Botswana
United States
United States visa for citizens of Botswana
Entry requirement
Citizens of Botswana need a visa for the United States, obtained before travel.
- Where to apply
- 1 mission
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 31 October 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at bw.usembassy.gov
Which United States visa?
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Fee
- US$185
- Processing time
- Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed
All visa types for the United States
The United States’ tourist visa costs US$185 at the standard rate published by its authorities. Processing time, as the United States states it: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed. Longest stay on the tourist visa: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors.
US missions in Botswana
- Embassy of the United States in Gaborone
Embassy Drive, Gaborone
The United States has 1 mission in Botswana, with its embassy in Gaborone.
US visas issued to citizens of Botswana
| 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%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of Botswana anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in Botswana.
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
US citizens travelling to Botswana
United StatesBotswana Visa-free, 90 days Botswana visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
For a trip from Botswana to the United States, the published travel advice reads as follows: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026).
Good to know
How long citizens of Botswana can stay in the United States
How long citizens of Botswana may stay in the United States is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How citizens of Botswana apply
In Botswana, applications go to the US embassy in Gaborone, or to a visa centre acting for the United States; fees, documents and processing times are published by the United States.
The United States’ neighbours for citizens of Botswana
Canada and Mexico require citizens of Botswana to obtain a visa in advance.
US citizens travelling to Botswana
No visa is needed by US citizens for Botswana, for stays of up to 90 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do citizens of Botswana need a visa for the United States?
Citizens of Botswana need a visa for the United States, obtained before travel.
Where is the US embassy in Botswana?
The US embassy in Botswana is in Gaborone.
How much does the United States tourist visa cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185 for the tourist visa. Processing time: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed.
Do US citizens need a visa for Botswana?
No visa is needed by US citizens for Botswana, for stays of up to 90 days.
Can citizens of Botswana enter the United States visa-free?
No; citizens of Botswana need a visa for the United States obtained in advance.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 31 October 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.