Africa
Botswana
- Capital
- Gaborone
- Population
- 2,562,122
- Currency
- Botswanan Pula (BWP)
- Calling code
- +267
- Languages
- English, Tswana
- 19missions
- 15embassies
- 4honorary consulates
Botswana
embassies in Gaborone
Botswana hosts 19 foreign missions from 17 countries: 15 embassies and 4 honorary consulates. All 15 embassies are in the capital, Gaborone. Consulates are also found in Maun.
Africa
Botswana
Outside Gaborone, Maun has 1 foreign mission.
Botswana visa guide · 9 visa types
Of the 198 passports in the visa data, 103 can enter visa-free, 94 need an e-Visa and 1 need a visa from an embassy or consulate for Botswana.
| Year | Applications | Visas issued | Refused | Refusal rate | Multiple-entry share |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1,884 | 1,755 | 120 | 6.4% | 38.9% |
| 2024 | 1,633 | 1,357 | 264 | 16.3% | 44.0% |
| 2025 | 1,504 | 1,334 | 161 | 10.8% | 48.3% |
Schengen consulates in Botswana received 1,504 short-stay visa applications in 2025, and issued 1,334 visas. 10.8% of applications were refused (worldwide: 14.6%). The refusal rate fell by 5.5 points from 16.3% in 2024, a clear improvement for applicants. Applications fell by 8% compared with 2024 (1,633).
The numbers include every nationality applying in Botswana.
Source: European Commission, Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, visa statistics for consulates 2023–2025 (© European Union, reused under CC BY 4.0). Short-stay (type C) visas. How these figures are made
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 1,070 | 903 |
| Student (F, M) | 117 | 92 |
| Exchange (J) | 165 | 164 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 64 | 62 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 29 | 36 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 401 | 266 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 6 | 5 |
| Total | 1,852 | 1,528 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 32.4% | 38.4% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 1,528 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of Botswana, the 151st highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 59%, diplomatic and official visas 17% and exchange visitor visas 11%. That is 17% fewer than in fiscal year 2024 (1,852).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of Botswana received 453, 4% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 38.4% for citizens of Botswana in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 32.4%).
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
Botswana’s embassies abroad (31)
Botswana itself has 31 missions abroad, in 21 countries. Its largest networks are in Australia (5), Germany (3), Belgium (2), France (2) and Turkey (2).
Christmas Day
St. Stephen's Day
New Year's Day
Good Friday
All 15 embassies are in the capital, Gaborone. Germany has the most missions in Botswana, 2, followed by Italy (2).
Foreign ministries’ advice on travel to Botswana: the US State Department rates Botswana at Level 2, exercise increased caution (updated 16 June 2026), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to Botswana (updated 1 June 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for Botswana (updated 13 October 2026).
Germany, with 2 missions, followed by Italy (2).
Of 198 passports, 103 can enter visa-free, 94 need an e-Visa and 1 need a visa from an embassy or consulate for Botswana; the visa rules page for your own passport has the answer for you.
On Botswana’s public holidays and on each mission’s own national day; the next public holiday is Christmas Day on Friday 25 December 2026.