Botswana is a beautiful country located in Southern Africa, known for its vast wilderness, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture. If you plan to visit Botswana, you may need to obtain a visa depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. In this article, we will provide you with general Botswana visa requirements to help you plan your trip.

The Botswana government offers different types of visas for various purposes of travel, such as tourism, business, study, and work. The most common type of visa is the tourist visa, which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 90 days. The requirements for a Botswana visa may vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for.

One of the primary requirements for a Botswana visa is a valid passport with at least six months of validity from the date of entry into Botswana. You will also need to provide a completed visa application form and one or two passport-sized photos that meet the specific photo requirements. In addition, you may need to provide supporting documents such as proof of accommodation, travel arrangements, and financial support.

If you are applying for a business visa, you may also need to provide a letter of invitation from a company or organization in Botswana, as well as additional documentation such as a business plan or proof of financial solvency.

For those who wish to study or work in Botswana, there are specific requirements and procedures that need to be followed. You may need to provide additional documents such as proof of enrollment or a work permit, as well as undergo medical examinations and criminal record checks.

It's important to note that visa requirements and procedures can change at any time, so it's recommended to check the Botswana government's official visa website or consult with the nearest Botswana embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information. In addition, it's best to apply for a Botswana visa well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow ample time for processing.

Visa Application Terms

Great, here are some common terms that you may come across when applying for a Botswana visa:

Visa application form - This is the official document that you need to fill out and submit to apply for a Botswana visa. The form typically requires you to provide personal information such as your name, address, contact details, passport information, and the purpose of your visit.

Supporting documents - These are documents that you need to submit along with your visa application form. Supporting documents can include proof of accommodation, travel arrangements, financial support, invitation letters, and other documents that prove the purpose of your visit.

Biometric data - This refers to the unique physical characteristics of an individual, such as fingerprints or facial recognition. Some countries require applicants to provide biometric data as part of the visa application process.

Visa fee - This is the fee that you need to pay when submitting your visa application. The fee can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your nationality.

Visa processing time - This is the amount of time it takes for the Botswana government to process your visa application. Processing times can vary depending on the type of visa, the volume of applications, and other factors.

Visa validity - This refers to the length of time that the Botswana visa is valid for. The validity period can vary depending on the type of visa and the purpose of your visit.

Multiple entry visa - This is a type of visa that allows you to enter and exit Botswana multiple times within a specified period. Multiple entry visas are typically more expensive than single entry visas.

Single entry visa - This is a type of visa that allows you to enter Botswana only once within a specified period. Once you exit Botswana, the visa becomes invalid.

It's important to familiarize yourself with these terms when applying for a Botswana visa to ensure that you understand the requirements and procedures involved.

General Requirements

To further clarify the requirements you have listed, here are some-

• Valid Passport: The passport must have at least six months of validity left and at least three unused pages.
• Photo Requirements: The photo must be in JPG format and not exceed 30 KB in size.
• Supporting Document Guidelines: All supporting documents must be in English and uploaded as ONE PDF file not bigger than 5MB in size.
• Certification of Documents: Copies of required documents must be certified.
• Name/Surname Field: Applicants without a name/surname should add '(apostrophe) on the field to represent no name/surname.
• Payment Options: We currently accept VISA/MasterCard for payment. The card must be enabled for online payment.

It's important to note that these requirements may vary depending on the purpose and duration of your visit to Botswana. It's always advisable to consult with the nearest Botswana embassy or consulate for specific and up-to-date information on visa requirements.

Additional Requirements

That being said, here are some additional details on the general requirements for a Botswana visa:

Visitors

• Invitation letter from the host: If you are visiting Botswana for business, you may need to provide an invitation letter from your host company or organization. The letter should include details about the nature of your visit, the duration of your stay, and your accommodation arrangements.

• Certified copies of marriage/birth certificate for spouse and dependents: If you are travelling with your spouse and/or dependents, you may need to provide certified copies of their marriage and/or birth certificates as proof of relationship.

• Certified copies of host national identity card/residence and work permit/exemption certificate: If you are visiting Botswana for business or to stay with a host, you may need to provide certified copies of your host's national identity card, residence and work permit, or exemption certificate.

• Certified copies of ordination certificates from religious leaders: If you are invited by a church in Botswana, you may need to provide certified copies of your ordination certificates from your religious leaders.

• Return visa or residence permit from country of residence: If you are not a citizen of the country where you are applying for the Botswana visa, you may need to provide a return visa or residence permit from that country as proof of your legal residence.

• For unaccompanied minors (less than 18 years): If you are travelling with a minor who is not accompanied by their biological parents, you may need to provide a consent letter from both parents.

• Return ticket: You may need to provide a copy of your return ticket as proof of your intention to leave Botswana at the end of your stay.

• Visa fee: You will need to pay the appropriate visa fee, which can vary depending on the type of visa and duration of stay. As of 2023, the fee for a single entry visa for a period up to 3 months is 300 Botswana Pula, while the fee for a multiple entry visa for a period up to 3 months is 500 Botswana Pula. The fee for a multiple entry visa for a period over 3 months up to 2 years for dependents of residents is 1500 Pula.

