Botswana Travel Guide

Botswana — Passport and Visa Information

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Passports

Country	Passport Required	Visa Required	Return Ticket Required
British	Yes	No	Yes
Australian	Yes	No	Yes
Canadian	Yes	No	Yes
USA	Yes	No	Yes
Other EU	Yes	1	Yes

Passports valid for at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except the following: â€¨(a) nationals of Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia, who do need a visa); â€¨(b) transit passengers provided continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft and not leaving the airport.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the high commission/embassy to check visa requirements (see Important Addresses).

Types of Visa and Cost

The fee for visa applications is £50.

Validity

Entry visas obtained at border posts are valid for between 30 and 90 days. Extensions may be obtained from any immigration office in Botswana. No visitor is allowed more than a 90-day stay in every calendar year, unless permission has been granted in the form of a waiver pending the outcome of a residence permit application. If a person wishes to stay more than three months they must apply before entering Botswana to the Chief Immigration Officer.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission); see Important Addresses.

Application Requirements

Two passport photos, letter of support from host and return visa or residence permit from his/her country of residence.

Working Days Required

Five to 14 days, dependent on nationality and type of visa applied for.

Travel Warnings

Most visits to Botswana are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

Visitors should be aware of an increasing incidence of violent crime.

Wildlife and livestock on Botswana's roads make driving hazardous. Avoid driving at night.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Health Care

The dust and heat may cause problems for some people. Visitors should use sun protection, especially due to Botswana’s high altitude. The public health system is good. All main towns have chemists, and pharmaceutical supplies are readily available. Health insurance is essential.