Botswana is not only one of the best countries to visit for safari travel, it is also one of the most open and stable countries in the whole world. Citizens of more than 100 countries can get to visit Botswana without requiring a visitor visa.
If you are not a citizen of any of the countries listed in the table below, you will need a visa to go to Botswana. Visas must be obtained beforehand and presented on arrival.
This article is going to look at all the details around getting a visa to visit Botswana as a tourist. Some requirements still apply to everyone - even if you don't have to apply and pay for a visa.
Please note that visa applications are individual and every person traveling with you needs to make a separate application.
Requirements
- Completed Visa Application form
- Valid passport for at least 6 months after your date of arrival
- Copy of your travel itinerary
- Confirmation of booking at hotels/lodges
- Recent bank statements to confirm sufficient funds
- 30 USD for a single entry visa valid ( up to 30 days).
- 50 USD for a multiple entry visa ( up to 90 days).
Visa Exemption
Map showing all the countries whose citizens don't need a visa to visit Botswana
Botswana allows visa-free entry for more than 100 countries from all around the world. Look through the table we have provided and see whether you will not need to look for a visa to enter Botswana.
Citizens of the following countries do not require a visa to enter Botswana.
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Traveling With Minors
Here are some things to keep in mind if you are traveling to Botswana with someone below the age of 18.
- All minors traveling to or through Botswana are required to produce valid certified copies of their birth certificate.
- In the event that one parent is not traveling with the child, the other parent's affidavit consenting to such travel should be availed.
- If the child is traveling with someone who is not their parent, Temporary Guardianship must be given (in writing) as well as valid birth certificates.
Notes
- The Visa fee is non-refundable.
- Allow at least 21 working days for visa processing.
- Personal checks are not accepted.
- All copies must be notarized.
- All supporting documents must be in English. Translations must be notarized by a relevant authority.
- No visa fees are charged for Diplomatic Passports and the United Nations Laissez-Passer holder traveling on official business
- An International Health certificate of vaccination for Yellow fever is required from travelers from or through countries which have been declared Yellow Fever Infected Areas.
- Malaria shots are advised.
Final Thoughts
While many people will not need a visa to go to Botswana, the process is still very much 'old-school' for those people who need a visa. There is no official government online visa application procedure that would make the process very easy. This is however something that is said to come soon.
The terms and requirements of entry (with or without a visa ) can change at any time as the government sees fit. While we try to keep up to date, we recommend that you confirm with government sources. The Botswana Embassy website is a good source of all this information and more.
We hope this helps you to properly plan your safari to Botswana.