Business Visa Requirements:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity and three or more unused pages.
• A completed visa application form.
• A business profile or an invitation letter from the host or facilitator in Botswana.
• A schedule of meetings (if coming to attend or organize a meeting).
• Certified copies of trade license, certificate of incorporation, share certificate of host if operating a business.
• Proof of payment of visa fee, which varies based on the length of stay and number of entries:
  • 500 Botswana Pula for single entry for a period up to 3 months
  • 1000 Botswana Pula for multiple entry for a period up to 3 months
  • 1500 Botswana Pula for multiple entry for a period up to 1 year

• Return ticket or proof of onward travel.

It is important to note that all supporting documents must be in English and uploaded as one PDF file not exceeding 5MB in size. Copies of required documents must be certified.

Employment

• Passport valid for at least six months 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
• Work and residence permits or approval letter from the Department of Immigration
• A letter of appointment from the employer
• A certified copy of the employer's trading license or registration certificate
• A certified copy of the company's memorandum and articles of association
• A certified copy of the tax clearance certificate for the employing company
• For unaccompanied minors (less than 18 years), traveling without biological parents, a consent letter from both parents is required.
• Return ticket

The eVisa fee for an employment visa is 1500 Botswana Pula for a period of up to two years. It's important to note that a work and residence permit or approval letter from the Department of Immigration is required before submitting an employment visa application.

Investors

• Investors must provide copies of their work and residence permits.
  • This confirms that the investor is legally permitted to work and reside in Botswana.
• Investors must provide a certificate of incorporation, a trade license, a share certificate, and a list of directors.
  • These documents prove that the investor's business is registered and licensed to operate in Botswana, and provide information on the company's ownership and management.
• To obtain a multiple entry visa for up to 6 months, investors must pay a fee of 1000 Botswana Pula.
  • This allows the investor to enter and exit Botswana multiple times within a 6-month period.
• To obtain a multiple entry visa for up to 5 years, investors must pay a fee of 2500 Botswana Pula.
  • This allows the investor to enter and exit Botswana multiple times within a 5-year period.

Here's a possible rewrite in point form, with a brief description for each point:

Tourists

• Tourists must provide a tour plan or copy of their travel schedule.
• This outlines the places they plan to visit and activities they plan to do during their stay in Botswana.

• Tourists must provide proof of flight bookings.
• This confirms their travel dates and shows that they have made arrangements to travel to Botswana.

• Tourists must provide confirmation of bookings at hotels or lodges.
• This shows where they plan to stay during their visit to Botswana and for how long.

• Tourists must have a return ticket.
• This shows that they have made arrangements to leave Botswana and return to their home country or another destination.

• To obtain a single entry visa for up to 1 month, tourists must pay a fee of 300 Botswana Pula.
• This allows the tourist to enter Botswana once and stay for up to 1 month.

• To obtain a multiple entry visa for up to 3 months, tourists must pay a fee of 500 Botswana Pula.
• This allows the tourist to enter and exit Botswana multiple times within a 3-month period.

Transit

• Transit travelers must provide a return visa or proof of residence and visa from their destination country.
• This shows that the traveler has the necessary documentation to enter their final destination after transiting through Botswana.

• Transit travelers must provide a letter from the company or individual they are visiting.
• This confirms the purpose of their visit and the duration of their stay in Botswana.

• To obtain a single entry visa for up to one week, transit travelers must pay a fee of 300 Botswana Pula.
• This allows the traveler to enter Botswana once and stay for up to one week before continuing their journey to their final destination.

• To obtain a multiple entry visa for up to 3 months, transit travelers must pay a fee of 500 Botswana Pula.
• This allows the traveler to enter and exit Botswana multiple times within a 3-month period while transiting to their final destination.

• To obtain a multiple entry visa for up to 3 years, transit travelers must pay a fee of 1500 Botswana Pula.
• This allows the traveler to enter and exit Botswana multiple times within a 3-year period while transiting to their final destination.

Diplomatic, Official

• Diplomatic and official travelers must provide a copy of their passport.
• This confirms their identity and citizenship.
• Diplomatic and official travelers must provide a letter from their foreign affairs department.
• This confirms their status as a diplomatic or official traveler and the purpose of their visit to Botswana.
• There is no payment required for diplomatic and official travelers (gratis).
• This means that they are exempt from paying any visa fees.

Study 

• Study permit or study permit approval letter is required for study visa applicants.
• This confirms that the applicant has been accepted to study in Botswana by a recognized educational institution and has obtained the necessary permit to do so.
• Admission letter from the school is also required.
• This confirms the applicant's acceptance to the educational institution in Botswana.
• The applicant must provide proof of their source of funds or means of support.
• This shows that the applicant has sufficient funds to support themselves financially during their studies in Botswana.
• There is no payment required for study visa applicants (gratis).
• This means that they are exempt from paying any visa fees.

Notes

• The visa fee is non-refundable.
• This means that if a visa application is denied or withdrawn for any reason, the fee paid for the application will not be refunded.
• Payment of the visa fee does not guarantee approval of the visa application.
• The approval of a visa application is subject to the discretion of the immigration authorities of Botswana and meeting all the visa requirements.
• Any visa granted will be subject to compliance with the Immigration Regulations of the Republic of Botswana.
• This means that travelers must adhere to all immigration rules and regulations while in Botswana, failing to do so may result in deportation or other legal consequences.