Everything you need to know about Botswana Visa
British
citizens do not need a visa to visit Botswana when the intended stay period is
not more than three months. You cannot overstay this limit under any condition.
If you need to extend your stay, you have to apply for an extension of stay
from the department of immigration.
You
should make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months when you
arrive in Botswana. Moreover, you should carry proof of sufficient funds and a
detailed itinerary about your subsequent travel plans.
Note:
If you hold dual nationality, you should use the same passport that you used to
enter the country while departing from the nation as well
Entry requirements for foreigners
Citizens of all the Commonwealth countries other than Bangladesh, Cameroon, Ghana, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka do not need a visa to enter Botswana.
Nationals of those countries whose government has signed the Visa Abolition Agreement with Botswana also can visit Botswana without a visa.
Below is the entire list of countries that fall under Botswana’s visa-free regime:
- All Commonwealth countries (excluding Bangladesh, Cameroon, Ghana, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).
- Argentina
- Angola
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Chile
- Czech Republic
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Denmark
- Dominican Republic
- Estonia
- Federal Republic of Germany
- Finland
- France
- Greece
- Holy See
- Iceland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway and Colonies
- Oman
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Republic of Ireland
- Romania
- Russian Federation
- San Marino
- Slovak Republic
- Slovenia
- South Arabia
- South Korea
- South Sudan
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- United States of America
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Again, if you have a Botswana permit but have stayed outside the borders of the country for more than six months, you need to lodge an application for an entry visa when you return to Botswana.
So, if you do not fall under the visa-free regime, you need to apply for a visa through the Botswana High Commission in London. Below are the contact details:
Address: Botswana High Commission in London in the United Kingdom, 6 Stratford Place, London W1C 1AY, United Kingdom
Telephone Number: (+44) 20 7499 0031 (+44) 20 7647 1000
Fax Number: (+44) 20 7495 8595 (+44) 20 7409 7382
Email: bohico@govbw.com
In order to apply for a Botswana entry visa, you will need the following list of documents:
- A duly filled and signed visa application form
- A passport with remaining validity of at least six months and two blank pages
- A recent, passport-size photo
- A cover letter from your host in Botswana
- A certified copy of the host’s passport, work or residence permit, or National Identity Card
- Detailed itinerary or flight tickets
- Copies of business documents (if the host is running a business in Botswana)
- Copies of marriage certificate, birth certificate, and ordination certificate (if applicable)
- Recent bank statements
- Hotel reservations
You can lodge an application for a visa in the diplomatic mission in the UK. If approved, you should receive your stamped passport within seven to fourteen days.
UK Emergency Travel Documents
UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted by authorities only to enter Botswana. However, you should accompany this with the required Botswana visa or a valid residence permit that permits entry into the country.
Traveling with children
Minors aged below 18 years must present a certified copy of their birth certificate, accompanied by a valid passport.
If the minor is traveling with only one parent, or an adult, or is visiting alone, he/she should be able to present an affidavit that states that the absent parent(s) have given their consent to travel.