General Botswana Visa Requirements

Botswana allows travellers to apply for an eVisa online, streamlining the entry process. This guide covers the basic eVisa requirements, the documents needed for each visa type, and key points to help you apply without issues.

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General Botswana eVisa Requirements

Before looking at each visa type, review the basic requirements that apply to all Botswana eVisa applicants. These are the standard conditions you must meet, regardless of the visa you choose:

Valid Passport

• The bio page must be clearly visible and legible.
• The passport should have a minimum validity of 6 months from the intended arrival date.

Recent Photograph

• The photo must be a recent digital image taken within the last 6 months.
• It should be in colour with a plain white or light-colored background.
• The applicant's face must be fully visible, front-facing, with a neutral expression.
• Scanned copies or printed passport-sized photos will not be accepted.

Additional Requirements for Each eVisa Type

Additional documents depend on the visa type and the purpose of travel. Applicants may need to provide extra proof to support their visit, and the exact requirements can vary based on individual details and travel plans.

Visitor eVisa

Letter of Invitation

• A letter from the host confirming the purpose and duration of the visit is required.

Marriage/Birth Certificate

• A certified copy of the marriage or birth certificate for your spouse or dependents.

Copies of IDs

Certified copies of:

• the host’s ID

• exemption certificate
• ordination certificates if invited by a church.

Letter of Consent

• If a child under 18 is travelling without their biological parents, a consent letter from both parents is required.

Return Ticket

• A confirmed round-trip flight ticket showing your intended entry and departure from the country.

Business eVisa

Business Profile/Invitation Letter

• A formal letter from the inviting company or organisation stating the purpose of the visit.

Meeting Schedule

• A proper meeting schedule confirms your availability in advance if you are planning to attend or organise a meeting.

Common Documents in Business, Employment and Investor eVisa

Work Permit

• Valid work and residence permits for the applicant if already residing in the country.

Residence Permit

• Valid work and residence permits for the applicant if already residing in the country.

Common Documents in Business and Investor eVisa

Certificate of Incorporation

Trade Licence

Share Certificate

• Provide certified copies of the trade license.
• Submit the certificate of incorporation.
• Include the host’s share certificate if operating a business.

(Important Note: All of the Documents above are the only documents required for an Employment eVisa for Botswana.)

Investor eVisa

List of Directors

• Provide a complete list of directors, including their names, contact details, and identification information.

Tourist eVisa

Tour Plan

• A detailed itinerary of your planned activities during your stay.
• Can include tour bookings, planned destinations, and any scheduled visits.

Flight Bookings

• A copy of your confirmed flight reservations showing your intended entry and departure from the country.

Confirmation of Hotel/Lodge

• Proof of accommodation reservations for the duration of your stay.
• Can include hotel confirmation emails, booking receipts, or letters from lodges.

Return Ticket

• A confirmed round-trip flight ticket showing your planned departure from the country.

Common Documents Found in Visitor and Transit eVisa

Residence Permit

• A valid visa for your final destination.
• If your destination does not require a visa, you may need to provide proof of exemption.

Return Visa

Transit eVisa

Companies/Individual Letter

• A letter from the inviting company or individual explaining the purpose of your transit.
• The letter should include details such as your name, passport number, travel dates, and confirmation of transit arrangements.

Diplomatic/Official eVisa

Letter of Foreign Affairs

• An official letter from the applicant’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or relevant government authority.
• Should state the purpose of the visit and confirm diplomatic status.

(Important Note: The Diplomatic/Official eVisa also requires a Copy of the Passport, which is already present in the main requirements section above.)

Study eVisa

Student Permit Approval Letter

• Official approval letter from the immigration authority or relevant department.
• Confirms that you are permitted to study in the destination country.

Admission Letter from a School

• A formal letter from the educational institution confirming your enrollment.
• It should include details such as your name, course of study, duration, and the institution’s contact information.

Source of Funds

• Proof of sufficient financial means to support your studies and stay in Botswana.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Botswana eVisa

• Submitting Incomplete or Incorrect Documents: Failing to upload all required documents, or uploading unclear or incorrect files can delay your application. Ensure every document is complete, legible, and matches the requirements (e.g., full passport scans).
• Types of Mismatched Information: Errors like misspelt names, wrong passport numbers, or incorrect dates of birth can cause issues if they don’t match your official documents. Double-check all entries against your passport before submitting.
• Applying for the Wrong Visa Type: Choosing an incorrect visa category may result in missing required documents (e.g., an invitation letter for a visit). Select the visa type that matches your purpose of travel and provide all relevant supporting documents.
• Last-Minute Application: Applying too close to your travel date is risky. Delays from technical issues or additional document requests could disrupt your plans. Apply at least a few weeks in advance to allow time for any issues.

FAQs

How long does it take to process a Botswana eVisa? Is the Botswana eVisa single-entry or multiple-entry? Do I need to enter Botswana on a specific date mentioned in my application? Can I apply for a Botswana eVisa on behalf of someone else?