Botswana transit visa

The transit visa is for people who have to pass through Botswana to reach their destination and who hold the nationality of a country that needs a visa to transit, as shown on Botswana's published list of visa-required countries. No transit visa is needed if you fly out on the same aircraft and from the same airport at which you arrived.

Transporters and tour operators can also use it, for stays of up to seven days at any one time.

The government describes the visa as covering a transit stay of no more than seven days. It does not allow work, formal studies or training in Botswana, and it cannot be extended for any reason, so a longer stay needs a different visa from the start.

You must show a confirmed onward booking or other proof of onward travel, such as a visa for your destination, within three days of arrival; transporters may be given up to 14 days.

The government lists certified copies of passport pages 1 and 2 with at least six months' validity, two recent colour photos, a covering letter, flight itinerary and accommodation bookings or a residential address in Botswana, a re-entry permit for your country of ordinary residence if it requires one, and proof of onward travel. Transporters, tour operators and guides add proof of a cross-border tour operating licence. The Botswana Embassy in Berlin also asks for a return visa or proof of residence and a visa for the destination country, and a letter from the company or individual concerned.

According to the fee schedule published by the Botswana Embassy in Berlin, a single-entry transit visa for up to one week costs BWP 300, a multiple-entry transit visa for up to three months BWP 500 and a multiple-entry transit visa for up to three years BWP 1,500. Fees are paid by Visa or Mastercard enabled for online payment and are not refunded.

Apply on evisa.gov.bw with all documents merged into one PDF, or lodge Form 1 in person at a regional or district immigration office or a Botswana embassy or consulate. The outcome is available after 7 to 14 working days, online or at the office where you applied. An approved visa is printed or endorsed at that office; if it has not been printed, you can travel with the approval letter and have it printed at the port of entry.

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship of the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs answers on +267 361 1300 and toll free on 0800 600 777; offices open 07:30 to 12:45 and 13:45 to 16:30 on weekdays except public holidays.