Botswana Transit eVisa

If you are traveling to Botswana and have a layover or a connecting flight, you may need to obtain a Transit visa if you plan to leave the airport for up to seven days. This type of visa is designed for travelers who need to leave the airport to explore the country or attend to business matters while in transit.

It is important to note that if you are traveling on the same aircraft and from the same airport at which you arrived, you do not need a Transit visa. However, if you plan to leave the airport, you will need to apply for this visa before your trip.

Transporters and tour operators who are in transit in Botswana can stay in the country for a maximum of seven days at any given time. This type of visa does not permit individuals to work or undertake formal studies or training in Botswana. It is solely intended for short-term stays for leisure, business, or tourism purposes.

It is important to note that a Transit visa cannot be extended for any reason whatsoever. If you need to stay in Botswana for a longer period, you will need to apply for a different type of visa. It is essential to plan your trip accordingly and ensure that you have the appropriate visas and documents before your travel.

If you are in transit in Botswana and plan to leave the airport for a maximum of seven days, you will need to obtain a Transit visa. This visa is not required if you are traveling on the same aircraft and from the same airport at which you arrived. However, if you plan to leave the airport, it is essential to obtain this visa before your trip. It is important to note that this visa does not allow you to work or undertake formal studies or training in Botswana and cannot be extended for any reason whatsoever.

What is a Botswana Transit eVisa?

A Botswana Transit eVisa is an electronic travel authorization that allows travelers to pass through Botswana for a limited period while in transit to another destination. The visa is designed for travelers who have a layover or connecting flight in Botswana and need to leave the airport to attend to business matters or explore the country for up to seven days. The visa is valid for a maximum of seven days and cannot be extended for any reason whatsoever. It is important to note that a Transit eVisa does not allow travelers to work or undertake formal studies or training in Botswana. If you plan to stay in Botswana for longer periods, you will need to apply for a different type of visa.

Who needs a Botswana Transit eVisa?

Travelers who are in transit in Botswana and plan to leave the airport for up to seven days will need a Botswana Transit eVisa. This includes travelers who have a layover or connecting flight in Botswana and need to leave the airport to attend to business matters or explore the country during their transit. It is important to note that if you are traveling on the same aircraft and from the same airport at which you arrived, you do not need a Transit eVisa. However, if you plan to leave the airport during your transit, you will need to apply for this visa before your trip. It is essential to plan your trip accordingly and ensure that you have the appropriate visas and documents before your travel to avoid any inconvenience.

How to apply for a Botswana Transit eVisa

To apply for a Botswana Transit eVisa, follow these steps:

  • Go to the Botswana eVisa portal: Visit the official Botswana eVisa portal and click on the "Apply for eVisa" button.
  • Create an account: Create an account by providing your email address and creating a password.
  • Fill out the application form: Fill out the online application form with your personal and travel details, including your passport information, travel itinerary, and purpose of your visit. Make sure to review your application before submitting it to avoid any errors.
  • Upload supporting documents: Upload scanned copies of your passport bio-data page, passport photo, and any other required supporting documents.
  • Pay the visa fee: Pay the visa processing fee using a credit or debit card.
  • Submit the application: After completing all the necessary steps, submit your application.
  • Receive the eVisa: Once your application is approved, you will receive your Botswana Transit eVisa via email.

It is important to note that processing times can vary, so it is advisable to apply well in advance of your travel dates. Additionally, make sure to review the visa requirements and guidelines to ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria for a successful application.

Botswana Transit eVisa requirements

To obtain a Botswana Transit eVisa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Valid passport: Applicants must have a valid passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Botswana.

Travel itinerary: Applicants must provide a detailed travel itinerary, including flight information and accommodation details.

Purpose of visit: Applicants must have a valid reason for entering Botswana during their transit, such as attending to business matters or exploring the country as a tourist.

No criminal record: Applicants must not have a criminal record or be prohibited from entering Botswana.

Sufficient funds: Applicants must have sufficient funds to cover their stay in Botswana during their transit.

Onward travel documents: Applicants must have confirmed onward travel documents, such as a ticket for a connecting flight or proof of travel to another destination.

Supporting documents: Applicants may be required to provide additional supporting documents, such as a letter from their employer or a travel itinerary.

Visa fee: Applicants must pay the visa processing fee using a credit or debit card.

It is important to note that meeting these requirements does not guarantee a successful visa application. The Botswana authorities may require additional information or documents as part of the application process. Therefore, it is advisable to carefully review the visa requirements and guidelines and provide all necessary information and supporting documents to increase the chances of a successful application.

How long does it take to process a Botswana Transit eVisa?

The processing time for a Botswana Transit eVisa can vary, but it typically takes between 3-5 business days to process the application. However, the processing time can be longer if there are issues with the application or if additional documentation is required. It is advisable to apply for the visa well in advance of your travel dates to allow sufficient time for processing. Once the visa is approved, it will be sent to the email address provided on the application. It is important to review the visa carefully to ensure that all details are correct before traveling to Botswana.

