This option may be preferred by travelers who do not meet the eVisa eligibility criteria or who prefer to submit their application in-person. In this guide, we will provide you with information on both application methods.
 

Applying for a Botswana eVisa: Benefits, Eligibility, and Process

  • Benefits: Quick, convenient, and can be done from anywhere with an internet connection.
  • Eligibility: Only available to citizens of eligible countries who are traveling to Botswana for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days.
  • Process:
    • Visit the Botswana eVisa website and select your country of citizenship.
    • Fill out the online application form with your personal and travel information.
    • Upload the required supporting documents, including a copy of your passport bio page and a recent passport-sized photo.
    • Pay the visa fee online.
    • Wait for the eVisa to be processed, typically within a few days.
    • Print out the eVisa and present it upon arrival in Botswana.
       

Applying for a Botswana Visa at an Embassy or Consulate: Procedure and Requirements

If you are not eligible for the Botswana eVisa or prefer to apply in-person, you can apply for a Botswana visa at an embassy or consulate. Here is the procedure and requirements for applying for a Botswana visa at an embassy or consulate:

 

  • Determine the nearest Botswana embassy or consulate in your country.
  • Download and complete the visa application form.
  • Gather all the required documents, including your passport, passport-sized photos, and a copy of your itinerary or ticket.
  • Pay the visa fee in cash or through the embassy's preferred payment method.
  • Submit the completed application and supporting documents to the embassy or consulate in-person or by mail.
  • Wait for the embassy to process your application, which can take up to several weeks.
  • Collect your passport and visa if your application is approved.
  • Note that the requirements for a Botswana visa can vary depending on the embassy or consulate, so be sure to check with the specific location where you plan to apply.

Botswana Visa Processing Time: How Long Does It Take to Get a Visa?

The processing time for a Botswana visa depends on the type of visa and the application method. For the Botswana eVisa, processing typically takes between 2 to 5 business days. However, processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications received. 

 

For embassy or consulate visa applications, processing times can take up to several weeks, depending on the specific embassy or consulate and the type of visa requested. Applicants are advised to apply for their visa well in advance of their travel dates to allow for sufficient processing time.

Urgent Botswana Visa Application: Expedited Processing Options Available

If you require an urgent Botswana visa, there are expedited processing options available. For the Botswana eVisa, applicants can select an expedited processing option for an additional fee. This will prioritize their application and typically result in a faster processing time.

For embassy or consulate visa applications, some locations may offer an expedited processing service for an additional fee. It's important to note that expedited processing does not guarantee the approval of the visa, but it can help to speed up the processing time. Applicants should contact the embassy or consulate directly to inquire about expedited processing options.

Expired Botswana Visa: Consequences and Remedies

If your Botswana visa has expired, you may face consequences such as being denied entry into Botswana or being deported if you are already in the country. To remedy this situation, you will need to apply for a new visa. If you are still in Botswana and your visa has expired, you should contact the Department of Immigration to request an extension or apply for a new visa.

 

If you are outside of Botswana, you will need to follow the regular visa application process. It's important to note that overstaying your visa can have serious consequences, so it's best to apply for a new visa as soon as possible.

Botswana Visa Policy Map

 
Botswana

 
Eligible Countries/Nationalities for e-visa/visa on arrival

 
Countries/Nationalities Required Regular/Paper Visa for travelling to

 
Visa Exempt Countries/Nationalities for travelling to
Botswana visa policy map.

All eligible Countries / Nationalities for an Botswana eVisa Online / Visa on arrival / ETA / Invite letters

Citizens of select countries are eligible to apply online for a Botswana visa or entry permit, which provides a convenient way to obtain travel authorization before departing for Botswana. This online application process is designed to streamline the visa application process and reduce waiting times at Botswana embassies and consulates. By applying online, eligible nationals can avoid the need to visit a Botswana embassy or consulate in person, making it a more convenient option for many travelers. It's important to note that not all countries are eligible for the online application process, so applicants should check with the eVisa website for eligibility information.

Regular visasAll Countries / Nationalities that required regular visa for Botswana

Citizens of some countries are required to apply for a sticker-visa at a Botswana embassy or consulate before traveling to Botswana. These countries include Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Libya, North Korea, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen. Travelers from these countries will need to submit their visa application in person at a Botswana embassy or consulate, and the processing time can take several weeks.

Botswana Visa Cost: Fee Structure for Different Types of Visas

The Botswana government has created a fee tool that allows individuals to determine the visa fee based on various factors. These factors include the type of visa, processing time, and the applicant's country of origin. The fee tool provides an easy-to-use interface that allows individuals to check the visa fee details quickly. By using the tool, applicants can avoid any confusion or errors that may occur when calculating the visa fee manually. This tool is a valuable resource for individuals who want to apply for a Botswana visa and need to know the associated fees.

Botswana eVisa vs. Sticker-Visa: Which One Should You Choose?

Here are some bullet points to describe the differences between Botswana eVisa and sticker-visa and help you decide which one to choose:

Botswana eVisa:

  • Applied for and obtained online
  • Electronic version of the visa
  • Eliminates the need for physical travel to the embassy or consulate
  • Simplifies the visa application process
  • Faster processing time
  • Can be obtained from anywhere in the world
  • Available for a limited number of countries
  • Valid for tourism, business, and transit purposes

Sticker-visa:

  • Obtained by submitting a physical application at the Botswana embassy or consulate
  • Physical sticker placed in passport
  • Longer processing time
  • May require an in-person interview
  • More suitable for individuals who prefer to have a physical visa in their passport
  • Available for all eligible countries
  • Valid for tourism, business, work, and other purposes as per visa category
     

Ultimately, the choice between eVisa and sticker-visa will depend on personal preference, travel plans, and the visa requirements for your specific situation. 

Botswana Work Visa: Categories, Requirements, and Procedures

Botswana offers various work visas for individuals who intend to work or conduct business in the country. The categories of work visas available include temporary, long-term, and intra-company transfer visas. To be eligible for a work visa, applicants must provide a valid job offer, a valid passport, and proof of qualifications and experience. 
 

The employer must also provide documentation to support the application. The application process involves submitting the required documents to the Botswana embassy or consulate in the applicant's country of residence. The processing time for a work visa application can vary, and applicants may be required to attend an interview.

FAQs about Botswana eVisa

 For long-stay, employment, or other visa inquiries, please reach out to the following embassies