Botswana tourist visa

Botswana publishes a list of the countries whose nationals require a visa. Citizens of most Commonwealth countries and of countries that have signed visa abolition agreements with Botswana are exempt. Permit holders who stay outside Botswana for more than six months also need a visa to return.

The tourism visa is for recreational visits. If the purpose is to see friends or relatives, the visitor's visa applies, and business trips need a business visa.

For a tourism visa: a certified copy of passport pages 1 and 2 with at least six months' validity, two recent colour photos, a covering letter explaining the visit, flight and hotel or lodge bookings, a tour plan or travel schedule, a return ticket or other proof that you will leave, and a re-entry permit for your country of residence if it requires one. Online applications must combine the supporting documents into one PDF in English, no larger than 5 MB, with a JPG photo under 30 KB.

For a visitor's visa the host provides an invitation letter and a sworn statement made in person before an official, a certified copy of their national ID or permit, and marriage or birth certificates where the visitor is a spouse or dependant. Unaccompanied minors need consent letters from both parents.

According to the fee schedule published by the Botswana Embassy in Berlin, a single-entry tourism visa for up to one month costs BWP 300 and a multiple-entry tourism visa for up to three months BWP 500. Visitor's visas cost BWP 300 single entry up to three months, BWP 500 multiple entry up to three months and BWP 1,500 for multiple entry up to two years for dependants of residents. Fees are paid online by Visa or Mastercard and are non-refundable.

Submit the online application or Form 1 with documents; the outcome can be checked after 7 to 14 working days in the eVisa portal or at the office where you applied. An approved eVisa is sent by email to print and carry. If an approved visa has not been printed, you can travel with the approval letter and the visa will be printed at the airport or port of entry. Immigration offices open 7:30 to 12:45 and 13:45 to 16:30 on weekdays.