How long is a Botswana Transit eVisa valid for?

The validity of a Botswana Transit eVisa depends on the type of visa issued.

  • Transit (Single Entry up to 1 week): The visa is valid for a single entry into Botswana for a maximum of one week.
  • Transit (Multiple Entry up to 3 months): The visa is valid for multiple entries into Botswana within a period of up to three months.
  • Transit (Multiple Entry up to 3 years): The visa is valid for multiple entries into Botswana within a period of up to three years.

It is important to note that the validity period of the visa begins from the date of issue, not the date of entry into Botswana. Additionally, the maximum duration of stay allowed in Botswana during transit is 7 days, regardless of the validity of the visa. It is also important to check the visa expiration date before traveling to ensure that the visa is still valid. If the visa expires while the applicant is in Botswana, they will be required to leave the country before the visa expiration date.

Can I apply for the Botswana Transit Visa through the embassy?

The Botswana Transit eVisa can only be obtained online through the official Botswana eVisa portal. It cannot be obtained through a Botswana embassy or consulate. The eVisa application process is simple and can be completed online from anywhere with an internet connection. The applicant will need to provide personal information, travel details, and supporting documents as part of the application process.

It is important to note that the Botswana government has discontinued the use of traditional paper visas and all travelers to Botswana must obtain an eVisa. Therefore, travelers requiring a Transit visa must apply for it through the online system. If there are any issues with the eVisa application, the applicant may contact the Botswana eVisa support team for assistance.

Botswana Transit eVisa fees

It appears that these are the fees for the Botswana Transit eVisa:

  • Transit (Single Entry up to 1 week): 30 USD
  • Transit (Multiple Entry up to 3 months): 50 USD
  • Transit (Multiple Entry up to 3 years): 150 USD

The fee for the visa depends on the type of transit visa you are applying for, as well as the number of entries allowed. The Single Entry visa allows you to enter Botswana once for up to one week, while the Multiple Entry visas allow you to enter and exit the country multiple times during the designated period (up to 3 months or up to 3 years).

It is important to note that these fees are subject to change, and it is recommended to check the official Botswana eVisa portal for up-to-date information regarding visa fees and payment methods. The visa processing fee is non-refundable, even if the visa application is rejected or if the applicant decides to cancel the application.

Botswana Transit eVisa restrictions

There are certain restrictions associated with a Botswana Transit eVisa, including:

Duration of stay: The maximum duration of stay in Botswana during transit is 7 days. This includes the day of arrival and departure.

Purpose of visit: The Transit visa is issued to those wishing to leave the airport for a maximum of seven days while in transit. It does not allow the holder to work or undertake formal studies or training in Botswana.

No extension allowed: The Transit eVisa cannot be extended for any reason whatsoever. If the holder needs to stay in Botswana for a longer period, they must apply for the appropriate visa.

Same airport and aircraft: The Transit eVisa is not required if the traveler is traveling on the same aircraft and from the same airport at which they arrived.

Immigration clearance: The Transit eVisa does not guarantee immigration clearance into Botswana. The final decision lies with the immigration officer at the port of entry.

Compliance with laws: The Transit eVisa holder must comply with all Botswana laws and regulations during their stay in the country.

It is important to note that failure to comply with these restrictions may result in the deportation of the traveler and/or denial of entry into Botswana in the future.

Frequently asked questions

Any traveler who is transiting through Botswana and wishes to leave the airport for a maximum of 7 days is required to obtain a Botswana Transit eVisa.

The validity of a Botswana Transit eVisa depends on the type of visa issued. There are three types of Transit eVisas: Single Entry up to 1 week, Multiple Entry up to 3 months, and Multiple Entry up to 3 years. The maximum duration of stay allowed in Botswana during transit is 7 days, regardless of the validity of the visa.

The processing time for a Botswana Transit eVisa is usually 24 to 72 hours. However, this may vary depending on the volume of applications received and the accuracy of the information provided.

The requirements for a Botswana Transit eVisa include a valid passport, a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation or travel itinerary, and payment of the visa fee.

No, the Botswana Transit eVisa can only be obtained online through the official Botswana eVisa portal. It cannot be obtained through a Botswana embassy or consulate.

No, a Botswana Transit eVisa does not allow the holder to work or undertake formal studies or training in Botswana.

No, the Transit eVisa cannot be extended for any reason whatsoever. If the holder needs to stay in Botswana for a longer period, they must apply for the appropriate visa.

The restrictions associated with a Botswana Transit eVisa include a maximum duration of stay of 7 days, no extension allowed, the requirement to comply with Botswana laws and regulations, and the necessity of traveling on the same aircraft and from the same airport at which the traveler arrived.

 

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