Botswana's official eVisa portal marks each nationality as needing a visa or not; the USA and the United Kingdom are among those marked as not needing one. The UK government tells British nationals they can visit for up to 90 days without a visa. The government's tourism visa page says non-citizens from countries that require a visa can apply online through the eVisa portal, or at any immigration office or Botswana embassy or consulate.
Every fact on this page verified on or after: Aug 26, 2026· How this site works
Check requirements for your passport
Requirements differ by nationality. Select your passport above, or scan the full table below.
Visas & entry authorisations
Tourism visa (online)
Fee
300 BWP
Processing
7–14 business days
Entries
single
BWP 300 for a single entry for a period of up to one month; BWP 500 for multiple entries for a period of up to three months.
Documents the application asks for
Recent photo — JPG of 30 KB or less
Valid passport — at least six months' validity left and three or more unused pages
Supporting documents — a tour plan or travel schedule, flight bookings, hotel or lodge booking confirmations and a return ticket; certified copies in English, uploaded as one PDF of 5 MB or less
Tourism visa (immigration office, embassy or consulate)
Fee
Not published
Processing
7–14 business days
Entry requirements
Passport validity
Botswana's eVisa application terms say the passport must have at least six months' validity left and at least three unused pages.
Yellow fever (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (yellow card)) — WHO's country list says proof of vaccination against yellow fever is required for travellers aged 1 year or over arriving from, or having transited through, a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Botswana's eVisa application terms list, for tourists, a tour plan or copy of the travel schedule, flight bookings, confirmation of bookings at hotels or lodges, and a return ticket. No official source we could read states an onward-ticket requirement for visa-exempt visitors.
The UK Foreign Office says to declare foreign or local cash currency taken into Botswana if the value is BWP 10,000 or more, and that if you do not, you could be liable to prosecution.
The UK FCDO says it is illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts, and that sentences on conviction can be severe.
WHO's country list says proof of vaccination against yellow fever is required for travellers aged 1 year or over arriving from, or having transited through, a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
The 42 countries WHO lists as a yellow fever risk
Requirements normally count any country you have been in shortly before arrival, not only where you boarded.
International Health Regulations (2005), Article 36 and Annex 7; WHO International Travel and Health, Annex 1, 18 November 2022 (revised 3 January 2023)
Country in a nutshell
Currency
Botswana pula (BWP, P)
Safety — Exercise caution
The UK Foreign Office says attacks on tourists are rare, but violent crime is increasing particularly in the major towns of Gaborone, Francistown and Maun, and there have been isolated room break-ins and theft from lodges in the Chobe area. It says driving outside the major urban areas can be dangerous due to stray wildlife and livestock, particularly at night, and advises taking emergency supplies, including water and fuel, if you travel to remote areas.Verified Oct 6, 2026 · Source: gov.uk (opens in a new tab)
Power plugs
D, G, M · 230V 50Hz
Emergency numbers
Police: 999 · Ambulance: 997 · Fire: 998
Languages
English, Setswana
Time zone
UTC+2
Driving side
left
International Driving Permit
Botswana is a party to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic (UN Treaty Collection). Botswana's government portal says holders of foreign driving licences who reside in Botswana may use them for a maximum of 90 calendar days before applying for a Botswana licence, that foreigners with a valid International Driving Permit may drive without converting, and that licences issued in SADC states are exempt.
No official source we could read gives seasonal guidance for visitors. The UK FCDO says Botswana's rainy season runs from November to March, bringing heavy rainfall and a risk of flash flooding.
Tips & warnings
Canada's travel advice says minors under 18 must present to Botswana's border officials a certified copy of the child's original birth certificate, a valid passport with at least 1 blank page, and, if travelling unaccompanied or with only one parent, a written consent form from the parent or parents not accompanying the child. The UK government says you must have an original or certified copy of the full birth certificate of any child aged 17 or under when you enter or leave the country.
The UK FCDO says driving outside the major urban areas can be dangerous due to stray wildlife and livestock, that this is a particular risk at night, and to take extra care if you're driving after dark.
Australia's Smartraveller says malaria is present in Botswana and widespread in the north, and advises using insect repellent and making sure your accommodation is insect-proof. WHO's country list says malaria risk exists from November through May/June in the northern parts of the country.
The UK government tells British nationals they can visit Botswana for up to 90 days without a visa.
Visa requirements by nationality
Visa requirements by nationality. Stay lengths are for ordinary tourist visits. Click a nationality for its full guide.
It depends on your nationality. Botswana's official eVisa portal marks the USA and the United Kingdom among the nationalities not needing a visa, and India and China among those needing one; the UK government tells British nationals they can visit for up to 90 days without one. The government's tourism visa page says non-citizens from countries that require a visa can apply online at evisa.gov.bw, or at any immigration office or Botswana embassy or consulate.
How long can I stay in Botswana visa-free?
The UK government tells British nationals they can visit Botswana for up to 90 days without a visa.
Do Indian and Chinese citizens need a visa for Botswana?
Yes. Botswana's eVisa portal marks both India and China as needing a visa. The government's tourism visa page says to apply online at evisa.gov.bw, or at any immigration office or Botswana embassy or consulate.
What documents do children need to enter Botswana?
Canada's travel advice says minors under 18 must present to Botswana's border officials a certified copy of the child's original birth certificate, a valid passport with at least 1 blank page, and, if travelling unaccompanied or with only one parent, a written consent form from the parent or parents not accompanying the child.
Is yellow fever vaccination required for Botswana?
WHO's country list says proof of vaccination against yellow fever is required for travellers aged 1 year or over arriving from or having transited through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Sources & verification
Every fact on this page is compiled from and periodically re-checked against these official sources:
Botswana visa and entry requirements
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