Botswana

πŸ‡§πŸ‡Ό

Phone Code

+267

Capital

Gaborone

Population

2.6 Million

Native Name

Botswana

Region

Africa

Southern Africa

Timezone

Central Africa Time

UTC+02:00

On This Page

Money & CurrencyVisa OverviewVisa TypesImportant NotesCitiesEmbassies abroadEmbassies in country

Botswana is a landlocked Southern African country known for world-class wildlife safaris, the Okavango Delta (UNESCO site and largest inland delta), stable democracy, and conservation success. English is the official language. Visitors are drawn to Okavango Delta mokoro (canoe) excursions, Chobe National Park elephant herds, Moremi Game Reserve, Kalahari Desert, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, and luxury safari lodges. Botswana prioritizes low-volume, high-value tourism, offering pristine wilderness experiences with exceptional wildlife viewing including the Big Five.

Visa Requirements for Botswana

Botswana offers visa-free entry to citizens of many countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, EU member states, and many African countries for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days. Visitors must have a passport valid for at least 6 months, proof of return or onward travel, and sufficient funds for their stay. Some nationalities can obtain visa on arrival at ports of entry. Those requiring advance visas should apply through Botswana embassies or high commissions, submitting application forms, passport photographs, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, and financial documents. Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from yellow fever endemic countries.

Common Visa Types

Visa-Free Entry

Up to 90 days; passport must be valid 6 months; proof of onward travel and sufficient funds required; no fee.

For tourism or business visits for citizens of US, UK, Canada, EU, Australia, South Africa, and many other eligible nationalities.

Visa on Arrival

30 to 90 days depending on nationality; fee payable at entry; requires valid passport, return ticket, proof of accommodation.

For eligible nationalities not on visa-free list who can obtain visa at Botswana entry points including airports and land borders.

Tourist Visa (Advance)

Typically 30 to 90 days; apply through Botswana embassy or high commission; requires application form, photos, itinerary, hotel bookings.

For nationalities requiring advance visa processing before travel to Botswana for tourism purposes.

SADC Entry (Regional Nationals)

90 days visa-free for SADC nationals; must present valid passport or national ID; facilitates regional travel.

For citizens of Southern African Development Community member states traveling within the region.

Important Travel Information

Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure. Ensure you have at least 2 blank visa pages.

Proof of onward travel: Immigration may require confirmed return or onward tickets and proof of sufficient funds (cash, cards, statements).

Yellow fever: Certificate required if arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic countries. Check current list before travel.

Cities with missions

Where this country maintains embassies or consulates

Gaborone
Diplomatic Network

Botswana Embassies Worldwide

Hosted missions

Embassies in Botswana

These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.

Germany

Botswana

Gaborone
View mission
United Kingdom

Botswana

Gaborone
View mission
United States

Botswana

Gaborone
View mission

Planning your Botswana safari?

Check visa requirements